I am currently preparing to take the exam this July to become an IBCLC and reading about Breastfeeding implications with an ill child. I am interested if anyone has had a child who was diagnosed during the first year and how that impacted a Breastfeeding experience. My son was diagnosed just before his first birthday and he was still nursing. It was challenging to determine if he needed insulin coverage or not. I did find it helpful during times of low blood sugars when he wasn’t agreeable to drinking or eating anything offered but he would nurse and it would bring his blood sugar up very well. I there anyone who has experience with this at an earlier age when breastmilk is more the main source of nourishment and willing to share their experience?
IBCLC = International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in case anyone is wondering
Right, thanks
You should talk to my wife-- Shelly--on my friend list. She takes the IBCLC exam in July also... and you've got the whole family member with diabetes thing in common... She may not know the specific answers but between the two of you you might get on the right track faster.
Try asking in the group for Parents of Type 1s. You might have more luck there than in the forum at large.
I am a member of that group and had tried earlier but was having trouble posting to the page from my phone. It did just work now. Thanks
Ok thanks. It is more of a curiosity. I know it is rare for a child to be diagnosed at such a young age and there may not be much research about it. The book I was reading only had a very brief section about it. I often wonder what was the triggering factor for my son. I exclusively breastfed and he was never sick with any viruses that first year. He was very healthy up until that point.
Wow, I have no help to offer, but I am just always amazed at how parents manage babies and toddlers with T1 (I was dx @ 3 myself). And I laughed when reading your post because my first thought was "I wonder how many carbs are in breast milk?"
I could tell you, but it's a pretty controversial answer...so I won't. :)
Has be been tested for the various MODY/monogenic forms of diabetes? I know these can manifest at an earlier age.
I truly do not know if they have. They have never mentioned anything about this. ( the docs) It would be worth asking at his next appointment. I have talked about having the rest of the family tested for autoimmune antibodies but they always discourage me from doing so.
Lol I thought the same thing. At the time I inquired with his dietician and she said roughly the same amount of carbs as cow’s milk. Since it was close to a year for him and the amount he was getting was most likely a half a cup or less I never did give him insulin for the times he nursed. But it was interesting how well just a small amount would help bring up a low bg since it is absorbed and digested so easily.
I am used to controversy…I am interested in your thoughts on this. I have some of my own.