Developing a Health System Plan to Support Breastfeeding and Prevent Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes

What this Trial Is About

Gestational diabetes GDM affects about 8 in every 100 births and can lead to health problems both immediately and later in life. People with GDM have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding can lower this risk, especially if continued for 12 months or more, reducing the chance of type 2 diabetes by 30%. However, patients with GDM face many challenges with breastfeeding and are more likely to stop earlier compared to those without GDM. This research aims to develop better breastfeeding support for patients with GDM to help prevent type 2 diabetes. The study involves using implementation mapping to create a multilevel health system strategy that supports breastfeeding for patients with GDM. This plan will be developed through five steps over one year, including assessing needs and resources, identifying outcomes and influences, designing strategies, producing materials, and preparing to evaluate these strategies in a future trial. The work will take place at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California, involving patients, healthcare providers, and leadership staff. Participants in the study will include pregnant or postpartum individuals diagnosed with GDM, healthcare providers, and executive leaders at UC Davis Health. The study will involve discussions and planning sessions to design the breastfeeding support strategy. Researchers will measure the effectiveness of the implementation approach and prepare for future testing. The main outcome is to design new implementation strategies for a future trial scheduled for September 2026. Participants will communicate in English and be 18 years or older.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Breastfeeding Support for Patients With Gestational Diabetes