title: The breast-feeding experience of women with type I diabetes.
abstract: The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the factors influencing the initiation and maintenance of breast-feeding in women with insulin-dependent diabetes. The lack of research in this area and the need for in-depth data necessitated exploratory methodology. Twenty-two mothers who were insulin dependent before pregnancy and who had given birth in the past 2 years were interviewed. Diabetes was not a principal factor in the decision to breast-feed or bottle-feed for the majority of the women. When diabetes was a factor, women were seeking a "normal" childbearing experience, including breast-feeding. Although the women did not perceive diabetes as influencing their breast-feeding experiences, they did find that maintaining good diabetic control required greater effort and flexibility during breast-feeding.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Gagne
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Leff
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Jefferis
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003657:Decision Making; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research