Breast-feeding initiation in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus
Leandro Cordero1, Stephen Thung, Mark B Landon
11The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Objective:
To examine feeding practices and factors associated with breast-feeding initiation (BFI) in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and their infants.
Methods:
In all, 392 PGDM (135 late preterm and 257 term) pregnancies were studied. Infant feeding preference was ascertained on admission.
Results:
After birth, 166 (42%) of the infants received well-baby care, whereas 226 (58%) were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Hypoglycemia (blood glucose <40 mg/dL), which occurred in 128 (33%) of all infants, did not influence BFI. Of 257 women who intended to BF, 55% initiated BF. Also, 5% of 105 women who intended to feed formula and 13% of the 30 undecided later initiated BF.
Conclusions:
The BFI rate for women with PGDM is remarkably low even among those who intended to BF. Factors associated with BFI failure in this population were primiparity, African American race, lower education, smoking, lack of intention to BF, and NICU admission.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

