Katie’s story: GDM twice, spontaneous birth, induction & why insulin isn’t the enemy

Please note: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss. In this first episode of our Gestie Stories series, Celia sits down with Katie - a mum of two and founder of Birth & Baby - to hear her honest experience with gestational diabetes across both of her pregnancies.From infertility and miscarriage to a highly medicalised pregnancy, Katie shares what it was like to receive a gestational diabetes diagnosis after everything she had already been through - and the emotional weight of feeling like it was somehow her fault, particularly following her gastric sleeve surgery.She also opens up about the shift from spiralling to finding routine, what helped her feel more supported, and how her experience evolved across her two pregnancies and birth experiences. If you’ve just been diagnosed, or you’re right in the middle of it, this episode is here to help you feel less alone.Link to full shownotes:https://heygestie.com/blogs/podcast/ep-7-katies-story-gdm-twice-spontaneous-birth-induction-and-why-insulin-isnt-the-enemyIf you’re in Australia and would like to hire a TENS machine for your birth, check out Birth & Baby:Website: https://www.birthandbaby.com.au/Instagram: @birthandbaby_auChapters00:00 Real mums, real stories01:08 Life before motherhood01:46 The decision to try for a baby02:23 When it doesn't happen easily03:24 Experiencing loss06:06 A complicated pregnancy begins07:08 The gestational diabetes diagnosis08:04 Gastric sleeve surgery & internalizing blame11:15 Health literacy as a hurdle12:39 When your partner doesn't know how to help13:50 From anxiety to daily rhythym14:18 Navigating other people’s opinions18:14 Finding relief in starting insulin18:54 A spontaneous first birth22:43 Labour encouragement methods23:35 An undiagnosed GD story25:12 Surprise! Baby no. 226:13 A shift in mindset28:47 Choosing an induction30:40 When baby's blood sugars are low31:31 The role of colostrum32:48 Katie's advice to newly diagnosed mums33:55 Advocating for yourself in medical settings