Labour and Delivery with Type 1 Diabetes and Self-Managed Pump Therapy
Insulet has paid a fee to engage Joanna as a content creator and has an ongoing commercial relationship with Joanna as a Sponsored Podvocate, however the views expressed in this testimonial are solely those of Joanna. This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.
A quarter of a century. That's how long it’s been since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D)! Through the highs and lows—both figuratively and literally—I've learned to adapt, take control, and rise above. Yet, nothing quite prepared me for the incredible journey of childbirth combined with the unique challenges of managing my T1D! This journey was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but I've learned that with the right tools and mindset, nothing’s impossible.
As soon as my partner and I found out that we were expecting, my number one focus was having a healthy pregnancy. For me, that involved diligent control of my glucose levels to ensure there were no complications to myself or my baby. Equipped with diabetes technology, such as my Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and the Omnipod DASH® System, I felt prepared.* I was grateful to be able to continue using them throughout my pregnancy, labour and delivery.
As I inched closer to my due date, I learned all that I could about self-managed pump therapy during labour and delivery—including the recommendation to keep glucose levels between 4.0 and 7.0 mmol/L.1 I already loved my Omnipod DASH for its tubeless convenience and customizable basal rates, and I knew these features would be helpful as I approached labour and delivery, too.
The standard protocol for most people living with type 1 diabetes is to induce labour around 38 weeks because there is a risk that the placenta can deteriorate if pregnancy continues to 40 weeks.2 On our scheduled induction day, my partner and I checked into the hospital for an inpatient induction and waited with anticipation for our child to join our lives. The experience was anxiety-inducing, emotional and life-changing! Here are some learnings from my labour and delivery experience with self-managed pump therapy.
Plan ahead!
Most people living with T1D are planners because it makes life with diabetes much easier. While not everything goes as planned during labour and delivery, it’s important to express any wishes of how you envision your birth experience and how diabetes management fits into that plan. In the later stages of my pregnancy, I made a birthing plan (prepared with my diabetes team) so we could all stay on the same page about my diabetes management both during and after the birth of my baby. It went into detail about my basal rates, insulin-to-carb ratios, target glucose levels during labour, and my desire to stay on self-managed pump therapy during my hospital stay.
Ready to simplify your life? Request a free Pod Experience Kit today!
Be your own advocate
When I checked into the hospital, I was quickly reminded that not all healthcare professionals are familiar with the intricacies of T1D and pregnancy. Be prepared to educate, and don't be afraid to voice your concerns. Years of living with T1D had equipped me with the knowledge and intuition that couldn’t be substituted.
Trust in technology
My Omnipod DASH and my CGM were invaluable tools throughout this time. Using them allowed me to make quick adjustments, which was especially crucial during unpredictable times like labour. My Omnipod DASH offered me freedom from multiple daily insulin injections, which I was especially grateful for during pregnancy. The ease with which I could increase or decrease insulin dosages was invaluable, especially when every second felt like an eternity!
Lean on your support partner
From healthcare professionals to family members, it takes a village to bring new life into the world. These people were my pillars when doubts crept in. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey! My partner took on the role of T1D co-pilot. I showed him how to use my Omnipod DASH, and he helped me make adjustments when I was too overwhelmed—it made all the difference!
Pack backups
Anticipating any potential challenges, my hospital bag was filled with not just the essentials for a new baby but also my T1D survival kit. Spare Pods for the Omnipod DASH, spare CGM supplies, backup insulin and snacks to manage low glucose levels were all by my side.
For T1D mothers-to-be reading this, know that you’re embarking on a beautiful, albeit challenging, journey. Equip yourself with the right tools, prepare extensively, trust in your intuition, and lean on your support system. You’ve managed T1D for years. Trust your instincts and knowledge. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed but remember that you have the resilience and strength to face life’s most significant challenges head-on. You’ve got this!