Preparing for Birth
- Talk to your healthcare team about your birth plan and any special considerations for gestational diabetes.
- Learn about skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding so you feel ready and confident.
- Prepare comfortable clothes and nursing-friendly outfits for after birth.
- Arrange support from family or friends for the early postpartum period.
- Discuss your breastfeeding with your healthcare team and ask about available lactation support at the hospital.
Expressing Colostrum Before Birth
- Some mothers with gestational diabetes may be advised to express colostrum during the last few weeks of pregnancy (after 36 weeks), especially if the baby is at risk of low blood sugar after birth.
- Hand express small amounts of colostrum into a sterile syringe or container.
- Store it in the freezer (labelled with the date) so it can be given to your baby if needed after birth.
- Ask your healthcare provider to show you the correct expressing technique.
Note: Expressing colostrum before birth may not be suitable for all mothers. Because nipple stimulation can sometimes trigger contractions, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before starting.
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