Impact of Diabetes in Pregnancy on Stage II Lactogenesis among Postpartum Diabetic Women Compared to Non-Diabetics

Abstract Background Diabetes in pregnancy -whether preexisting or gestational can have negative impact on pregnancy, labor and lactation. Infants of diabetic mothers benefit most from early establishment of breastfeeding as it helps them regulate their blood glucose levels on the short term and decrease their risk of developing diabetes later on life. Aim of the Work This study aims to compare diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women regarding the onset of stage II lactogenesis at 72 hours postpartum and to associate the degree of diabetes control in antepartum period with the delay in stage II of lactogenesis. Subjects and Methods This study is an observational prospective cohort study, carried out on 203 pregnant women aged from 18 to 40 years old during their routine antenatal care visits in the third trimester of pregnancy at Ain-Shams University Maternity hospital outpatient clinic from December 2020 to August 2021, Cairo, Egypt. Results We found that Diabetes in pregnancy can cause a delay in the onset of Lactogenesis stage II regardless of the degree of control. We can also say that diabetes can affect lactation directly and indirectly. For example, Diabetes can cause higher rates of cesarean section, infant separation from mother and delayed initiation of first breastfeed which was found to cause DOLII. And early initiation of lactation can be a modifiable risk factor to protect from DOLII especially in Diabetic mothers. Conclusion Diabetes can cause series of unfortunate events in pregnancy, labor, and lactation. Many of diabetes implications on peripartum health can affect lactation directly and indirectly. For example, Diabetes can cause higher rates of cesarean section, infant separation from mother, delayed initiation of first breastfeed and other birth complications. All these can cause DOL II. Diabetes itself is a risk factor for delayed onset of lactogenesis II which can cause further neonatal hypoglycemia and/or early introduction of infant formula. The cascade of these events can hinder the breastfeeding establishment when it is most needed. The control of diabetes was not found to have impact on DOL II. Further research needs to be done in this regard. Early initiation of lactation can be a modifiable risk factor to protect from DOLII especially in Diabetic mothers.