This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences, challenges, and support needs of 19 Hong Kong Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who performed antenatal milk expression (AME) from 37 weeks gestation, as part of the GAME trial; interviews were conducted at 2–4 months postpartum.
Five themes emerged: navigating AME burdens and benefits, cultural/health beliefs, the pivotal role of midwife and lactation consultant support, physical and psychological breastfeeding preparation, and program enhancement needs. Women were highly motivated to provide colostrum but faced time constraints and physical discomfort; AME built hand-expression skills and facilitated earlier postpartum milk production.
Small sample of 19 women from a single Hong Kong trial limits generalizability to other Asian or non-Asian populations; qualitative design precludes causal or quantitative conclusions about breastfeeding outcomes.
For women with GDM, integrate AME education into standard antenatal care with individualized, culturally sensitive midwifery support that emphasizes skill-building over volume targets. Partner and lactation consultant involvement is key to sustaining women's confidence and persistence with AME.
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