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Course Name
Clinical Improvement Project II CAPSTONE
Graduation Year
8-2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rae Charos
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases a mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for both mothers and babies and may help lower the mother's future risk of diabetes. However, many mothers with GDM do not receive enough education about breastfeeding and diabetes prevention before leaving the hospital. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve breastfeeding knowledge and diabetes prevention among postpartum mothers with GDM through a standardized education program.
This project was completed at the Family Birthing Center at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Stockton, California. Twenty mothers were invited to participate, and 14 enrolled in the project. Participants completed a pre-survey, received a 10- to 15-minute education session using an educational pamphlet, completed a post-survey, and participated in follow-up phone calls. The project was guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model.
After the education session, participants showed improved knowledge about GDM, breastfeeding, and available breastfeeding resources. Mothers also reported feeling more confident asking healthcare providers questions about breastfeeding. At the time of data analysis, follow-up calls had been completed with seven participants. Many participants reported remembering the education and continued using the educational pamphlet after leaving the hospital.
This project showed that a brief, standardized education program can improve breastfeeding knowledge and increase awareness of diabetes prevention among mothers with GDM. The intervention was easy to implement, required minimal resources, and can continue to be used as part of routine postpartum education.gestational diabetes mellitus, breastfeeding, postpartum education, diabetes prevention, quality improvement
Keywords
gestational diabetes mellitus, breastfeeding, postpartum education, diabetes prevention, quality improvement
Recommended Citation
Soria, Jesse A. Jr; Smith, Sarah; Nolan Smith, Audrey; and Kosier, Keeley, "From Birth to Better Health: Educating Mothers with Gestational Diabetes on Breastfeeding Benefits and Glucose Management" (2026). ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works. 47.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/nursing-portfolios/47
