Development of Website For Breastfeeding Women With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Breastfeeding is an important contributor to child survival, nutrition and development and maternal health. Evidence indicates that breastfeeding rates were suboptimal in women with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and they also tend to breastfeed for a shorter duration than other childbearing women. This study aims to identify information and support needs of women with pre-pregnancy diabetes who wish to breastfeed, from the perspectives of women themselves and from health professionals, and to develop a resource informed by these data. Methods: : Women with pre-pregnancy diabetes were recruited from a high-risk pregnancy clinic at a large metropolitan health service in Melbourne and from a major consumer organisation invited to participate in a brief, online survey about preferred information and support about breastfeeding. Health professionals were invited to participate in a focus group, about essential content for a resource on breastfeeding for women with pre-pregnancy diabetes. A website was developed informed by the data from the women and health professionals. Review of the website was conducted by women with pre-pregnancy diabetes, and an expert advisory group including clinicians and consumer representatives. Results: : Six women participated in the online survey; most indicated that they would prefer a website rather than other formats. Four health professionals attended a focus group. Both groups of participants reported that, for women with pre-pregnancy diabetes, current sources of information on breastfeeding are either not relevant or based on data less applicable to Australian conditions. A mobile-friendly website was developed using plain language and carefully selected images, and links to further support including a dedicated, private, moderated Facebook support group. Preliminary review indicates that the website is informative, easy to read and appealing. Conclusions: : The content and format of this breastfeeding website resource were developed based on women with pre-pregnancy diabetes and health professionals’ contributions. It is expected that the provision of tailored evidence-based breastfeeding information and support via resources such as this, during pregnancy and the early postpartum period, will assist women with pre-pregnancy diabetes to make informed decisions about breastfeeding, and enhance rates of breastfeeding intentions, initiation and duration.