Diabetes During Pregnancy Linked to Low Milk Supply

Women who have diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to have a low milk supply, according to research from Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

The study provides more evidence that insulin resistance is a risk factor for poor lactation, and may be the first to fully examine how maternal diabetes affects milk supply.

"This study shows the importance of further research to determine how maternal glucose intolerance may impede lactation, so that targeted therapies may be developed to increase milk supply," said Dr. Sarah Riddle, pediatrician and lead study author.

Ending breastfeeding early

Low milk supply is often the sole reason new mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they want to, Riddle explained, and there are few existing strategies to help moms increase milk supply.

According to the Mayo Clinic, various factors can cause low milk supply, including not breastfeeding often enough, waiting too long to start breastfeeding or certain medications that can interfere with lactation.


"Further research is needed to elucidate how maternal glucose intolerance may impede lactation," the study authors concluded.

The research is published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine.

Source: CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER


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