Long-Term Effectiveness of a Mobile-Based Breastfeeding Program for Women with Gestational Diabetes: 6-Month Follow-Up of a Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND: Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face specific challenges in breastfeeding, yet data on the long-term effectiveness of mobile-based interventions remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a Mobile-Based Breastfeeding Promotion Program for GDM (M-BFGDM) on breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice rates up to 6 months postpartum. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted. Participants were recruited from an online community. The intervention group received the M-BFGDM, which included Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model-based educational videos and KakaoTalk counseling. Data were collected at prenatal, 1-week, 1-month, and 6-month postpartum time points. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) and repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: = 0.003). However, the intervention did not significantly influence the trajectory of breastfeeding self-efficacy or prevent the decline in practice rates over 6 months compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while mobile education enhances knowledge, sustained breastfeeding requires more intensive, individualized support to address physical barriers, such as low milk supply and latch difficulties.