Difficult, stressful birth and I'm diabetic, should I nurse my baby?

Could you please tell me whether the stress of delivery can affect the ability to breastfeed?

When my first daughter was born it was a very rough, natural, birth. She and I were both very sick, so much so that we were in intensive care for three days each. During this time I was not able to even touch her, let alone start a feeding regime. I have heard now that it is ideal to try and breastfeed within the first one to three hours after birth. Will it affect feeding if this is not done? What happens with premature babies? Can they be successfully breastfed?

I have been told by my obstetrician that it would not be a good idea for me to breastfeed because I am a diabetic. Is this accurate information? Any answers would be appreciated.

Dear Kerry,

I'm sorry that you had such a difficult time with the birth of your first daughter. How hard for you to not even be able to touch her! Had you been given a chance to nurse her or a good hospital-grade electric breastpump after your time in intensive care, it is entirely possible that you might have been able to establish a milk supply. Concerning stress of delivery--ANY stress, whether it be physical or emotional, can cause problems with breastfeeding. If a breastfeeding mother gets sick, her milk supply will go down. It's not permanent though. As she gets her strength back, the supply will come back up.

So you can see that anything a woman can do to help alleviate stress can be helpful--getting extra rest, taking pain medication if she is hurting, using deep breathing exercises, getting help with positioning, etc. While it is true that it is ideal to try to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, we all know that it's just not always possible. Women who have educated themselves often know far more about breastfeeding than the doctors or nurses who will take care of them in the hospital. So it is not unusual for them to worry about their baby being given a bottle, etc. I tell women in my breastfeeding classes that there is nothing that the nurses or doctors can do in the hospital that can't be undone!

Also, there is almost always an answer to every breastfeeding problem. Premature babies, multiple births, cesarean sections, sick babies, sick mothers, birth defects--all might make breastfeeding more difficult--but, with support and guidance, any mother who wants to breastfeed should be able to. Concerning Diabetes--women with Diabetes generally tend to have an EASIER time while they are breastfeeding due to the hormones involved with lactation! La Leche League's "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" actually lists 8 special advantages that breastfeeding offers to diabetic mothers. Many people are not aware that studies have shown that breastfeeding may reduce a baby's risk of developing diabetes later in life.

If you have Type I Diabetes it can be especially beneficial to breastfeed your baby, since this type of Diabetes is inherited. Also, many women find they can decrease the amount of insulin they need while they are lactating and they often have a wonderful sense of well-being. So the answer to your question is a definite NO! You were not given accurate information. If you would like me to send you some printed information (possibly to share with your doctor,) just send me your address. I'll be happy to. Also, if you would like further information on your specific situation, please let me know.

Cher Sealy RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

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