Gestational Diabetes

When I was diagnosed with diabetes it took me awhile to adjust and accept it. Pregnancy and a gestational diabetes diagnosis would be just as hard or even harder. It took me years to balance my eating and level of activity. For gestational diabetic’s, they are directed to change their diet and activity immediately for the safety of their child. There isn’t an adjustment period to reflect/ grieve/scream, which I assume can be challenging.

There are a lot of resources available on gestational diabetes, but I have yet seen them focus on the emotions/ feelings. It is stressful enough being pregnant but to add a new risky ailment to the party isn’t fun. The lifestyle changes are demanding at first but you eventually get used to it and become attuned to your body. Checking your glucose levels before and after you eat is exhausting and then making sure you eat enough (and the right things) , and exercise. It’s a juggling act!

There are some moms who don’t need to take insulin and then there are others who have to. I remember when I had to (prior to pregnancy) and it was such an emotional experience. Maybe it was because the reality sank in or that I was scared. Regardless, it’s a big deal and we (ahem..me) sometimes forget to give ourselves a break. Take it one day at a time and remember you’re not alone.

A Newborn And Diabetes

My sister recently commented that she was amazed at how much energy I have, considering that I have a baby and I am diabetic. (This is coming from my sister who is also diabetic and struggles with her energy levels.) It felt really nice to hear her acknowledgment. I don’t think we moms and diabetics give ourselves enough credit for everything we can accomplish in the day and when someone notices, you feel visible. (Thank you SAGS <B)

I told her there are days where I feel like a slug and I stay in my pj’s for the majority of the day. I try my best to keep a healthy diet and exercise because if I’m not healthy, I cannot be the best me/mommy. There are times where those PJ days are necessary because of the lack of sleep and lowered energy levels.

I told her those are the days where I stop and think about my intentions. I have found myself battling the “do it all” paradox that all mom’s face. I want a thriving career, to be the best mom, to be fit and healthy, to have a clean house, and to have dinner made before 6pm. Of course, all of these qualities are important to some, but for me, the most important quality is to be healthy. If I am healthy, then I can be the best mom. The rest may or may not follow suit. If not, I have the rest of my life to figure it out. For right now, it is my health and the care of my daughter that really matters.

The link below provided excellent tips at managing diabetes with a new baby. I found the key to success in anything we do is the relational component. We must involve our loved ones in things we may need help on. That way we aren’t always doing it all. Loved ones want to help, so let them.

Happy Women’s day!

 

http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/lifestyle/lifestyle/tips-for-managing-diabetes-with-a-new-baby