Diabetes and breast feeding

BMJ 1995;311:877 (30 September)

Letters

Diabetes and breast feeding

Support is available for diabetic mothers

EDITOR,--D F O'Sullivan raises an important point about informationabout breast feeding for diabetic mothers.¹ Women with diabetesmay experience particular difficulties in establishing breastfeeding owing to early separation from their babies, delaysin the initiation of breast feeding, increased use of supplements,and the high rate of caesarean section.² Together with rapidchanges in insulin requirements in the early days this meansthat appropriate support and information are critical.

All women with diabetes and midwives caring for them shouldbe made aware of the evidence that breast feeding for 9-12 monthsreduces the risk of diabetes developing in children with a familyhistory of the condition,³ helps to improve glucose and lipidmetabolism, and promotes postpartum weight loss.⁴ Women withwell controlled diabetes produce breast milk with a normal compositionof macronutrients and fatty acids⁵; this is the best food fortheir babies.

The National Childbirth Trust's counsellors on breast feedingare trained to provide information and support for any breastfeeding mother. The trust's breast feeding special situationsregister includes details of mothers with diabetes who are willingto talk about their experiences with other parents. The registercan be contacted on 01332702386.

Policy research officer National Childbirth Trust, London W36NH

Special situations register coordinator Weston on Trent, DerbyDE72 2BQ

Rosemary Dodds, Daryl Dawson