Pregnancy-Related Diabetes and Breastfeeding: Potential Hazards, Advantages, Security, and Further Details

New research indicates that breastfeeding after gestational diabetes (GDM) offers significant long-term health benefits for both the birthing parent and the child. This news article will explore these benefits in detail.

Long-term health benefits for the birthing parent with GDM:

Breastfeeding after giving birth can have a positive impact on the parent's health. For instance, breastfeeding increases energy expenditure by 15-25%, which helps lower postpartum blood glucose levels and improves HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial blood glucose levels [3].

Furthermore, women with gestational diabetes who breastfeed have a lower incidence of progression to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, helping them maintain better long-term metabolic regulation [1]. Breastfeeding is also associated with reduced lifetime risks of heart attack, stroke, inflammation, oxidative stress, and improved lipid profiles and fat metabolism in mothers [5].

Additionally, breastfeeding offers additional maternal benefits, such as lower risks of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, and reduced postpartum bleeding [2].

Long-term health benefits for the child born to a parent with GDM:

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life for the child [1][2]. Breast milk contains antibodies that reduce the risks of infections like asthma, ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and eczema, helping establish strong immune defenses [2][4].

Recommended tips for nursing with gestational diabetes:

To maximise the benefits of breastfeeding, it is recommended to initiate breastfeeding early and seek professional lactation support. Early and frequent breastfeeding or breast stimulation can promote earlier lactation onset and improve milk supply, which supports better maternal glucose control and infant nutrition [3].

Maintaining adequate glucose control during breastfeeding is essential to support metabolic benefits and overall milk production. Any amount of breast milk provides benefits, and supplementation may be necessary but should not discourage breastfeeding efforts [2].

Individuals with gestational diabetes may face breastfeeding challenges due to pregnancy complications; thus, professional support enhances exclusive breastfeeding rates and breastfeeding duration [1][3].

Conclusion:

The benefits of breastfeeding after gestational diabetes are clear. Breastfeeding offers long-term health benefits for both the birthing parent and the child, including reduced risks of diabetes and cardiovascular health issues. It is essential to seek professional advice and support to ensure a smooth breastfeeding experience.

References:

Evidence of breastfeeding reducing diabetes risk in mothers and children with GDM, PubMed 2023-2025
Breastfeeding benefits overview, including reduced type 2 diabetes and immune benefits, BestCare 2025
Impact of antenatal milk expression and breastfeeding on glucose metabolism postpartum in GDM, PMC 2025
Breast milk immunity benefits, Mass General Brigham 2025
Long-term maternal cardiovascular benefits of breastfeeding after diabetes pregnancies, Ohio State University study 2025
Parents expecting should be aware of the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding after gestational diabetes (GDM) for both themselves and their child.
Breastfeeding can help lower postpartum blood glucose levels in parents with GDM, leading to better HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels.
Women with GDM who breastfeed have a lower risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Breastfeeding reduces the lifetime risks of heart disease, stroke, inflammation, oxidative stress, and improves lipid profiles and fat metabolism in the parent.
Breastfeeding lowers risks of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, and reduces postpartum bleeding in parents with GDM.
Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life for the child born to a parent with GDM.
Breast milk contains antibodies that reduce the risks of infections for the child, such as asthma, ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and eczema.
Seeking professional lactation support is crucial for successfully breastfeeding after GDM.
Early and frequent breastfeeding or breast stimulation can improve milk supply, supporting better maternal glucose control and infant nutrition.
Maintaining adequate glucose control during breastfeeding is essential to support metabolic benefits and overall milk production.
Supplementation may be necessary, but it should not discourage breastfeeding efforts.
Individuals with GDM may face breastfeeding challenges due to pregnancy complications, so professional support is essential for higher exclusive breastfeeding rates and longer breastfeeding duration.
Breastfeeding after GDM offers science-backed support for better overall family health and wellness.
Fitness and exercise, coupled with breastfeeding, can further promote better weight management and cardiovascular health for the parent.
Eye, hearing, and skin health are also critical aspects of family health, and breastfeeding may contribute in part to improving those areas.
Therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, cancer, and mental health disorders can be integrated into a comprehensive family-health plan that includes breastfeeding.
Women's health, including pregnancy and reproductive health, is another critical aspect affected by breastfeeding.
Cardiovascular health is another long-term health benefit for parents with GDM who breastfeed.
Medicare, health insurance programs, and various support services may be available for parents who want to breastfeed after gestational diabetes.
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that can affect women's health, and research suggests that breastfeeding may offer some protection.
Skin conditions can also affect both parents and children, and breastfeeding may help maintain healthy skin.
Cooking plays a significant role in a family's diet and lifestyle, and learning healthy cooking techniques can support breastfeeding parents and their children's overall health.
Outdoor living, home and garden maintenance, and sustainable living practices can promote a healthy family environment that supports breastfeeding.
Love, relationships, and family dynamics can all be influenced by the decision to breastfeed, and open communication about breastfeeding preferences is essential for support.
Pets can be an integral part of a family's support system during breastfeeding and can bolster overall family health and wellness.
Deals and discounts on healthy food, cooking tools, and other breastfeeding resources can help make the process more accessible for parents.
Travel, cars, education, self-development, and personal growth are vital aspects of life that can be integrated into a breastfeeding journey.
Mindfulness practices can help ease stress during the breastfeeding journey and contribute to better mental health for the parent and family.