The Diabetic Mama: March 2013

This is what it is.

When I was pregnant with my now 4 month old daughter, I could hardly find any worthwhile information or advice on pregnancy and Type 1 diabetes (except for basic to-dos and risks).

I wanted to create an outlet for myself to discuss parenting as a Type 1 diabetic, as well as a resource for others out there who may be having the same problem I had.

The majority of the information that I did find was cold, medical, and scientific. I wanted to know what I was facing on a personal level. I wanted to know the emotional, real-life experience of people who have done this, too. I tired of reading negative articles and searched for something positive that would let me know I could do this and feel good about it!

I didn't find much.

If this blog helps even one diabetic mama-to-be or mama out there, I'll consider it a great success.

From someone who has been through it and is willing to share the real deal - the good, the bad, and the beautiful -

happy reading.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Pump Therapy VS. Injections

Before you know anything else, know this:

OBGYNs are not trained to work with insulin pumps. That amazing creation that may make your diabetic life so much easier may be a hindrance during your pregnancy.

The perinatologists (special care doctors for high-risk pregnancies) don't like the pump much. They wouldn't work with me unless I switched to injections, with which we could enact a sliding scale.

I was already going through so many changes - physical, emotional, hormonal - I didn't think I could handle another big one. I haven't been on injections for 8 years.

We ended up with a great team, however. I began seeing a new endocrinologist in the same network (and conveniently same building!) as my OB, who was incredibly supportive.

This was helpful because my numbers were crazy. Bad numbers are always a worry but during pregnancy, it's not just your health anymore.

This creates a whole new dynamic for the type 1 diabetic.

Pregnancy is not easy. Pregnancy with diabetes is even harder.

But it's worth it.