Is today the day for questions about breastfeeding and diabetes or what!?

We have nursing diabetics in our diabetes education program who are on wide
variety of drugs to treat their disease, including glucophage.  Of course
she can nurse and do no harm to the baby.  As the child of a diabetic, what
is going to be worse for the baby-getting a miniscule amt of a glucophage
through her mother's milk or being formula fed?  Breastfeeding has once
again been sacrificed on the altar of ignorance ( Lactnet trivia-who did I
steal that one from?)

It infuriates me when professionals who should know better are advising
moms to wean.  It's even more important for this baby to be breastfed than
most other babies as it reduces his risk of getting diabetes.  There are
numerous new medications available for treating diabetes.  If you have
further questions, please let me know.  I don't feel like I'm an expert but
I do work with people who are and who avidly promote breastfeeding to their
patients.

My recommendations-Find a physician who is more knowledgable about diabetes
and lactation.  Nurse the baby.  Keep taking her glucophage and monitor her
blood glucose levels closely.

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Manhattan, KS  USA