The language we use in maternity care has power. When supporting women living with diabetes, our words can either build confidence and trust—or unintentionally create anxiety, shame or stigma.

This webinar focuses on why language matters, how it impacts women’s experiences of care, and how midwives can use professional, supportive and empathetic communication to improve outcomes.

Language is never neutral. In healthcare, it influences:

• How safe women feel sharing concerns
• How confident they feel managing their condition
• How they view themselves during pregnancy

Terms that imply blame, failure or judgement, often unintentionally can increase distress. Person‑centred language helps shift the focus from “what’s wrong” to “how can we support you”.  As midwives or MSWs, we communicate not only clinical information, but compassion, understanding and respect

Learning outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the impact of language on women living with diabetes
• Use person‑centred, non‑judgemental language in clinical conversations
• Engage in more supportive discussions with women and colleagues
• Feel more confident and equipped when caring for women with diabetes

A useful recommended read before the webinar:

Application of continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery technologies for pregnant women with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes: an international consensus statement – The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology