Ask An Expert: Breastfeeding and Type 1 Diabetes

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Breastfeeding and Type 1 Diabetes

Question:

Can a type 1 diabetic breastfeed?

Answer:

A mother who has type 1 diabetes can breastfeed her baby, and I strongly encourage you to do so if you are a mom. Your glucose levels may be unpredictable when you first start to breastfeed, so it's a good idea to check your sugar levels a little bit more frequently when you begin breastfeeding, so that you can adjust your medication if you need to.

Even if you can't predict your sleep too well as a new mom, pay attention to your (own) meal schedule. Try not to miss any meals because this can put you at an increased risk for low sugar levels, especially if you are nursing. Keep a snack in reach of your nursing chair or your bed so that you can treat yourself if your sugar starts to feel low, without interrupting your baby's nursing session.

Make sure that you get plenty of fluids. Try to drink a glass of water before every breastfeeding session.

Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

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Last updated:	January 24, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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