Welcome back to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast. I am Sarah, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and a mama of two boys.

In this episode, we talk about navigating events like holidays, family gatherings, and parties when you have gestational diabetes. These moments can feel stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally draining, especially when food choices, comments from others, and pressure are involved.

You will hear real life stories, practical tips you can actually use, and guidance on setting boundaries to protect both your blood sugars and your peace of mind. I also share specific advice for partners and support people so they know how to show up for you during events.

This episode is a reminder that you do not owe anyone an explanation. Your health, your baby, and your mental well being come first. Tune in for realistic strategies to stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more.

Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast 00:37 Navigating events with gestational diabetes 01:36 Common misconceptions about GDM at gatherings 02:42 Real life story and Thanksgiving challenges 03:30 Practical tips to prepare before events 05:15 How to communicate your needs to your partner 06:15 Support strategies for partners and family 07:24 Final thoughts and encouragement 07:45 Closing remarks and resources

Medical Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider, OB, midwife, or diabetes care team regarding your specific medical needs, blood sugar management, and pregnancy care. Every pregnancy and gestational diabetes journey is unique.

Come say hi on Instagram @gestational.diabetes.nurse for daily tips, real talk, and support from an experienced OB and labor and delivery nurse.

Grab your FREE GDM Nurse Guide for simple, evidence based guidance to help you feel more confident and supported during your pregnancy. https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource

Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast. I’m Sara Alayev, MSN, RN, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and a mama of two boys.

In this episode, we break down Hemoglobin A1C and its role in gestational diabetes. This lab is one of the most misunderstood parts of pregnancy, and I see mamas every week feeling scared, confused, or guilty because of it.

A normal or “perfect” A1C does not mean you cannot develop gestational diabetes. And having GDM does not mean you had diabetes before pregnancy. In this episode, I explain why and what actually matters more.

• What Hemoglobin A1C really measures

• Why A1C is not used to diagnose gestational diabetes

• How placental hormones increase insulin resistance during pregnancy

• Why blood sugar patterns matter more than one lab value

• When providers may check A1C in pregnancy and why

• Common myths that cause unnecessary fear and stress

• Practical ways to manage blood sugars without restriction or guilt

This episode is meant to help you understand your numbers, lower anxiety, and feel confident and supported during your pregnancy.

00:00 Introduction 00:34 What Hemoglobin A1C Measures 01:51 Why A1C Is Not Used to Diagnose GDM 02:35 Real Life Examples and Misconceptions 05:09 When and Why A1C Is Checked During Pregnancy 10:01 Why Steady Blood Sugars Matter 10:42 Empowerment and Support for Moms 11:05 Practical Blood Sugar Management Tips 11:51 Final Encouragement 12:39 Closing Remarks

If you are tired of generic advice and want clear, step by step support you can actually use, grab my GDM Bundle.

It includes:

• A 30 day GDM meal plan with snacks and a grocery list

• The Ultimate Fasting Blood Sugar Guide

• The Postpartum Blood Sugar Guide

This is my most trusted resource for mamas who want better blood sugar numbers without starving, stressing, or spiraling.

Grab it here: [INSERT LINK] Or DM me BUNDLE on Instagram @gestational.diabetes.nurse

This podcast is for education only. It is not medical advice and it does not replace care from your OB, midwife, or diabetes team. Every pregnancy is different, and what works for one mama may not be safe for another. Always talk with your provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or medication. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Welcome back to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast. I am your host, Sarah, and today’s episode is emotional, empowering, and packed with real life birth wisdom.

Today I am joined by Sarah Osborne, a birth doula, birth photographer, childbirth educator, and doula mentor based in the Pacific Northwest. She has supported over 900 families since 2008 and is deeply passionate about helping parents feel confident, supported, and ready for birth. She is a mom of three, fueled by coffee, good music, and a huge love for birth work. Her happy place is Disneyland Main Street with a Starbucks in hand ❤️

Follow Sarah here: @the.expert.doula @thebirthcollectivepnw www.theexpertdoula.com www.thebirthcollectivepnw.com

In this powerful episode, Sarah shares her personal journey through gestational diabetes, a traumatic birth, a high risk pregnancy, and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. We talk about true advocacy in the hospital, what it means to speak up for your care, and how life changing it can be to have a doula by your side.

This episode is for every mama who wants to feel informed, supported, and confident walking into birth.

00:00 Welcome 00:34 Meet Sarah Osborne 01:32 Becoming a doula 03:17 Traumatic birth 03:48 High risk pregnancy 05:20 Labor challenges 11:01 NICU and postpartum 13:36 Type 1 diabetes diagnosis 19:11 Advocacy for your family 23:14 Why doulas matter 28:00 Client birth story 37:59 Final advice 40:05 Outro

Grab the GDM Bundle for instant help with meals, fasting blood sugars, and postpartum support from a high risk OB and Labor and Delivery nurse.

📩 Have questions or want personal support? DM me on Instagram and I will message you back @gestational.diabetes.nurse

You do not have to do this alone.

Your voice matters. Your choices matter. Your support system matters. If this episode helped you, share it with another mama who needs this today.

XO,

Sara💗