Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

Passed the Glucose Test… So Why GDM Now?

In this episode of the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast, I am breaking down something that catches so many moms off guard: a late diagnosis of gestational diabetes. I am Sara Alayev, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and mama of two, and I am walking you through why gestational diabetes can show up later in pregnancy, even if you passed the glucose test earlier. We talk about how this happens, what is actually going on in your body, and why a late diagnosis is more common than most providers explain. You will hear a real client story of a mom diagnosed at 35 weeks and what we focused on to support her physically and emotionally in those final weeks. I also share practical, realistic habits that support blood sugar balance in late pregnancy, including balanced meals, hydration, gentle movement, and stress reduction. These are habits that benefit every pregnant woman, not just those with GDM. If you have been diagnosed late, feel confused about your numbers, or are wondering how you could pass testing and still end up here, this episode is for you. My goal is for you to leave feeling informed, supported, and confident moving forward. 👇 Helpful Resources • Grab my free GDM Nurse Guide for simple blood sugar support, pregnancy tips, and next steps after diagnosis  https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource [https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource] Join my next free workshop where we talk through GDM without the overwhelm, including live teaching and Q&A https://gdmnurse.com/workshop [https://gdmnurse.com/workshop] Come say Hi on IG! https://www.instagram.com/gestational.diabetes.nurse/ [https://www.instagram.com/gestational.diabetes.nurse/]  Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast 00:35 Why gestational diabetes can be diagnosed late 03:26 Real client story: diagnosed with GDM at 35 weeks 05:51 Healthy habits that support blood sugar in late pregnancy 08:01 Final thoughts and encouragement for mamas Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or medical team regarding your individual care, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Episode 12: Navigating Events with Gestational Diabetes: Holiday, Party, and Family Gathering Tips

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 [https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource]

Understanding Hemoglobin A1C and Gestational Diabetes: Myths and Facts

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. In this episode, you will learn: * 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. Episode Timestamps 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 Grab the GDM Bundle 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 Medical Disclaimer 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.

Empower Your Birth: Insights from The Expert Doula with GDM Experience

🎙 Navigating High Risk Pregnancies and Advocacy with Sarah Osborne 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 [http://www.theexpertdoula.com] www.thebirthcollectivepnw.com [http://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. ⏱ Quick Episode Breakdown 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 💗 Need GDM Support Right Now? 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💗

Episode 9: Navigating the Holidays with GDM: Tips for a Joyful Season

Hey mama 👋 If you’re worried about managing gestational diabetes during the holidays, this episode will help you stay confident and calm while still enjoying every celebration. I’m sharing simple tips to keep blood sugar levels stable, support a healthy pregnancy, and avoid feeling restricted around holiday food. You’ll learn: ✨ The hydration trick that supports steady blood sugar 🍽 How to build a balanced holiday plate for gestational diabetes 🥗 Smart dishes to bring to holiday parties 💃 Fun ways to keep moving after meals to lower glucose 🍰 How to enjoy holiday desserts without guilt or spikes 📈 What to do if your blood sugar is high 💛 Self compassion strategies for mental and emotional support with GDM The goal is joy not fear. You deserve a holiday filled with comfort and connection while still protecting your baby and your health. If you want more guidance, the GDM Bundle is on sale this week 🎁 👉 https://learn.gdmnurse.com/home [https://learn.gdmnurse.com/home] Use code blackfriday for 50% OFF You are doing an amazing job and you are not alone. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast 00:37 Navigating holiday stress with gestational diabetes 01:23 Hydration tips for stabilizing blood sugar 02:12 How to balance your plate during holiday meals 04:09 Bringing safe dishes to holiday parties 05:00 Movement after meals for lowering glucose 05:47 Choosing holiday indulgences wisely 06:50 What to do if blood sugar spikes 08:21 Why you should not skip meals 08:53 Grace and self compassion during the holidays 09:38 Final tips and resources ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for education only and not medical advice. Always follow your OB, MFM, endocrinologist, or healthcare provider for your personal medical care