Introduction: Meet Kianna, a brave mother from Spartanburg, South Carolina, whose journey through pregnancy was transformed by the SC MOMs program. Her story highlights the critical role of coordinated, team-based care in managing maternal diabetes and ensuring healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.*
Kianna's Story: Twenty-seven weeks into her pregnancy, Kianna experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes that can cause stroke, heart attack and coma. This crisis led her to Prisma Health in Greenville, a partner in the SC MOMs management of maternal diabetes program offered as MOMs in Control. Kianna credits the program with saving her and her baby girl’s life.
"I needed the MOMs program in my life. It gave me the chance to learn to take care of my health properly and get in control of my diabetes," said Kianna. "They were partners in my health. They really listened to my concerns."
The SC MOMs Program: SC MOMs is based on a comprehensive medical model designed to support women with diabetes throughout their pregnancy. It integrates a team of specialists, including endocrinologists, obstetricians, diabetes educators and community health workers, to provide coordinated and patient-centered care. This approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are addressed, leading to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
Research shows that the SC MOMs program has reduced the rate of cesarean sections by 8% compared to women with diabetes not in the program.
Healthy Outcomes: Thanks to the SC MOMs program at Prisma Health Upstate, Kianna's pregnancy was easier and safer. Her baby girl was born healthy and happy, and Kianna learned valuable lifestyle choices to keep herself living healthy.
"Without the MOMs program, my child wouldn’t be here, and I might not be either," she reflected.
Conclusion: Kianna’s story shows the lifesaving impact of having proper care for diabetes during pregnancy. By providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, SC MOMs ensures that mothers with diabetes receive the support they need for a healthy pregnancy and beyond.
Learn more about SC MOMs.
*Kianna gave permission to DFSC to share her story for others to learn from her experience with the program.
