Does high blood sugar decrease breast milk supply?

The Impact of High Blood Sugar on Breast Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition, and for mothers with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is crucial not only for their health but also for their breastfeeding success. Recent insights suggest that high blood sugar can indeed affect breast milk supply, primarily through its influence on insulin levels and overall metabolic health.
Understanding the Connection
Mothers with diabetes, particularly those who experience fluctuations in their blood glucose levels, may face challenges in milk production. According to experts, good control of blood glucose is essential for optimal milk supply. When blood sugar levels are elevated, it can lead to increased insulin resistance, which may disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for milk production. This disruption can result in a lower milk supply, making it more likely that the infant will require supplemental feeding.
The Role of Insulin
Insulin plays a significant role in lactation. Fluctuations in insulin levels, often caused by poor blood sugar management, can hinder the body’s ability to produce milk effectively. This is particularly critical in the early days postpartum when establishing a robust milk supply is vital. Experts recommend that mothers with diabetes seek skilled breastfeeding support early on to mitigate these risks and enhance their milk production.
Additional Factors Influencing Milk Supply
While high blood sugar is a significant factor, it is not the only one that can affect breast milk supply. Other elements such as stress, dehydration, and overall maternal health also play crucial roles. For instance, stress can lead to hormonal changes that further decrease milk production. Therefore, maintaining a holistic approach to health—managing blood sugar, staying hydrated, and reducing stress—is essential for breastfeeding success.
Conclusion
In summary, high blood sugar levels can negatively impact breast milk supply by affecting insulin levels and overall metabolic health. For mothers with diabetes, achieving good blood glucose control is vital not only for their health but also for ensuring a sufficient milk supply for their infants. Seeking professional support and guidance can help navigate these challenges, allowing mothers to provide the best nutrition for their babies while managing their own health effectively.

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

At this stage, it is recommended to keep blood glucose levels between 5–10mmol/L, not lower, to reduce your risk of hypos.

What negatively affects breast milk supply?

Supplementing with formula
However, supplementing with formula for multiple feedings every day (such as while the baby is at daycare) or releasing breast milk only when the baby wants to nurse tells your body that it doesn’t need to produce as much milk. Consequently, your supply will begin to decrease.

What should your blood sugar level be while breastfeeding?

If you are taking insulin, you may need less in the first few days after birth, but you still need to do frequent blood glucose monitoring so you can adjust your insulin doses. At this stage, it is recommended to keep blood glucose levels between 5–10mmol/L, not lower, to reduce your risk of hypos.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

Can too much sugar affect your breast milk?

Mothers who consume large amounts of sugar could be passing the added sugar to their infants through breast milk, which could hamper the child’s cognitive development.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Does sugar cause low milk supply?

Blood sugars that are out of range can contribute to how much milk you produce. “Normalization of blood sugar is super important for maintaining supply, in addition to eating a healthy diet and drinking twice as many fluids as you did during pregnancy,” she said.

Can high blood sugar affect breast milk supply?

Diabetes can impact breastfeeding in a variety of ways, said Dr. Ramos-Roman. For example, it can lengthen the time before some mothers establish milk production. Breastfeeding can also change maternal blood sugar patterns throughout the day.