Feeding your newborn when you have gestational diabetes 

Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — April 2026.

One question to think about during pregnancy is how you’ll feed your newborn. If you have gestational diabetes, you may wonder how that affects your feeding plan.

It can be helpful to discuss your wishes with your healthcare team ahead of time. With planning, most people with gestational diabetes can safely chestfeed (breastfeed). If that doesn’t feel right for you, you have other options.

Let’s go over a few things to consider with feeding your baby when you have gestational diabetes.

Benefits of chestfeeding

Chestfeeding has benefits for you and your baby. In fact, you are encouraged to chestfeed for at least 6 months if you can.

For you, chestfeeding may help:

• Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, and high blood pressure
• Manage your weight after pregnancy
• Ease recovery from childbirth

For your baby, chestfeeding may help:

• Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life
• Build the immune system and a healthy gut
• Lower the risk of asthma, breathing problems, eczema, and ear infections

For both of you, chestfeeding helps with bonding through increased skin-to-skin contact.

What if chestfeeding isn’t right for us?

There are many things to consider when deciding how to feed your baby. These include your preferences, schedule, health considerations, and ability to produce milk. Some babies have challenges as well.

If chestfeeding isn’t right for you and your baby, that’s OK. Talk with your team about other options for nourishing your baby:

• Formula feeding
• Donor milk
• A combination of formula, donor milk, and/or your own milk

Many people supplement with formula or donor milk if they don’t produce enough milk, or if they’re trying to increase their supply. And pumping can add flexibility when you’re not near your baby every few hours.

How does chestfeeding affect blood sugar?

After delivery, your blood sugar levels may change, so your team will monitor you closely while you are in the hospital.

Chestfeeding may make it more likely for you to have low blood sugar, especially if you take insulin. Your healthcare provider will work with you on a plan. For example, you may:

• Check your blood sugar before and after feeding
• Have a snack before feeding to help prevent a low
• Drink lots of fluids to stay well hydrated

Having consistent blood sugar levels can help with your milk supply. Your team can support you in this goal with a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, and possibly medicine.

Will medicine cross into my milk supply?

You may need medicine after birth, and some medicines may cross into milk. Most diabetes medicines (including insulin) do not cross over.

Work with your team to know which medicines and supplements are safe for your baby. Together, you’ll decide if chestfeeding or bottle-feeding is best. If your medicine doesn’t last long in the body, a lactation specialist may help you create a pumping or feeding schedule that’s safe for your baby.

Feeding your newborn in the hospital

Find out ahead of time if you need a referral to meet with a lactation specialist in the hospital. They can be a great resource as you and your baby learn to feed together.

Also talk with your team about a plan to feed your baby right after birth.

• This helps prevent low blood sugar in the baby.
• The first milk you make (colostrum) has the richest nutrition and provides important antibodies for your baby.

To get your milk supply started, aim to feed your baby every hour for the first several hours.

The first week at home

Your newborn needs to feed often: 8 to 12 times over 24 hours.

• This means feeding every 1 to 3 hours.
• Each feeding may take 15 to 60 minutes.

It may take a few days for your milk to come in. It’s OK to supplement with formula or donor milk as you work on increasing your milk supply.

With chestfeeding, it’s important to stay hydrated and get enough nutrition from a variety of healthy foods. Your provider may recommend that you keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

For most people, gestational diabetes goes away soon after delivery and blood sugars begin to normalize. If your provider asked you to continue checking your blood sugar, let them know if your readings are out-of-range or you see any new trends.

Finding support

Feeding your baby can bring up a wide range of emotions and challenges, and your experience may change over time. Throughout it all, you have support.

You can reach out to your healthcare team or lactation specialist any time – there’s no need to wait until your next scheduled visit. They will work with you to come up with solutions together.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to connect you with resources, information, and support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Feeding your newborn when you have gestational diabetes  appeared first on Progyny.