Women's Experiences With Early Breastfeeding After Gestational Diabetes

To explore the lived experience of early breastfeeding for postpartum women who had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnancy.

A qualitative phenomenological research design.

Participants were recruited from community hospitals, postpartum clinics, and lactation clinics in rural and urban facilities in the Midwest and Atlantic Regions of the United States.

A purposive sample of 27 women who had been diagnosed with GDM and who had initiated breastfeeding following delivery.

Questions were used as prompts to initiate conversation and to provide structure for focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analyzed independently and then collaboratively with the researchers and experts to compare findings, including interpretations and concerns before revisions were made in preparation of the final, composite description.

Three themes emerged from the data reflecting the participants' interpreted experience: Breastfeeding Challenges and Breastfeeding Support, Milk Supply Challenges, and Concern for Infant Health. Delayed lactogenesis II was reported by 30% of the women, and 44% perceived decreased milk supply.

Participants identified breastfeeding facilitators and barriers, many of which could have been modified. The women expressed a need for consistent lactation advice, education, assistance, and strategies to address breastfeeding challenges and milk supply issues.