Breast feeding practices and views among diabetic women: a retrospective cohort study

SOLTANI, H., DICKINSON, F. M., KALK, J. and PAYNE, K. (2007). Breast feeding practices and views among diabetic women: a retrospective cohort study. Midwifery.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2007.04.005

Abstract

Objective: to explore the pattern and experiences of breast-feeding practices among diabetic women.

Design: retrospective cohort study using maternal records and postal questionnaires in a Baby-Friendly hospital.

Participants: diabetic mothers including women with gestational diabetes, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Findings: from the total group of respondents, 81.9% intended to breast feed. The actual breast feeding rates were 81.9% at birth, 68.1% at 2 weeks and 28.7% at 6 months postpartum. Major themes that were identified from women's experiences included information and advice, support vs. pressure, classification and labelling, and expectations.

Conclusions: more than two-thirds of the diabetic women intended to breast feed and actually did breast feed in this study. For both the total study population and the type 1 and 2 diabetics alone, more than half were still breast feeding at 2 weeks postpartum, and approximately one-third were still breast feeding at 6 months postpartum.

Implications for practice: structured support, provided for women through Baby-Friendly initiatives, was appreciated by the diabetic women in this study. The extent to which this support influenced the highly successful breast feeding practices in this group of women needs focused investigation. The need for a delicate balancing act between pressure and advice in order to prevent coercion was noted.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Breast feeding, diabetic women, retrospective
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2007.04.005
Depositing User: Ann Betterton
Date Deposited: 23 Jun 2008
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 14:00
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/277

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