Another diabetic U/C thread

[CoraT]

Hello all, I've been searching far and wide for any information I can gather. So any help would be appreciated. I read the other recent thread on U/C while being a diabetic, so I have an idea of the kinds of opinions here.

Anyways, I am Type 2, have been for ~3 years now, I am completely controlled, and non-medicated. I take no oral meds, and I take no insulin. Just diet and exercise.

I'm about 18 weeks already, and even though my old endocrinologist berated me for my views about natural pregnancy/birth while diabetic, I am still going strong. Around 8 weeks, she very curtly told me "well it doesn't matter what you think, because in a few days your glucose will be uncontrollable and you'll need to go on insulin". That was well over 10 weeks ago, and I've had ZERO issues.

Now in my province, we are severely lacking in midwifery care. There just simply isn't enough to go around, and since the new birth centre we had built is run by the same people, I am automatically risked out, because they just don't take diabetics.

My opinion, is that diabetes is not a black and white situation, and shouldn't be looked at as one. Especially in a case like mine where I am in control, I keep a very close eye on my glucose levels, and I'm having a complication free pregnancy, no medication, etc etc.

Well I am seeing an OB, and even though she came highly recommended, I'm finding the same kind of condescension from her, regarding my diabetes. She automatically thinks I don't take care of myself, and regardless of what I do, I will have to succumb to intervention. I disagree with this highly, and I don't see the need for my appointments to be completely about my blood sugar - when there is literally nothing to discuss! All I can do is smile & nod, and just try to change the subject.

My issue here, is I do not want to be pressured into induction measures, or be berated with "hospital policies" because frankly, I don't give a shit about their policies. Unless complications arise, my pregnancy should be treated like anyone else's.

I am very interested in an unassisted childbirth. PROVIDING no complications, and no uncontrollable glucose problems. I would even be comfortable with U/C even if I did have to go on a tiny bit of insulin for my fasting levels (as seen here: http://www.aims.org.uk/Journal/Vol12No4/diabetes.htm, it's completely possible). From the research I've done, it seems possible as long as I take the appropriate measures, my husband knows, and my two doulas know all about it/what to watch for/etc.

So how possible do YOU ladies think this situation would be? I know a hospital is not the end of the world, but I am afraid of having my rights tossed aside, and having my birth wishes ignored (like delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin immediately after birth, etc). Even though I'll have my husband and two doulas (one is a nurse, and will actually be a midwife in 2 years, and has agreed to help me have a home birth with my next child, so this is a huge plus in my opinion, for U/C) advocating for me, and I am stubborn as an OX.

Stress & confrontation get to me, pretty bad.. the main thing I want to avoid is having unnecessary confrontations my entire labour & delivery. Although I plan to labour at home as long as possible anyways.

So yeah! I understand some people here are just absolutely against diabetic U/C, and I understand why, so don't jump down my throat, please ;)

[Almi]

I honestly don't know anything about diabetes and UC, can you direct me to the thread you're referring to?

I agree though, that diabetes and GD should be taken on a case by case basis.  Not to mention you are taking excellent care of yourself and are having no problems.  To me that's like a women that is predisposed to pre-eclampsia taking good care of herself so her blood pressure doesn't get out of control.  She doesn't have pre-eclampsia until she lets it get out of control, basically.

Just my two cents, I'm not much help.