***the use of the word women is trans inclusionary always***
Gestational Diabetes: One Prick at a Time
is part documentary, part visual arts, part call to arms and part Sylvanian families soap opera!
The Film.
In late October 2020, we reached out to women in a callout that was shared in both English text and British Sign Language on social media, the Gestational Diabetes UK website and with contacts of the commissioner and supporting partners. We were blown away by the GD community’s enthusiasm- we received over 150 responses. It was clear women had a LOT to say and were passionate about supporting each other and those who were newly diagnosed! Health professionals were also invited to contribute to the research via a call out, and we interviewed a Perinatal Mental Health Midwife, a Diabetes Specialist Midwife, a Dietitian and a Diabetes Nurse Consultant.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES : ONE PRICK AT A TIME was commissioned by Kings College London research fellow and NHS psychiatrist Dr Claire Wilson from a fellowship funded by the MRC, with support from fellow King’s College London researcher Judith Parsons and Jo Paterson of Gestational Diabetes UK. The project is also supported by King’s Culture and the Mental Elf. You can find out more about Claire and her work https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/claire-wilson
The film is fully captioned, subtitled by Stagetext www.stagetext.org.
The Panel discussion
Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional information and support links regarding GD.
Gestational Diabetes One Prick At A Time
December 3rd 2020 8pm GMT
ONE PRICK AT A TIME was commissioned by Kings College London research fellow and NHS psychiatrist Dr Claire Wilson.
ONE PRICK AT A TIME puts the lived experiences of women who have and are living with GD front and centre. Amplifying their voices, experiences and questions in order to instigate radical conversations and actions concerning the support and care around Gestational Diabetes.
Anna-Maria and Jess aren’t mums and haven’t experienced GD but they are kick-ass artists who care passionately about women’s bodies and health. And who are ready to shake stuff up.
Thursday 3rd December 8pm marks the official launch and premiere screening of GESTATIONAL DIABETES: ONE PRICK AT A TIME, with a subsequent panel chat. So join Anna-Maria, Jess and their guests:
Dr Claire Wilson, commissioning research fellow and NHS psychiatrist
Jo Paterson, Founder of Gestational Diabetes UK
Women with lived experience of GD
& an NHS health professional
Event runs from 8-9pm and includes an introduction from the artists, the film premiere, a panel chat and Q&A.
[Image description: This is the promotional image for the event. A blue folder spattered and surrounded by a deep pink liquid. On the folder is written, ‘Gestational Diabetes, One Prick at a Time. ‘ In the top right corner of the folder is the King’s College London logo and the name Motherhoody. ]
GESTATIONAL DIABETES : ONE PRICK AT A TIME was commissioned by Kings College London research fellow and NHS psychiatrist Dr Claire Wilson from a fellowship funded by the MRC, with support from fellow King’s College London researcher Judith Parsons and Jo Paterson of Gestational Diabetes UK. The project is also supported by King’s Culture and the Mental Elf.
Jess and Anna-Maria have been collaborating for 3 years on a variety of projects with a focus on women -the use of the word women is trans inclusionary always.
Motherhoody was first commissioned as part of The Albany's REBELS, a season about politics, protest, breaking the mould and celebrating difference. 2019.
Anna-Maria and Jess are two women in their 30s facing a reproductive precipice; to try to become mothers or not?
The world tells us a lot of things about motherhood. But we don’t think we can trust the world anymore.
We want to talk directly to the people that matter: YOU
Women Wanted
We want to make space for female stories, Mothers, Mamas and Ma’s. Women with wombs, Women without wombs, Women who have had their wombs removed. Earth Mothers, Urban Mothers, Career Mothers, Mothers-To-Be and Childless Mothers. Women who don’t want to be mothers, Who can’t be Mothers, Women who decided not be Mothers. Village Mothers, Foster Mothers, Adoptive Mothers, Newbie Mothers, Old Time Mothers, Resentful Mothers, Happy Mothers, Sad Mothers, Tired Mothers, Mothers who don’t want to be referred to only as Mothers.
Motherhoody was a series of Free Workshops, space-making, story-sharing and listening.
We created a barrier free space with free crèche facilities, lunch and financial support to cover travel costs.
We made a zine from our conversations. Please drop me a line on my contact page to receive your free copy (free UK postage).
This project will be on the road again. Join our mailing list HERE to stay in touch.
Let’s smash it all open.
Start a conversation.
Interrogate the language.
The expectations.
Let’s listen, share and validate.
Useful Links - Gestational Diabetes UK
For further information on gestational diabetes diagnosis: Diagnosing gestational diabetes
For newly diagnosed mothers: Gestational diabetes diagnosis
Facebook support group for women with GD: Gestational Diabetes UK
Facebook page: Gestational Diabetes UK - Home
Instagram: Gestational Diabetes UK
Useful Links - mental health during pregnancy and the postnatal period
Tommy's Pregnancy Hub: Tommy’s, Mental Wellbeing
Association for Postnatal Illness: Postnatal Illness
PANDAS Foundation, Postnatal Depression Awareness and Support: PANDAS
Best Beginnings in collaboration with Banardo’s: Best Beginnings
International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy: IFWIP
If you live in the UK and are looking for extra support or advice urgently, there are a number of services you can approach
Talk to a health professional e.g your own GP, midwife or health visitor
Go to A&E at your local hospital
Call the emergency services on 999
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill)