Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor Postpartum To Support Your Wellness Journey
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and take action, I'll be compensated. Click here for my full disclaimer. Please note I used the Veri AP to personally help me gain more insight on my blood sugar spikes. I do not claim to help cure any condition or disease. I do not provide medical aid or nutrition advice for the purpose of health or disease nor do I claim to be doctors or dietitians. Any product recommendation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This article will outline my personal experience using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and the Veri AP to support my postpartum wellness journey. In it you will learn:
HOW CGMS ARE HELPFUL ON A POSTPARTUM JOURNEY
HOW POSTPARTUM DISRUPTS YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM WEARING A CGM POSTPARTUM
MY PERSONAL POSTPARTUM TIPS FOR STEADYING GLUCOSE LEVELS
RECOMMENDED POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS FOR KEEPING COMFORTABLE
Becoming a mom is an amazing experience, but it can also feel challenging at times. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and you may feel unusually tired, stressed, and/or overwhelmed. It can be hard to find time for yourself, let alone find time and energy to contribute to your overall health and wellness.
One way to become more conscious of your wellness habits is to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM is a small device that you wear on your arm. A CGM measures your blood sugar levels in real-time, so you can see how they are affected by different foods, activities, stress levels, and sleep, (or lack thereof).
HOW CGM’S ARE HELPFUL ON YOUR POSTPARTUM JOURNEY
CGMs can be helpful for new moms for a number of reasons. They can help you to:
Track your blood sugar levels so you can see how they are fluctuating throughout the day.
Identify patterns in your blood sugar levels that may be contributing to fatigue, cravings, or other challenges.
Make informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and medication.
Feel more conscious of your health and wellness.
If you are considering using a CGM postpartum, first talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if a CGM is right for you and recommend a specific device.
It’s important to remember that metabolic health is a spectrum. You may be somewhere different than I am on the spectrum. A CGM can help you better understand where you are on the spectrum and therefore make lifestyle decisions that are specific to you. In this article, I am discussing how using a CGM helped me specifically on my postpartum wellness journey.
HOW POSTPARTUM MAY DISRUPT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
There are a number of reasons why your blood sugar may be higher than normal while postpartum but the four I want to focus on four pillars of metabolic health: FOOD, EXERCISE, SLEEP, and STRESS.
FOOD CHANGES: When you’re postpartum it is natural that there are changes in what you’re eating. Changes in the way you eat cause changes in the way your body responds to food! For instance, if you’re recovering from birth itself, pumping, or breastfeeding, your output of calories are going to be higher and you’re body may desire more food to help fuel yourself.
EXERCISE CHANGES: When you are postpartum, your regular exercise routine may be disrupted or you may find yourself sitting for longer periods of time as you are breastfeeding. These simple changes can lead to higher blood sugar because you’re not using the glucose you normally would in your daily activity. I know when I spend all day in the car, it’s hard for me to hit the recommended 10,000 spikes
SLEEP DISRUPTION: The most obvious of all postpartum changes is the change in sleeping habits. Multiple studies have shown that repeated awakenings during the night, insufficient sleep, excessive sleep, and irregular sleep all promote glucose intolerance. Not only that, when you’re tired, your decision-making is affected and you might find yourself reaching for foods you don’t normally eat. (In my personal case, when I’m tired, I crave ice cream and my willpower is shot because I don’t have the energy or focus to override the craving.
STRESS: A new baby can be stressful. Whether it’s your first baby or your adding a new child to your family, there is a big change that happens and our minds often feel stressed when life changes. Here is an article that is more in-depth on the relationship between stress and glucose.
MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM WEARING A CGM POSTPARTUM
My biggest takeaway from wearing a CGM postpartum was that when I had steadier blood glucose levels, my mood and energy was far steadier than when I had major glucose spikes throughout the day. This takeaway alone was motivation behind me making lifestyle choices that helped steady my levels.
My personal TIPS TO HELP STEADY MY blood glucose POSTPARTUM
1. MANAGE STRESS LEVELS For me this meant limiting visitors right after I had the baby, taking time off of work right after the baby was born, saying yes to a lot less now that I have three children, asking for help and support when I needed it from trusted family and friends, and saying NO to things or people that added stress to my life.
2. EAT FOODS IN THE ORDER THAT IMPACTS BLOOD SUGAR THE LEAST Did you know there is a common order of eating that helps stabilize your blood sugar? The order is vegetables first, then protein and/or fats, and lastly carbs.
3. HYDRATE WITH WATER!! Staying hydrated with water helps curb cravings, keep glucose levels lower, and also keeps you from having to stop to use the restroom (which adds some movement to your day!). I avoid sugary drinks and alcohol while traveling as it can disrupt my sleep and my blood sugar levels.
4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your water bottle to sip on as you travel! Vinegar is known to help reduce blood glucose levels because the acetic acid in it slows down the rate at which the stomach empties food into your small intestine. This in turn slows the breakdown rate of any carbohydrates you eat giving your body more time to remove glucose from your blood and therefore reduces the spike you have after eating.
5. MOVE AFTER EATING I can’t stress the importance of moving after eating as it gives your body something to do with the glucose. Movement helps use the additional glucose in your body and lower your blood glucose level.
6. PRIORITIZE SLEEP. This helps manage stress levels as well. Here is how I do it.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every night. This helps establish your rhythm and makes falling asleep and getting up easier. For early postpartum, this was around 7:30 pm for me right after the baby went down for their first sleep. About a year postpartum I now consistently try to go to sleep between 9 and 9:45 pm
Find yourself the comfiest pajamas or postpartum clothes in the world. See below for recommended ones!
I utilize soft sound machines to minimize noise from outside of the room.
I pull all curtains and make my room as dark as possible
I put a little lavender essential on my wrist or feet before sleeping
SHOP MY RECOMMENDED POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS FOR KEEPING COMFORTABLE
Maternity leggings you will want to live in. Crafted in our soft organic cotton-spandex... [More]
Soft and silky to the touch, this lace bodice nightgown is flirty without compromising ... [More]
You will want to live in this Tencelâ„¢ dress. Not only is it comfy, stretchy and super... [More]
Soft and silky to the touch, this three piece pajama set is luxe without compromising c... [More]
Our Bamboo Rib Tanks are a must-have for your pregnancy and postpartum wardrobe. Made f... [More]
Our wirefree and hardware free sleep bra is made of the softest french terry modal. Des... [More]
Meet your new everyday tank. Our seamless tank smooths and flatters, while also providi... [More]
Soft and silky to the touch, this button front nightgown and robe set is cute without c... [More]
putting it all together
In addition to using a CGM, here is a summary of the things that helped me balance my glucose levels and ultimately feel better in my postpartum journey
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule.
Eating more greens and vegetables before my meals
Incorporating apple cider vinegar in my diet
Moving my body more regularly with walks, some light running, and general cleaning around the house
Managing stress levels and tending to my mental health by establishing boundaries, having a weekly journaling practice, taking time off social media, getting outside daily, taking walks with friends, and saying no to taking on more than I could handle at one time.
It is important to be patient with yourself as you are adjusting to life as a new mom. It takes time to find what works best for you and your body. Most importantly, if you are feeling less than good, don't be afraid to ask for help from your doctor, friends, or family.