Ep. 355: Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Testing, Risks, and Management with Midwife Melissa Chappell

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses one of the most requested topics, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), with midwife Melissa Chappell. Melissa, who owns Utah Birth Suites and founded Songbird Maternity, offers a holistic view on women's health and is a staunch advocate for informed consent and patient autonomy. The conversation dives deep into what GDM is, how it occurs, the importance of testing, and why the typical 50-gram glucose challenge may not always reflect reality. The duo also covers alternative testing methods, including continuous glucose monitoring, diet and exercise's role, and the impact of GDM on the baby. Melissa sheds light on the myths and truths about GDM, the implications of controlled versus uncontrolled GDM, and the risks associated with traditional medical practices, such as induction. Listeners will walk away feeling informed and empowered to engage in confident discussions with their healthcare providers. Tune in to get evidence-based insights, especially focusing on holistic and patient-centered care approaches for managing gestational diabetes.

00:00 Introduction to Gestational Diabetes

01:27 Meet Our Expert Guest: Melissa Chappell

02:33 Understanding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

03:03 Testing and Alternatives for Gestational Diabetes

03:53 Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Mother and Baby

10:16 Historical Perspective and Current Statistics

12:42 Challenges with Current Testing Methods

16:26 Managing Gestational Diabetes: Diet and Monitoring

24:07 Risks and Misconceptions about Big Babies

31:37 Pitocin Use and Its Implications

39:13 Increased Medical Interventions in Pregnancy

40:17 The Impact of Glucose Restriction on Babies

42:31 Research Findings on Blood Glucose Thresholds

44:24 Managing Gestational Diabetes with Diet and Exercise

48:50 Alternative Testing Methods for Gestational Diabetes

01:00:06 Understanding HbA1c and Its Limitations

01:08:04 Postpartum Care for Babies of Gestational Diabetic Mothers

01:12:42 Connecting with Melissa and Doula Training Opportunities

01:14:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, and as well is a doula trainer of over 22 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She is the mother of 4 children and 4 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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Connect with Melissa on IG

Connect with Melissa and her daughter on YouTube!

BIRTH EDUCATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Lily Nichols: Real Food in Pregnancy

Use code HeHe to sign up for doula education and 25% off the Birth Education Library with Melissa at https://www.melissachappell.com/

RESEARCH:

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/web/cochrane/content?templateType=full&urlTitle=/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012394.pub3&doi=10.1002/14651858.CD012394.pub3&type=cdsr&contentLanguage=

https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-05779-z

Gestational diabetes and the risk of late stillbirth: a case-control study from England, UK - PubMed

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/web/cochrane/content?templateType=full&urlTitle=/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011624.pub3&doi=10.1002/14651858.CD011624.pub3&type=cdsr&contentLanguage=

Big Babies: the risk of care provider fear | Dr Rachel Reed