Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum Thai women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum Thai women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. Background: Postpartum women with diabetes are more likely to have delayed lactogenesis. Strict glycaemic control may affect lactation. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic research was designed to carry out the study. One hundred and fifty participants were included in the study. Data were collected in two phases using the Exclusive Breastfeeding questionnaire. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, independent t-test and binary logistic regression. Results: The significant factors related to the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding were maternal age, employment, parity, body mass index, duration of newborn’s admission in NICU and exclusive breastfeeding intention. Conclusion: These findings indicate that effective nursing interventions need to be implemented for promoting exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum women with diabetes.

Keywords:

• exclusive breastfeeding
• lactation
• postpartum women
• gestational diabetes mellitus
• Thai women

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Prince of Songkla University. The author would like to thank Dr Marguerite J. Purnell for her valuable suggestions during the preparation of this manuscript. Special thanks are also extended to all participants.