I am looking for information  regarding nursing during pregnancy for a mom
with gestational diabetes ("GD").  This mom is currently in early pregnancy
and is nursing her 15 mo. daughter roughly four times daily.  She
anticipates that GD will  reoccur.  In the previous pregnancy, her
condition was managed with diet alone.

Her specific questions are:

1)Is nursing contraindicated in a subsequent GD pregnancy, and if so, why?

2)How will nursing affect blood glucose, if at all?  Please explain the
mechanism whereby blood sugar levels could be elevated by producing milk,
especially when nursing usually tends to lower bG levels in post-partum
'regular' diabetics.  Why would this be different in GD? Is there any
information out there about nursing during a second 'regular' diabetic
pregnancy?  Can this be related to GD?

3)What kind of caloric allowances or dietary changes, if any, should be made
in the food plan of a gestational diabetic who nurses during the pregnancy?

4)Does anyone have a specific case history or studies to cite re: nursing
during a 2nd GD pregnancy?

We would appreciate any info you could share! TIA!!

************Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC, aka [log in to unmask]***********
Lactation Consultant/WIC Nutritionist/Mom with an Attitude*Cape Cod, MA, USA