Can breastfeeding cause hypoglycemia in mothers?

Breastfeeding can occasionally cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in new mothers in the first few days after giving birth. This is because breastfeeding your child requires a lot of energy and can use up a lot of glucose from the mother's body. During the production of milk, the body releases insulin which encourages glucose to move into the breast tissue and milk, which can decrease the mother's blood glucose concentration temporarily.

For most women, this drop in blood sugar is not significant and does not cause any problems. If a new mother experiences more severe symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, confusion or excessive hunger, it's important to check blood glucose levels and consume a snack or meal to correct it.

Typically, blood sugar levels return to normal as milk production becomes established. If there are persistent concerns about hypoglycemia related to breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.