Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

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/workshop

00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

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.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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.

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

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]

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:

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

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?

You do not have to do this alone.

Your voice matters. Your choices matter. Your support system matters.

XO, 

Sara💗

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 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 🎁

You are doing an amazing job and you are not alone.

⏱ Episode Timeline

⚠️ Disclaimer

Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast! I'm Sara, a high-risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and a proud mama of two boys.

In this episode, I'm debunking common myths that hold us back from seeking the support we need during our GDM journeys. We dive deep into reasons like 'I can't afford it,' 'My blood sugars are fine,' 'It's just a few more weeks,' and so much more.

I also introduce you to the GDM Mama membership, designed to offer individualized, nurse-led guidance to empower you through your pregnancy and beyond. Join today and transform your experience from overwhelmed to empowered. https://gdmnurse.com/ 

00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

00:35 The Struggles of Seeking Support

01:02 Financial Concerns and Health Priorities

02:04 The Importance of Personalized Care

03:45 The Final Weeks of Pregnancy

04:19 Overcoming Overwhelm and Fatigue

04:45 Investing in Yourself

05:20 Introducing the GDM Mama Membership

05:56 Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions

07:41 The Limitations of Generic Advice

08:16 The Importance of Being Informed

08:58 Postpartum and Long-Term Health

09:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

10:10 Closing Remarks and Membership Invitation

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about your own health, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Listening to this podcast does not create a nurse–patient relationship. I am sharing from my experience as a high-risk OB nurse and labor & delivery nurse, but every mama’s body and pregnancy is unique. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

In this episode of the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast, I’m answering one of the most common questions pregnant mamas ask: Is insulin or metformin better for managing gestational diabetes?

We break down why GDM happens, how pregnancy hormones impact blood sugar, and why some mamas need medication even with perfect diet and lifestyle habits. I explain how insulin works, how metformin works, who each option is best for, and what real life care looks like in a high risk pregnancy setting.

If you feel confused about medication, nervous about starting insulin, or unsure whether metformin is safe in pregnancy, this episode will help you feel informed and confident. You will walk away understanding your options, how your provider decides what is best for you, and why needing medication is not a failure. It is a step toward protecting you and your baby.

Episode Breakdown:

Disclaimer:

Join our GDM MAMA membership for more support and a community of mamas just like YOU!

https://gdmnurse.com/ 

Come say hi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gestational.diabetes.nurse/ 

In this episode of the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast, I tackle, a high  tackle a frequently asked question: Do you have to be induced just because you have gestational diabetes?

I dive into the evidence (ACOG guidelines) and explain how individualized care plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. I also talk about  real stories from mamas who navigated induction decisions successfully and learn how to use the BRAIN acronym to make informed choices. Whether you're facing induction or considering waiting, this episode empowers you to understand your options and communicate effectively with your provider. Join the GDM Mama membership for more support and insights. Remember, you've got this mama, and I've got you.

00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

00:36 Do I Have to Be Induced with Gestational Diabetes?

01:12 Understanding ACOG Guidelines and Individualized Plans

02:20 Communicating with Your Provider About Induction

03:31 Real-Life Stories: Induction Decisions

05:36 Making Informed Choices for You and Your Baby

06:20 Support and Resources for GDM Mamas

08:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

ACOG:https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/07/medically-indicated-late-preterm-and-early-term-deliveries 

Birth better with Sara https://gdmnurse.com/childbirthclass

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about your own health, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Listening to this podcast does not create a nurse–patient relationship. I am sharing from my experience as a high-risk OB nurse and labor & delivery nurse, but every mama’s body and pregnancy is unique. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast.

In this episode, I’m joined by Aimee Shadrach, a registered nurse and certified integrative health practitioner who founded VBA Wellness to help women uncover the root causes of infertility.

Aimee shares her own fertility journey and how combining her clinical background with integrative health led to her signature program, The Blueprint to Fertility Mastery. Together, we talk about how insulin resistance, gut health, and nutrient imbalances can affect fertility. We also dive into the role of stress, diet, and mindset in hormone balance, as well as functional lab testing and personalized care plans to support conception.

Aimee also shares inspiring client stories that remind us how powerful it can be to truly understand and support your body.

Aimee Shadrach is a Registered Nurse, Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, and founder of VBA Wellness, where she helps women uncover the root causes of infertility and finally get pregnant, without the overwhelm of endless guessing. After her own fertility struggles, Aimee combined her clinical background with integrative health to create her signature program, The Blueprint to Fertility Mastery. She has guided dozens of women to conception by addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and lab-based root causes like insulin resistance, gut health, and nutrient imbalances. Aimee is currently pregnant herself and passionate about helping women feel empowered and hopeful on their fertility journey.

Connect with Aimee on Instagram → @aimee.vbawellness

Connect with Aimee → https://www.vbawellness.com/

Aimee’s digital toolkits are the foundational strategies she teaches inside her 1:1 program, now available in a self-paced format.

Cycle Sync Starter Kit

Fertility Food Generator

Hormone Helper Toolkit

Each resource gives practical, science-backed steps to balance hormones, support cycle health, and prepare the body for pregnancy.

Grab it here → 

https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4zpspJJgZcFLRH_xAWaVsrpmdyf80k7NE5dF5L4s3s0ZVvz_1aCdN8KJjfKBQiCKZw19BR3FA9R5VRt

If you’re navigating pregnancy with GDM or preparing for the next one, join our GDM mama membership. It’s the only nurse-led space for personalized guidance, recipes, blood sugar hacks, and birth prep support.

Join Today → https://gdmnurse.com/ 

Come say hi on Instagram → @gestational.diabetes.nurse

The information shared on The Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace professional medical care. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Listening to this podcast does not create a nurse–patient relationship. Every pregnancy and body is unique, so always seek individualized medical guidance.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

Understanding Non-Stress Tests, Biophysical Profiles, and Growth Scans for GDM Mamas

Welcome back to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast! I'm Sarah, your high-risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and mama of two boys. Today, I'm breaking down my role and experience to better prepare you for key tests that matter if you have gestational diabetes or are a high-risk mother.

We dive into the importance of Non-Stress Tests (NST), Biophysical Profiles (BPP), and growth ultrasounds.

Learn what these tests entail, why they're crucial, and how they can impact your care and delivery plans.

Plus, I share pro tips for your appointments to help you stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more. Hit subscribe, grab a GDM-friendly snack, and let's dive in!

Join our GDM MAMA membership for more support and a community of mamas just like YOU! https://gdmnurse.com/ 

Come say hi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gestational.diabetes.nurse/ 

ACOG: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/06/indications-for-outpatient-antenatal-fetal-surveillance 

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about your own health, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Listening to this podcast does not create a nurse–patient relationship. I am sharing from my experience as a high-risk OB nurse and labor & delivery nurse, but every mama’s body and pregnancy is unique. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

00:00 Introduction to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

00:36 Meet Your Host: Sarah's Background and Experience

02:16 Understanding Key Tests for High-Risk Pregnancies

03:57 Non-Stress Test (NST) Explained

08:08 Biophysical Profile (BPP) Overview

10:45 Growth Scans and Their Importance

13:15 Frequency and Interpretation of Tests

15:08 Advocating for Yourself and Final Thoughts