Systematic Review: Type 1 Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Review Question
What are the experiences of women with type 1 diabetes in relation to breastfeeding and the information and support they receive to assist them in deciding, preparing, initiating and maintaining breastfeeding?
Introduction
This systematic review aims to review and synthesize current research related to breastfeeding by women with type 1 diabetes. It will focus on the experience of breastfeeding and the information and support provision by health care professionals. While breastfeeding is internationally recognized as the most appropriate method for infant nutrition, many women with Type 1 diabetes either do not chose to breast feed or struggle to maintain it (World Health Organization & UNICEF 2003); BFHI(World Health Organization 2009). This would suggest that the support and information women receive from health professionals may not meet their needs. This review aims to investigate the factors that may contribute to this underperformance in relation to breast-feeding, through a critical analysis and synthesis of recent research is imperative. The specific objectives of the review will be to:
analyze current research for references to the relationship between type 1 diabetes and the activity of breastfeeding;
references related to the lived experience of breastfeeding by women with type 1 diabetes; references related to support and information provided to women with type 1 diabetes related to breastfeeding;
analyze the effect of utilized, specific interventions on uptake and maintenance of breastfeeding.
This systematic review was conducted to inform the proposed research project regarding the experience of women with type 1 diabetes and breastfeeding.