Gestational Diabetes Support

Gestational Diabetes Midwifery Support

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming.

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Many women tell me that after their diagnosis they suddenly feel like their pregnancy has shifted from normal to 'high risk' overnight. Appointments can become very medical and focused on numbers, leaving little time to talk about the bigger picture of your pregnancy, your birth plans, and how you are feeling.

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This Gestational Diabetes Midwifery Support option is designed to give you the time and space to understand your diagnosis, feel confident in all of your options for managing gestational diabetes, and prepare for birth and breastfeeding with evidence based information, not fear mongering.

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While gestational diabetes does require close monitoring of blood sugar levels, many women are still able to have positive, empowering birth and breastfeeding experiences. Having the right information and support can make a huge difference - and trust me, there is a lot of misinformation out there that doesnt follow the latest research. As a mum myself I've navigated two gestational diabetes pregnancies so I know how how challenging it can be. I've also spent hours upon hours pouring through the research on this topic so that I could have the best understanding for managing my own GDM, and also supporting other women. 

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These appointments are designed to complement the care you are already receiving from your hospital, doctor or diabetes educator, while giving you more personalised midwifery support.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is when higher than normal blood sugar levels occur in pregnancy due to placental hormones which impact insulin resistance. It is often diagnosed between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, but may be diagnosed early in the second trimester (12-16 weeks). For most women, their glucose levels will return to normal after the birth - however they are at increased risk of GDM in a subsequent pregnancy, and also at increased risk of developing pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes later in life. 

How common is it?

Around 1 in 5 women in Australia will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes in their pregnancy. 

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What this support includes?

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I recommend booking two 45 min appointments during your pregnancy.

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Appointment 1 - Understanding and Managing Gestational Diabetes

In this session we focus on managing GDM day to day and reducing the overwhelm felt by many after the initial diagnosis. 

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Topics may include:

• Options for screening for gestational diabetes

• Understanding physiology of gestational diabetes and what this means for your body and your baby.

• Blood glucose monitoring options (finger prick BSLS, CGM) and what your numbers mean.

• Evidence based nutrition/supplement guidance and meal/snack ideas.

• Impact of stress and movement on BSLs and holistic lifestyle advice.

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Appointment 2 - Birth Planning and Breastfeeding Preparation

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Women with GDM are more likely to be offered induction of labour, and may also experience a delay in milk coming in after birth. This session focusses on preparing you for these possibilities so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your plans moving forward. 

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Topics may include:

• Understanding induction recommendations and your options (not all women with GDM need to be induced)

• Birth planning with gestational diabetes.

• Supporting physiological labour. 

• Preparing for breastfeeding when you have gestational diabetes.

• Reducing the risk of low milk supply.

• Antenatal expressing and collecting colostrum.

• Early breastfeeding strategies to increase the likelihood of a succesful breastfeeding journey. 
   

Who this is for?

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This midwifery support is ideal for women who:

• Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes

• Want clear, evidence based guidance from a midwife

• Want to understand their birth options after a GDM diagnosis

• Feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online

• Would like extra support preparing for breastfeeding

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These appointments are suitable alongside both public and private maternity care and are designed to complement, not replace, your existing care team.

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Investment:

45 min phone or video appointment with Hannah - $139

Medicare rebate of $73-$109 applies for those who are currently pregnant with a valid medicare card. 

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