The Problem

DIAGNOSIS: GESTATIONAL DIABETES

When a woman gets diagnosed with gestational diabetes, her world changes instantly. She is thrown into a world with new terminology, new rules, and a lot of uncertainty. She has to completely and immediately adjust her eating habits and her daily routine, all while trying to figure out what this new diagnosis means for her and her baby. Pregnancy is a magical time, filled with beauty and love, and yet, when gestational diabetes is in the picture, the joy can get sucked out.

So many women diagnosed with gestational diabetes don’t get the level of care they need. They often find themselves overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed out. It’s unfortunately common to feel like your condition is mismanaged and that you’re on your own with no one to turn to. This lack of access to supportive care is exacerbated for orthodox Jewish women, who typically lack access to a Registered Dietitian experienced with gestational diabetes familiar with the Kosher diet and Frum lifestyle.

Most women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have 2 options:

Option #1: Hospital Diabetes Center

Women with gestational diabetes are often referred to the hospital, and they see a dietitian there. They learn the basics of their condition during their appointment but have minimum access to the dietitian for the duration of the pregnancy. The problem is that when questions arise and guidance is needed, there is no one to turn to. gestational diabetes is individualized and requires ongoing support that is ACCESSIBLE. Additionally, because hospital dietitians are typically unfamiliar with the Kosher diet and Frum lifestyle, Frum women are on their own trying to figure out how to apply the medical recommendations in a way that makes sense for them and their lifestyle. This can cause the women to experience mismanaged care, as well as unnecessary stress.

Option #2: General Dietitian Referral

Women may also be referred to a dietitian but who does not specialize in gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is unlike most medical conditions in that it varies greatly between woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy. Treating gestational diabetes requires highly specific training, professional experience, and a customized approach that is nuanced to each individual. Meeting with a dietitian who is not specialized in gestational diabetes can leave a woman feeling confused, disempowered and ultimately result in a mismanaged pregnancy.

But don’t worry! There is another way. Discover the Solution

“My dream for every woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes is that she is reassured that she will have a low-stress pregnacy and healthy baby, while receiving hand-held support through each step of the way.”

AHUVA KOHN
RDN Registered Dietitian Nutritionist