An exploration of differences in infant feeding practices among women with and without diabetes in pregnancy: A mixed‐methods study

• Published in: Diabetic medicine Vol. 38; no. 11; pp. e14635 - n/a
• Main Authors: Misita, Dragana, Yamamoto, Jennifer M., Yuan, Yan, Donovan, Lois E., Bell, Rhonda C., Jarman, Megan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-11-2021
• Subjects: Adult; Birth; Breast; Breast feeding; Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data; breastfeeding; Breastfeeding & lactation; Canada - epidemiology; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes, Gestational - epidemiology; Feeding Behavior - psychology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational diabetes; gestational diabetes mellitus; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Infants; Mixed methods research; Mothers - statistics & numerical data; Physical growth; Postpartum; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Qualitative Research; Surveys and Questionnaires; Womens health; Canada; breastfeeding; gestational diabetes mellitus; diabetes; pregnancy
• ISSN: 0742-3071; 1464-5491; 1464-5491
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.14635

Aims
(1) To determine the likelihood of full breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum in women with and without diabetes in pregnancy (DiP); (2) to explore the associations between diabetes management practices and infant feeding practices in those who had DiP and (3) to examine women's experiences of feeding their infants after having DiP.
Methods
The quantitative study used data from Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort study. Participants who had DiP (n = 62) were matched 1:3 to participants without DiP for pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity, mode of delivery and pre‐term birth. Infant feeding questionnaires, prospective breastfeeding diaries and medical chart data were analysed to determine likelihood of fully breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. For the qualitative study, interviews were conducted with postpartum women who had DiP to explore the experiences of infant feeding. Interviews were thematically analysed, and the results were compared between women who were categorized as ‘full breast feeders’ or ‘mixed feeders’.
Results
The odds of fully breastfeeding were 50% lower in women with DiP than women without DiP (OR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.99, p = 0.04). Qualitative interviews identified that although all women showed resilience in the face of infant feeding challenges, those who were fully breastfeeding reported seeking out external infant feeding supports, for example, classes or Doula's. Mixed Feeders perceived there was a lack of infant feeding information and support given to them prior to giving birth.
Conclusion
Women with DiP may require additional prenatal and postnatal infant feeding support to be better prepared to overcome feeding challenges they may face.