Breastfeeding Experiences of Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To understand the perinatal experiences of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who intended to breastfeed.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study.

Setting: Online focus groups conducted via Zoom.

Participants: Women who had GDM in their most recent pregnancy, had a full-term birth in the United States, and were no more than 18 months postpartum.

Methods: Virtual focus groups were held between November 2022 and August 2023. Focus group transcripts were coded and analyzed to identify major themes and subthemes.

Results: Three major themes and 14 subthemes emerged: (a) Challenges, including subthemes of GDM Diagnosis, Doubt, Physical Challenges, Balancing Demands, Lack of Support, and Pressure or Judgment; (b) Lack of Informationor SupportFrom Health Care Providers, with subthemes of Separation of GDM From Breastfeeding, Inadequate Information or Support, and Provider Neutrality; and (c) Facilitating or Motivating Factors, including subthemes of Knowledge; Intention, Confidence, and Determination; and Positive Support.

Conclusion: Women with GDM experienced many breastfeeding challenges and felt they had received little information or support from health care providers, including but not limited to nurses. They also expressed feelings of pressure or judgment about their infant feeding choices, reported a desire to know more about the connection between GDM and breastfeeding, and highlighted the value of having support systems in person or online.