Medical studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) indicate that women who have had GDM face a risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes that is 7 to 10 times higher within 5–10 years after childbirth compared with the general population.

Fortunately, nature has given mothers a natural, safe and highly effective “prescription” to help push back this risk: breastfeeding.

Why does breastfeeding help mothers lower blood sugar and improve metabolism?

The process of producing breast milk does not simply provide food for the baby; it is also an extremely powerful energy-metabolizing activity within the mother’s body:

• A natural “calorie burner”: Breast milk production uses about 400–500 kcal per day. This level of energy expenditure is equivalent to brisk walking or engaging in moderate-intensity exercise continuously for 45 to 60 minutes.
• Directly draws glucose (sugar) from the blood: Mammary gland cells require a large amount of glucose from the mother’s bloodstream to synthesize lactose (the main sugar component in breast milk). This continuous “drawing off” of glucose helps lower the mother’s blood sugar naturally without medication.
• Improves insulin sensitivity: Breastfeeding alters metabolic hormones, helping muscle and fat cells in the mother’s body respond more sensitively to insulin (the hormone that moves sugar from the bloodstream into cells). As a result, the pancreas is relieved of part of the burden of having to secrete excessive amounts of insulin.

Scientific studies have also shown that mothers who previously had gestational diabetes and who exclusively breastfeed for at least the first 3–6 months can reduce their future risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 50% compared with those who do not breastfeed or breastfeed only briefly.

Benefits for both mother and child

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes often face a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing metabolic disorders later in life. Breastfeeding is precisely the solution that can “reprogram” a child’s health:

• Breast milk contains special fibers (HMOs — Human Milk Oligosaccharides) that nourish a healthy gut microbiota in infants, thereby improving the child’s ability to regulate energy.
• The optimal protein and fat content in breast milk helps children develop in a balanced way, reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes throughout life.

4 important points mothers with gestational diabetes should keep in mind after giving birth

Although breastfeeding offers tremendous benefits, mothers with gestational diabetes still need a smart strategy to both ensure an adequate milk supply and safely control their blood sugar after delivery:

4.1. Re-screen blood glucose at the right time

Do not skip your postnatal health check. Visit a health facility for a 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) at around 4 to 12 weeks postpartum. This screening milestone helps doctors determine with certainty whether your blood glucose has truly returned to normal, or whether you are in the prediabetes stage and need timely follow-up and care.

4.2. Proactively prevent mild hypoglycemia while breastfeeding

Because milk production draws sugar from the blood very quickly, some mothers may feel dizzy, sweaty or experience mild hand tremors during or immediately after breastfeeding. To prevent this, mothers should prepare a small snack containing complex carbohydrates about 15–20 minutes before breastfeeding (for example: boiled sweet potato, 1 glass of unsweetened nut milk, or 1 slice of wholegrain black bread).

4.3. Establish a low glycemic index (Low GI) diet

Contrary to the traditional belief that “a breastfeeding mother must eat lots of white rice or sticky rice to produce milk,” mothers who had gestational diabetes should prioritize the following after giving birth:

• Slow-metabolizing carbohydrates: Replace white rice with brown rice, oats or sweet potatoes.
• The “Healthy Plate” rule: Divide your plate into four parts, of which 1/2 of the plate should be green vegetables and other vegetables; 1/4 should be lean protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu); and 1/4 should be wholegrain carbohydrates.
  (Lean Protein is a term referring to food sources that provide protein with extremely low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, while containing no toxic chemicals, preservatives or artificial additives. Lean protein helps the body absorb amino acids to the fullest extent in order to build muscle and repair cells without increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension or overweight. The criteria for “lean protein” include: low in unhealthy fats, with animal fat, skin and heavily marbled cuts removed; minimally processed, meaning industrially processed foods such as sausages, cold cuts and canned foods should be avoided; and healthy cooking methods, giving priority to boiling, steaming, pan-searing or air-free roasting. Deep-frying or using sauces with too much sugar and salt should be minimized.)

• Foods to limit:

Soft drinks, confectionery, fruits with high sugar content (longan, lychee, ripe mango, etc.), and sweetened milk products.

4.4. Gentle daily exercise with your baby

Mothers do not need to do strenuous exercise immediately after giving birth. Simply moving around gently while holding the baby, or pushing the stroller for a 15–20 minute walk each day after the main meal, is enough. These light movements help the muscles use blood sugar much more effectively.

Gestational diabetes may have caused mothers anxiety and required strict dietary control, but the postpartum period is the best opportunity for mothers to restore their health. Breastfeeding not only gives babies the best possible start, but is also the most natural and sustainable way for mothers to protect themselves against the risk of diabetes in the future.