After your baby arrives, your body begins to recover from the hard work of pregnancy and delivery. Some new mothers have better blood glucose control in the first few weeks after delivery. For many, it’s a period of odd blood glucose swings. Not being able to predict how your body will act may leave you puzzled and upset.

Breastfeeding is good for women with diabetes, but it may make your blood glucose a little harder to predict. During the first weeks at home with baby, you are likely to be tired, stressed from lack of sleep, and off schedule. Odd sleep patterns increase the danger of napping through a snack or mealtime. Low blood glucose is a real danger. It’s important for your baby’s safety to avoid blood glucose reactions that could confuse you. For all of the above reasons, it is important to check your blood glucose often during this time. And your records of your blood glucose levels will help you and your team adjust your insulin dose.

With baby’s arrival, your focus turns to caring for your little one. But keep in mind that to take good care of your baby you need to take good care of yourself. Stick to your habits that helped you keep your blood glucose levels on target during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

To help prevent low blood glucose levels due to breastfeeding:

• Plan to have a snack before or during nursing
• Drink enough fluids (plan to sip a glass of water or a caffeine-free drink while nursing)
• Keep something to treat low blood glucose nearby when you nurse, so you don’t have to stop a feeding to treat low blood glucose levels

Women who breastfeed use more calories. What you drink and eat can affect your milk supply, as well as your blood glucose. You will need to work with your doctor and dietitian to adjust your meal plan while you are nursing.