The Truth About Gestational Diabetes Testing, Nutrition & Birth with Midwives, Bonnie Baker & Karina Robinson
Gestational diabetes is one of those topics that I think every pregnant mama needs to understand way before she ever gets to that 28 week test whether she thinks it applies to her or not.
And I could not be more excited about who I brought in to talk about it. Bonnie and Karina are midwives in Davis County, Utah, and some of my very closest birthy friends! You'll LOVE them!
Bonnie has been in birth work since 2014 and has been involved with nutrition over that time as well. Karina has had type one diabetes for over 35 years and lives this every single day.
Between the two of them, they know more about gestational diabetes than most providers you will ever sit across from. I hope this is one of the most helpful episode you hear on this topic!
Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode:
00:30 – Meet Bonnie and Karina. Hear their backgrounds, how we met, and why having Karina specifically on this topic is such a gift for every mama listening.
02:01 – What gestational diabetes actually is and why the relationship between the placenta and the pancreas getting into a fight during pregnancy is such a perfect way to describe it. 👀
03:31 – The difference between type one, type two, and gestational diabetes. This is explained in the most clear and accessible way. Plus the connection between PCOS and insulin resistance that most providers are not making for their mamas. 👀
07:46 – The testing conversation every pregnant mama needs to hear. Which tests Bonnie and Karina actually trust (which ones they do not) and why eating jelly beans or pancakes before your test is not the move (this is a good listen, because testing like this is something moms have wanted vs the glucola drink and they give good reason for how they test). 😅
12:15 – What the protocol actually looks like when someone tests positive and why Bonnie and Karina say that every single mama who has been compliant with their plan has had a wonderful outcome. Plus the real truth about carbs and gestational diabetes that most people are getting wrong.
17:30 – Going deeper on the placenta and pancreas and what is actually happening hormonally around 28 weeks. Hear why even a healthy pancreas can start struggling. Plus something about the health of dads that surprised me in this conversation. 👀
20:47 – The signs and symptoms most mamas do not know to look for and why gestational diabetes unfortunately does not always announce itself the way you might expect. What Bonnie and Karina watch for clinically that tells them something might be going on.
23:38 – What they say to the mama who eats really well, feels great, and does not think she needs to be tested. The risk factors for gestational diabetes are longer than most people realize and this section might change your mind. 👀
29:27 – The risks with bigger babies shoulder dystocia, increased cesarean rates, excess amniotic fluid, cord prolapse and what managed versus unmanaged gestational diabetes actually means for your birth options. 💪
33:44 – What Bonnie and Karina want every pregnant mama to know — including the postpartum screening that is in all the literature and almost nobody is doing. Plus the simplest thing you can do after every meal that has a real measurable effect on your blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes is manageable. It is not a sentence. And having the right information (and the right provider) makes all the difference.
Tune in and walk away knowing so much more than when you started. If you have follow up questions or feedback on this episode, share with me here: [email protected]!
Links & Resources
- Connect with David County Midwives on Instagram
- Learn more about Davis County Midwives
- My Essential Birth Course
- 3 FREE Exercise Guide
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