After labour, once the mother has got something to eat, the normal subcutaneous delivery of insulin resumes. Normally, the required insulin doses are a few units smaller compared to the pre-pregnancy doses.
Breastfeeding is encouraged and its start is supported. Breastfeeding is energy-consuming, and blood sugar can easily drop too low during it. The mother should always eat before breastfeeding, even at night, and keep food at hand during it. She should also make sure that she gets enough fluids and calcium. On a case-by-case basis, metformin can be used in addition to insulin.
If the mother was using medication for high blood pressure late in the pregnancy, it will be continued for 2–3 weeks until the blood pressure has evened out. Blood pressure medication does not prevent breastfeeding.
The check-up takes places at the materinty and child's health clinic (neuvola) as per normal. A specialist in internal medicine or an endocrinologist will also perform a check-up related to diabetes and its treatment at the maternity hospital.
It is important to take care of birth control even while breastfeeding.