Can breastfeeding cause low blood sugar?

Understanding the Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Low Blood Sugar
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it also has implications for the mother’s health, particularly concerning blood sugar levels. For mothers, especially those with diabetes, the metabolic changes that occur during breastfeeding can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Breastfeeding and Blood Sugar Regulation
Research indicates that breastfeeding can actually help regulate blood sugar levels in mothers. The act of breastfeeding stimulates the release of hormones that can enhance insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing blood glucose levels. For instance, studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers may experience a reduction in their insulin requirements, with some reporting up to an 18% decrease in insulin doses one month postpartum. This hormonal response not only aids in managing diabetes but also contributes to overall metabolic health.
Potential for Low Blood Sugar
However, breastfeeding can also lead to low blood sugar, particularly in mothers who are managing diabetes. The process of milk production requires glucose, which can deplete the mother’s blood sugar levels. This is particularly relevant for mothers who are on glucose-lowering medications or insulin, as their bodies may need to adjust dosages during lactation to prevent hypoglycemia.
Moreover, low blood sugar in breastfeeding mothers can sometimes result in the baby experiencing similar issues. If a mother’s milk is low in sugar, it could potentially lead to low blood sugar levels in the infant as well. This situation underscores the importance of monitoring both maternal and infant blood sugar levels during breastfeeding.
Skin-to-Skin Contact and Blood Sugar Levels
Interestingly, practices such as skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby can positively influence blood sugar levels. This intimate contact has been shown to help stabilize the baby’s blood sugar, counteracting some of the potential risks associated with low sugar milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is generally beneficial for both mothers and infants, it can lead to low blood sugar levels in mothers, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and consult healthcare providers to manage their insulin and medication needs effectively. The interplay between breastfeeding and blood sugar is complex, but with proper management, mothers can enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding while minimizing risks to their health and that of their baby.

Can breastfeeding cause low blood count?

Infants who were exclusively breast-fed for >6 mo (183–218 d) were more likely to be anemic than infants who were exclusively breast-fed for <4 mo [odds ratio (OR) = 18.4, 95% CI = 1.9, 174; P = 0.011], but not infants who were exclusively breast-fed 4–6 mo (123–182 d; OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.71, 5.6; P = 0.19).

What deficiencies can breastfeeding cause?

Your risk of vitamin D deficiency increases while breastfeeding. This can affect your sleep, energy levels, and mood. Unlike other nutrients, national guidelines recommend a daily 10 mcg vitamin D supplement while breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 is important to keep your brain and nervous system healthy.

Will my body wake me up if my blood sugar is low?

If you think you’re at risk for low blood sugar overnight, have a snack before bed. You may wake up when you have low blood sugar, but you shouldn’t rely on that. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can alert you if your blood sugar gets low while you’re sleeping.

Does breastfeeding affect a glucose test?

Conclusions. Among postpartum women with recent GDM, breastfeeding an infant during the 2-hr 75 g OGTT may modestly lower plasma 2-hr glucose (5% lower on average), as well as insulin concentrations in response to ingestion of glucose.

Can you become anemic while breastfeeding?

Meanwhile, recent reports have shown that the prevalence of anemia among breastfeeding women is significant [6], which can have adverse effects on both maternal and child health [8,24].

Can breastfeeding give you low blood sugar?

Breastfeeding is recommended for all women, including those with gestational (5) or pregestational (6) diabetes. However, data suggest that diabetic women may experience hypoglycemia during breastfeeding; subsequently, they have been advised to eat before or during breastfeeding to avoid hypoglycemia (6).

What is a normal blood sugar level for a breastfeeding mother?

Experts recommend keeping your glucose levels somewhere between 90 and 180 mg/dL while breastfeeding. Any lower glucose levels may lead to dangerous hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Some people may discover that their blood sugars drop between 54 and 90 mg/dL during a breastfeeding session.

What are the symptoms of low blood sugar nursing?

Hypoglycemia Assessment
Assess signs and symptoms, such as: Sweating, chills, or pallor. Increased anxiety and confusion. Irregular heartbeat.

Can postpartum cause low blood sugar?

After you give birth, your body becomes much more sensitive to insulin. This increases your risk of having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). So it’s important to keep track of your blood sugar levels closely.

What happens to baby when mom has low blood sugar?

When your blood sugar level drops low, it only affects your brain cells and not your baby’s. Your baby can release sugar from their own liver if the amount of sugar that you have is too low.