A multidisciplinary approach to increase breastfeeding rates among gestational diabetes prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Breastfeeding (BF), the normative form of nutrition for newborns, may be challanging. While many factors contribute to maintaining BF among parturients, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as diagnosed during pregnancy, is associated with low rates of BF. One hypothesis for the general low rates is the lack of available evidence-based data regarding BF. Our primary outcome was to assess whether an educational videoclip could increase the rates of breastfeeding among parturients, among those with GDM A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial, of pregnant individuals with GDM. Participants were randomized by 1:1 ratio to study group; receiving a link to an online educational videoclip presented by a multidisciplinary team including an obstetrician, pediatrician, dietitian, and a nurse certified as BF-consultant. Controls received none. The intervention took place at Carmel Medical Center at any time point before delivery while visiting the hospital for unrelated causes (for example- admission to ER, during hospitalization, prior to delivery). After delivery, participants were contacted by telephone and were inquired about the newborn’s feeding habits 146 participants with GDM were randomized to the study group (n=70) and control group (n=75). While 96.5% of all participants reported they were intending to BF prior to intervention, only 63.8% reported any BF form (exclusive or formula-combined) upon questioning postpartum. BF rates among the study group (36/54) were similar to the control group (31/50) p-value >0.05. The discrepancy between the intention to breastfeed and BF prevalence, could not be met by mere online videoclip. More research is needed in order to reveal what are the unmet needs of both the mother and infant, so they can be addressed and potentially increase BF rates.