Insulin Pump During Natural Childbirth
I know I have posted a similar post a few months ago, but as I get closer to my due date I was wondering if there are any new opinions/advice on the following:
I have type 1 and am on an insulin pump and CGM. I plan to have a natural birth (in a hospital), and want to prevent being hooked up to machines at ALL costs. The main reason for this is to be able to be mobile throughout labor in order to use walking, my birth ball, etc for pain management and to help move my labor along.
I feel VERY strongly about keeping my insulin pump on to avoid getting an insulin/glucose drip via an IV, as this will greatly reduce my mobility. Another reason for wanting to keep my pump on is that I have SO much more trust in myself and my OWN management of my disease than the nurses in a hospital, no matter how 'specialized' my OB insists they are. My Endo has said he 'recommends' the insulin/glucose drip, but I am certain that he is not used to diabetics wanting a natural childbirth. My husband is also very involved in my diabetes management, and can help monitor my blood sugars and knows how to set temporary basal rates, treat lows, bolus for highs, etc.
I would LOVE any advice/advice/input on any or all of the following questions:
Does anyone have experience wearing and insulin pump during labor and childbirth? If so I am curious to know how much were your insulin needs decreased due to the intensity of the labor, and how was the process of managing the lows? I know they say 'no eating' once you are admitted and in labor, but do glucose tablets count? Did you come prepared with a letter from your doctor stating that you could keep your pump on? How did the nurses and doctors at the hospital react? How were you able to convince your OB and/or Endo to get on board with you wanting to wear your pump instead of having an IV?
Thanks in advance :)
I have type 1 and am on an insulin pump and CGM. I plan to have a natural birth (in a hospital), and want to prevent being hooked up to machines at ALL costs. The main reason for this is to be able to be mobile throughout labor in order to use walking, my birth ball, etc for pain management and to help move my labor along.
I feel VERY strongly about keeping my insulin pump on to avoid getting an insulin/glucose drip via an IV, as this will greatly reduce my mobility. Another reason for wanting to keep my pump on is that I have SO much more trust in myself and my OWN management of my disease than the nurses in a hospital, no matter how 'specialized' my OB insists they are. My Endo has said he 'recommends' the insulin/glucose drip, but I am certain that he is not used to diabetics wanting a natural childbirth. My husband is also very involved in my diabetes management, and can help monitor my blood sugars and knows how to set temporary basal rates, treat lows, bolus for highs, etc.
I would LOVE any advice/advice/input on any or all of the following questions:
Does anyone have experience wearing and insulin pump during labor and childbirth? If so I am curious to know how much were your insulin needs decreased due to the intensity of the labor, and how was the process of managing the lows? I know they say 'no eating' once you are admitted and in labor, but do glucose tablets count? Did you come prepared with a letter from your doctor stating that you could keep your pump on? How did the nurses and doctors at the hospital react? How were you able to convince your OB and/or Endo to get on board with you wanting to wear your pump instead of having an IV?
Thanks in advance :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lauren on -
Great questions Hayley! I'm very early in my pregnancy, but I've been wondering the same thing. The thought of giving up control of my pump and cgm is very disturbing to me for a few reasons. I'm also curious as to how others have managed to keep their pumps and cgms on during labor and delivery. Logistically speaking, was it complicated? Did you find that you "forgot" or were unable to manage your own bg's and wished that someone else was doing it for you? Very curious...
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Permalink Reply by Gina on -
I'm not pregnant yet, but most of my docs encourage ALWAYS keeping your pump on, during surgery, etc, and as we know YOU as the patient are so much more knowledgeable to your needs and how to control your pump. That said, when my CDE had her children, she was hooked to a glucose pump/insulin drip, to handle the fluctuations, but having to go that route means someone else controlling your BG's. I mean, I'll admit I'm a control freak, but any time I've had to let hospital professionals handle my BG's (aside from dx at 14 when I knew nothing) the care/control has been terrible. If you want to keep your stuff on, I say fight for it! And if I can ever get pregnant I also feel confident in my husband helping out if necessary, so maybe that can be part of your argument? I mean, I don't know that they can make you go the other route (is that against the law?) but they sure as heck will fight to do so. Good luck, stick to your guns, congrats on your pregnancy, and your great A1C :)
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Permalink Reply by newtoheaven on -
I was always able to keep my insulin pump on, no questions asked. And I believe that candies like Lifesavers or even Jello should be OK. Have you done a birth plan? If you are apprehensive about the protocols and conditions in the hospital, definitely do a birth plan. Be sure to make it blunt and to the point, but don't make it look like a list of demands. The plan will just voice your preferences to the med staff and RNs. Get your OB to sign off on it after you have discussed it with him.
My endo has been very supportive of my decisions, so I'm not in the same boat as you on this one. However, I'm sure that your endo will not be at the birth. Plus, you can refuse consent to not having an IV drip. It is ultimately up to you. -
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