Lesson 1: Reflecting on Your Health Journey

You rock, Mama! You've made so many changes in the past 6 months. Keep that momentum going to prevent type 2 diabetes. In this module, we'll celebrate your accomplishments, set new goals, and learn strategies for staying motivated. Join us at the 6-month mark, as you continue on your journey towards a healthier life for you and your little one.

Welcome to the "Stay Motivated to Prevent T2" series! We understand that maintaining a healthy lifestyle after giving birth can be challenging, especially if you've had gestational diabetes. This program is designed to help you stay motivated over the next six months to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Let's embark on this journey together, celebrating successes and overcoming challenges. Here's what to expect:

Learning Objectives:

  • Reflect on your progress since starting the program.

  • Explore the next steps in your health journey.

  • Set realistic goals for the next six months.

  • Discover ways to celebrate successes and cope with challenges.

Now, let's dive into the first session!

Reflecting on Your Progress:

As a new mom, staying healthy is crucial. Meet Marie, who faced similar challenges. After reaching her weight and activity goals, she felt a dip in motivation. Reflect on Marie's story and consider your own achievements since starting this program.

Marie’s Story

At Marie’s 6-week postpartum visit, she finds out that, due to the gestational diabetes and high blood pressure she experienced in pregnancy, she is at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. So she decides to eat right and get active. Marie works hard and sticks to her plan. As a result, she loses her pregnancy weight and hits her weight goal. She also hits her activity goal. Strangely enough, once she reaches her goals, Marie doesn’t feel quite as motivated. She starts sliding back to her old habits. Marie decides to take action. She thinks about how far she’s come. She sets a new weight goal. And she commits to her healthy lifestyle all over again. She even gets her husband to join her. Today, Marie is back to feeling motivated. She plans to live a long and healthy life.

Setting New Goals:

For the next six months, set clear activity and weight goals. Whether aiming to lose weight or maintain, personalize your plan to fit your postpartum journey.

Reflecting on Your Progress: A Personal Journey

Meet Marie, a new mom like you, navigating the challenges of postpartum life and staying healthy. Marie faced similar hurdles, reaching her weight and activity goals, yet feeling a dip in motivation. Take a moment to reflect on your unique journey. Celebrate the successes, big or small, that brought you to this point.

Setting New Goals: Nurturing a Healthier You

As a postpartum mama, consider your next steps. What are your goals for the next six months? Whether it's losing a few pounds or maintaining your current weight, tailor your plan to your postpartum reality. Celebrate the changes your body has undergone in order to bring new life into the world, and set realistic goals that align with your unique journey.

Embracing Adaptability: Your Personal Health Odyssey

Every health journey has its peaks and valleys. Marie's story reminds us that after reaching goals, it's okay to reassess and set new ones. Perhaps your progress has been slower than expected. It's time to adapt, building muscle, reassessing your tracking methods, or setting new milestones. Embrace the adaptability that makes your journey uniquely yours.

Sources of Inspiration:

To add more depth to your reflection, draw inspiration from credible sources like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and health publications. These sources provide valuable insights into managing health after gestational diabetes or other complications in pregnancy and offer evidence-based tips for staying motivated.

Closing Thoughts: Celebrate Your Unique Journey

As we wrap up this reflection session, remember that your health journey is a unique and powerful story. Celebrate your successes and embrace the challenges. You're not alone in this journey, and there's strength in every step you take. Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming sessions as we continue to support and celebrate your unique health odyssey.