P145 Service evaluation examining the understanding of breastfeeding among women with diabetes
Published Date: 23rd March 2022
Publication Authors: Gallagher CG, Bujawansa S, Milne R, Michaels S, McNulty S, Westall S
Aims
Breastfeeding is beneficial for a mother, baby and society. Enhancing breastfeeding rates has potential to save lives and drive improvements in public health. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing childhood-onset diabetes. On average breastfeeding rates in St Helens are between 26.5% and 31.6% at 6-8 weeks. The aim of this project was to understand breastfeeding views of women who have diabetes in pregnancy.
Methods
Ethics approval was obtained from the trusts research ethics committee. A sample of women (n = 30), with type 1 diabetes (23%) type 2 diabetes (7%) and gestational diabetes (70%) attending a diabetes joint antenatal clinic between 1st September and 31st December 2020 were recruited. They completed a breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire over the telephone, 8 weeks post-delivery.
Results
70% reported receiving information about breastfeeding while under the service. 20% reported to not have received any information and 10% could not remember. The majority 77% were confident regarding the benefits associated with breastfeeding but 23% were unsure and 33% chose not to breastfeed. Additionally 67% did initiate breastfeeding but only 35% of them were still breastfeeding at 8 weeks. 97% said having diabetes during pregnancy did not influence their decision to breastfeed. Only 7% were aware that breastfeeding could reduce their baby’s risk of developing childhood onset diabetes.
Conclusion
Results suggest breastfeeding rates are higher in comparison to the general population in this area. Further initiatives delivered by health care professionals may support women to make informed decisions and enhance local breastfeeding rates.
Gallagher, CG; Bujawansa, SB; Milne, RM; Michaels, SM; McNulty, S; Westall, SW. (2022). P145 Service evaluation examining the understanding of breastfeeding among women with diabetes. Diabetic Medicine. 39 (Suppl 1), 86-87
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