Long-Term Effectiveness of a Mobile-Based Breastfeeding Program for Women with Gestational Diabetes: 6-Month...

Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face specific challenges in breastfeeding, yet data on the long-term effectiveness of mobile-based interventions remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a Mobile-Based Breastfeeding Promotion Program for GDM (M-BFGDM) on breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice rates up to 6 months postpartum.

A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted. Participants were recruited from an online community. The intervention group received the M-BFGDM, which included Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model-based educational videos and KakaoTalk counseling. Data were collected at prenatal, 1-week, 1-month, and 6-month postpartum time points. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) and repeated-measures ANOVA.

The final analysis included 38 participants (experimental group, n = 18; control group, n = 20). The M-BFGDM was effective in improving breastfeeding knowledge among women with GDM (p = 0.003). However, the intervention did not significantly influence the trajectory of breastfeeding self-efficacy or prevent the decline in practice rates over 6 months compared to the control group.

These findings suggest that while mobile education enhances knowledge, sustained breastfeeding requires more intensive, individualized support to address physical barriers, such as low milk supply and latch difficulties.