Some mothers with diabetes often feel worried when they have to breastfeed their baby. The reason is the fear that the illness will have a negative impact on the baby's health. Actually, is it safe for a mother with diabetes to breastfeed her baby?
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide nutrition to babies. Breast milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that babies need to grow and develop. Not only that, the nutritional content in breast milk also plays a role in protecting babies from various diseases.
Facts about the Safety of Diabetic Mothers Breastfeeding Babies
Mothers with diabetes can still breastfeed their babies, really. The reason is, this disease will not change the nutrients contained in breast milk, so breast milk is still safe to give to babies. Diabetes is a genetic disease, which is a disease that is passed from parents to children. However, this does not mean diabetes can be transmitted through breast milk, yes, Mom.
You need to know that there are many factors that can cause a person to develop diabetes, ranging from an unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight, increasing age, to the presence of certain diseases, such as high blood pressure.
Exclusive breastfeeding will actually prevent your little one from developing diabetes in the future. In addition, your little one will also avoid other diseases, such as respiratory and ear infections, urine infections, asthma, and eczema. In addition to the little one, exclusive breastfeeding can also have a good impact on the mother's health, you know. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, breastfeeding your little one can help you lose weight and prevent diabetes complications.
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If you have gestational diabetes, you will be more prone to developing type 2 diabetes after giving birth. Well, breastfeeding can make the body use insulin more effectively, so blood sugar levels can return to normal faster and the risk of type 2 diabetes decreases. Not only that, breastfeeding is also known to reduce the mother's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Things to Pay Attention to Diabetic Mothers When Breastfeeding
In diabetic mothers, usually breast milk will experience a delay in production up to 3 days after giving birth. This is normal and there's nothing to worry about. So that your little one does not run out of milk, it is recommended that you collect colostrum before giving birth and store it in the refrigerator.
Breastfeeding may make your blood sugar levels drop by as much as 25%, it can even drop too low to cause hypoglycemia. To keep blood sugar levels normal, you are advised to eat or just snack before breastfeeding. However, make sure to consume healthy food, yes. Mothers also need to increase carbohydrate intake during breastfeeding to increase energy and produce quality breast milk. Don't forget to drink lots of water so you don't get dehydrated.
In addition,. you should consult your doctor regarding diabetes drugs that are safe to take while breastfeeding. But generally, all diabetes medications can be taken while breastfeeding. However, some medications, such as injectable insulin, may need to be lowered.
Even though you have diabetes, now you don't have to worry anymore about breastfeeding your little one. In addition to bringing benefits to the health of Mother and Little One, breastfeeding can also strengthen the inner bond between the two of you. So, don't miss giving your little one breast milk, especially during the first 6 months of life. Don't forget to do regular blood sugar tests regularly to monitor your blood sugar levels. If you still have questions related to breastfeeding and diabetes, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, OK?
Recognize 6 Signs of Diabetes in Babies
Although common in adults, diabetes can also affect babies. Therefore, recognize the signs of diabetes in babies so that they can be detected and treated appropriately. Knowing the signs of diabetes in babies is important, especially if you or your partner also has diabetes. The reason is, the baby's chances of developing diabetes can increase if one of the parents has a history of diabetes.
Signs of Diabetes in Babies
The type of diabetes that babies usually suffer from is type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't produce insulin at all. Symptoms also usually develop quickly, ie within a few weeks. Some signs of diabetes in babies that you can observe are:
1. Underweight
Babies with diabetes tend to be underweight. It is also difficult for her to gain weight even though she is getting enough breast milk or eating a lot. This is the first recognizable sign of diabetes in babies.
2. Fatigue
Diabetes can cause a reduced supply of sugar to the body's cells. The effect, babies with diabetes will look weak like a lack of energy.
3. Frequent vomiting
The next sign of diabetes in babies is frequent vomiting for no apparent reason, even for 3-4 days in a row. This condition is caused by an increase in blood sugar levels in the body.
Read Too: When is it Okay for Babies to Sleep on Their Stomach?
4. Frequent urination and thirst
Frequent urination and thirst can also be signs of diabetes in babies. This is also caused by an increase in blood sugar levels in the body. When blood sugar levels in the body increase, more sugar will be excreted through the kidneys. The sugar will also 'invite' water to be excreted by the kidneys through urine. Because the amount of fluid is wasted, the baby will certainly feel thirsty more often.
5. Fussy
The next sign of diabetes in babies is that the baby is fussy. This is associated with an increase in blood sugar levels in his body, along with any complaints he feels, such as thirst or nausea.
6. Frequent diaper rash
Although diaper rash does not always indicate that the baby has diabetes, you should be wary if your little one often experiences it accompanied by the other symptoms above. This is because babies with diabetes are more prone to diaper rash due to yeast infections.
If your little one shows various signs of diabetes in babies as mentioned above, immediately consult a pediatrician. Doctors can perform various tests, including blood tests, to determine the cause. Once the cause is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment.
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