Type 1 Diabetes Research Paper

For the purpose of this essay I will explore the aspects of Type I diabetes mellitus and the effect it has upon a woman and her midwife during the antenatal period. The question I intend to explore and answer is:
“What is the role of the midwife in the management of the woman whose pregnancy is complicated by Type I diabetes?”
The rationale for concentrating on this question is to address issues and concerns raised during a recent placement in an antenatal clinical setting. I intend to explore the true role of the midwife caring for a woman with Type I diabetes during the antenatal period and the role midwives play as part of the multidisciplinary team providing the care.

The World Health Organisation (2006) defines diabetes
The main aim of this framework is to “achieve a good outcome and experience of pregnancy and childbirth for women with pre-existing diabetes”. Mitchell (2000) explains that the main aim of antenatal care is to help the woman to maintain good diabetic control to contribute to the reduction of complications for the mother and fetus. The midwife’s role is to support and educate to empower the woman to take the initiative to achieve a good level of control. The existence of the medical condition must be recognised and acted upon accordingly, but the midwife can still provide a framework of continuity and normality, based on trust and understanding, within which the woman can retain control (Lindsay 2006). Aspects such as antenatal education, information on local support groups and preparation for breastfeeding should be addressed, giving the woman increased confidence both in her and in her abilities as a mother, joint decision making facilitate empowerment and control whilst still ensuring safety, a vital part of midwifery care (Page