By Violeta Reyna, Lactation Consultant & Maternal Health Advocate — in collaboration with ZenZen.
Pregnancy with gestational diabetes brings many questions, and one of the most common is about what happens with breastfeeding afterward. You might be wondering:
“What should I know about breastfeeding after gestational diabetes?”
After going through pregnancy with gestational diabetes, it’s normal to wonder if your body will be ready for breastfeeding. The truth is, your body is capable of producing milk just like any other mother’s. Sometimes the start may take a little extra support, but with the right help, breastfeeding is
absolutely possible. So yes—you can breastfeed after gestational diabetes.
Breastfeeding as a powerful ally for your health
Gestational diabetes usually resolves after birth, but it can leave you wondering how to best take care of yourself after pregnancy. The encouraging news is that breastfeeding is one of the most powerful
ways to care for yourself while giving your baby the best start.
Breastfeeding doesn’t just nourish your baby, it also supports your long-term health by helping your body use insulin more effectively and recover after pregnancy. And the good news is that every bit counts: whether you breastfeed fully or partly, your body still benefits.
What challenges might come up?
Some mothers with GDM find that the early days of breastfeeding include extra hurdles:
• C-section recovery. Women with GDM are more likely to have a cesarean birth. The surgery itself doesn’t prevent breastfeeding, but sometimes hospital routines after a c-section, like delayed skin-to-skin or separation from the baby, can make the start more challenging.
• Baby’s blood sugar monitoring. Babies born after GDM are often monitored more closely for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Sometimes they may need a little extra support, like temporary
supplementation, to keep their levels stable. This doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed, it just means your baby is getting what they need while you continue building your milk supply.
• Delayed milk “coming in.” Women with GDM, especially those who needed insulin, may have a
higher chance of experiencing a slower start to milk production. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s helpful to be aware so you can ask for support if needed.
These situations can feel overwhelming, but they don’t mean breastfeeding isn’t possible. They simply highlight the importance of early support. Some things that help:
• Ask for skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible. This helps regulate your baby’s blood sugar and stimulates milk production.
• If you’re separated from your baby, start hand-expressing colostrum and ask the staff to give it to your baby. Every drop counts.
• If supplementation is needed, keep breastfeeding as the main plan. Think of supplements as a bridge, not a replacement.
Why collecting colostrum can help
One option that can make a big difference is collecting colostrum during pregnancy, usually in the last weeks before birth. This gentle technique has several benefits:
• It stimulates your breasts and supports milk production in the early days.
• It gives you a small reserve of colostrum that can be offered if your baby experiences low blood sugar after birth.
• It may reduce the need for formula supplementation in the hospital.
• It provides peace of mind if, for any reason, you’re temporarily separated from your baby.
Colostrum is often called “liquid gold” because it’s rich in antibodies and nutrients. Having some ready can feel empowering, especially if you know your baby may need close monitoring. If you’re curious
about this practice and wonder whether it could help you, reach out for guidance. Talking it through with someone you trust can make the process feel clearer and more reassuring for you and your baby.
A chance to care for yourself, too
Having had gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop type 2 diabetes. What it does mean is that you have a window of opportunity—a moment of motivation to build habits that protect your long-term health. Breastfeeding after gestational diabetes is one of the most natural and powerful tools in that journey. Alongside it, eating balanced meals, moving your body regularly, and keeping up with check-ups can make a big difference. So if you’ve been wondering what breastfeeding looks like after gestational diabetes, know this: not only can you do it, but you can do it in a way that supports both your baby’s health and your own.
And remember: breastfeeding doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” Every feed, every drop of milk, every week you continue—it all adds up.
You’ve already done so much by navigating pregnancy with GDM. Be gentle with yourself, seek support when you need it, and trust that every step forward matters. You’re not alone in this journey.
If you want extra support managing gestational diabetes, you can explore ZenZen, our app designed to help mothers track and manage their health with confidence during and after pregnancy.
And when it comes to breastfeeding, remember you don’t have to figure it out alone—I’m here to guide you through any questions or challenges you may face. Together, we can make your breastfeeding journey feel calmer and more supported.
This article was written by Violeta Reyna, lactation consultant and maternal health advocate, in collaboration
with ZenZen, the app designed to help mothers manage gestational diabetes with more confidence.