Facilitators and barriers to establishing lactation among women with diabetes?

Abstract

Aim: To identify the facilitators and barriers to establishing lactation among women with diabetes in pregnancy.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study involving face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 13 postpartum women. An inductive, data-driven content analysis approach was utilised. This study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.

Results: Facilitators to breastfeeding and establishing lactation among women with diabetes included antenatal colostrum harvesting during the antenatal period and support from health care professionals. Barriers included emotional self-efficacy challenges and a lack of support from healthcare professionals in the hospital setting.

Conclusion: Women with diabetes report further challenges establishing breastfeeding due to delayed lactogenesis ll (secretory activation), hypoglycaemia and self-efficacy challenges. Given the adverse health risks for mother and infant associated with not breastfeeding, women with diabetes require individualised person-centred lactation care plans to maximise their opportunity to experience a successful breastfeeding journey.

Keywords: breastfeeding; diabetes; lactation; qualitative research.