Background
International evidence suggests that rates of GDM women developing T2DM is around 5 per cent within 6 months of giving birth and can be up to sixty per cent within 20 years of birth. Breastfeeding is one health promotion strategy that can reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes for both mothers and their babies. Unfortunately, there is a significant reduction in exclusive breastfeeding rates on discharge from hospital for women with GDM compared to women who have no diabetes. Technology may be one way we can improve this disparity.
Objective
To understand what women want in an on-line resource to help them with breastfeeding when they have GDM.
Methods
This was a mixed methods study where surveys, interviews and focus groups with women who had GDM were used to understand their experiences of breastfeeding support in a regional hospital in NSW where 15% all pregnant women are diagnosed with GDM.
Results
Women felt overwhelmed from the large amount of inconsistent information they received from the hospital when they had GDM. Participants suggested technology-based resources would improve access to evidence-based breastfeeding and diabetes information. Access to timely and relevant information via websites, phone apps, videos and on-line information sessions may help women who have GDM feel more supported to breastfeed their newborns.
Conclusions
Women with GDM feel overwhelmed and confused by fragmented education and information about their care which can impact on their breastfeeding rates on discharge from hospital. Accessing evidence-based information through technology may encourage informed conversations between a woman and their health care providers for individualised care which in turn may improve breastfeeding rates thereby limiting their risk for developing T2DM in the future.