Maryland’s Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2017 - 7

gestational diabetes

include early delivery,

and works closely with

high blood pressure and

UM SJMC's Nutrition

a higher chance of needing

and Diabetes Center,"

a c-section."

Dr. Rossiter says.
"We teach patients to

Judith Rossiter, MD

Klapka says, "In addition
to Sarina's regular maternity

check their blood sugar

appointments with me,

four times a day. During

she, like all Women's Health

a consultation with a

Associates patients with

nutritional counselor, each

gestational diabetes, came

patient is provided with

to the Perinatal Center for

a machine to monitor her

consults, growth ultrasounds

blood sugar readings,

and nonstress tests."

which she then communi-

diabetes in addition to

According to her blood

a wide range of high-risk

sugars, we adjust her

pregnancies and stay

medications. Patients also

closely in touch with each

receive recommendations

patient's provider-both

about diet and lifestyle."

certified nurse midwives

ment of Obstetrics
and Gynecology at UM
SJMC, recently received
the Friend of Midwifery
Award from the American College of Nurse

and obstetricians. We have

to a planned twin c-section

EXPERT
GESTATIONAL
DIABETES
MANAGEMENT

over a vaginal twin birth in

"Gestational diabetes

the hands of an experienced

is a high-risk condition,"

WOMEN'S HEALTH
ASSOCIATES
DELIVERS

obstetrician, whether the

Dr. Rossiter explains.

"I am from Nepal,"

second twin is breech or not.

"Our goal is to keep the

says Shrestha. "With my

However, fewer obstetri-

mother's blood sugar in

first pregnancy, I didn't

cians are trained in breech

good control in an effort to

know anyone in Towson.

births these days. UM SJMC's

have a normal-sized baby.

The nurse midwives at

Perinatal Center has three

If the patient's blood sugar

Women's Health Associates

specialists who are experi-

is out of control, the baby

and Monique Klapka

enced in breech deliveries.

can grow too large, which

were so wonderful to me.

can create a higher risk

University of Maryland

for the excellent co-manage-

of birth injury, or the baby

St. Joseph Medical Center

ment of her gestational

may develop complications

is the number-one hospital.

diabetes by Klapka and

after delivery, such as low

The staff are so good

the Perinatal Center.

blood sugar or jaundice.

and caring. The midwife

Complications to the mother

care is like being cared for

of uncontrolled diabetes

by a loving friend."

Institute in Toronto, there
are no additional benefits

Shrestha was grateful

"The Perinatal Center
specializes in treating

Judith Rossiter, MD,
head of the Depart-

"We manage gestational

cates to the Perinatal Center.

DR. ROSSITER
RECEIVES THE
FRIEND OF
MIDWIFERY
AWARD

a large referral base," Dr.

Midwives, Maryland.
The award is designed
to highlight a non-mid-

Rossiter says.

wife professional who
has been supportive of
midwives and the midwifery profession.
Dr. Rossiter was
recognized for working
to ensure safe transport
of women between
midwifery practice and
hospitals, helping to
bring certified nurse
midwives to the table in
important discussions
regarding maternity
care in Maryland, and
championing evidencebased practices at
UM SJMC.

stjosephtowson.com | Spring 2017  7
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