Breastfeeding is especially beneficial to a person who had gestational diabetes. Breastfeeding helps lower blood sugar and may help prevent diabetes in babies that breastfeed. The benefits of breastfeeding include reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular (heart) disease, and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. People with gestational diabetes are encouraged to breastfeed for six months or longer. It is important to talk to health care providers with any questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding.