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March 4, 2025 In Eleanor Clinic, Women's Health

GooD4Mum: Reducing the Onset of Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes

Eleanor Clinic is excited to participate in the GooD4Mum study, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. This study aims to reduce the risk of developing diabetes following gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through targeted interventions in general practice.

If You’ve Had Gestational Diabetes

If you have had GDM, you will receive an invitation for a check-up with your doctor at Eleanor Clinic. During this visit:

  • We will assess your general health and identify potential risk factors for diabetes.
  • If needed, we will arrange a blood test to monitor your condition.
  • You will also meet with our nurse to discuss further support for lifestyle changes.

 

Our nurse can refer you to a government-funded, free support program called Life. This program offers free sessions with an exercise physiologist and a dietitian to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. These sessions are free for women who have had GDM or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a fantastic initiative to support your health and well-being!
If you do not receive an invitation but are interested in participating, please call our friendly reception team to book your appointment.

The Risk of Diabetes After GDM

  • 1 in 5 women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Women with a history of GDM have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • It is recommended that women who have had GDM undergo a diabetes check-up and blood test every 1–3 years postpartum.

 

However, follow-up rates remain low.

  • Research suggests that lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Key Statistics

  • Over the next 10 years, more than 500,000 Australians are projected to develop GDM.
  • Of these, 60% are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10–20 years, and 5% may develop it within 6 months postpartum.

About the GooD4Mum Program

The GooD4Mum quality improvement (QI) collaborative program is designed to promote rapid changes in general practice, ensuring effective and timely interventions to manage and reduce diabetes risk after GDM.

More Information

January 24, 2025 In Eleanor Clinic, Women's Health

Support through parenthood at Eleanor Clinic

At Eleanor Clinic, we take pride in being part of your parenthood journey.

Whether you’re just starting to try for a family or already holding your little one in your arms, our team of compassionate doctors, nurses, and our midwife are here to support you every step of the way.

We understand that parenthood is a unique experience filled with moments of joy, love, and bonding. However, it can also bring its own set of challenges. From navigating the ups and downs of conception to the demands of caring for a newborn, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Our team is highly trained and deeply committed to helping parents through every phase of this incredible journey.

One common challenge during parenthood is sensory overload, which can affect both neurodiverse and neurotypical parents. Sensory overload occurs when your senses are overstimulated by things like noise, touch, or visual clutter, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing and managing this can make a significant difference in your well-being.

We’re grateful to @pandanational for their valuable resources, including an insightful article on managing sensory overload as a parent. One of their key suggestions is using ‘stimming’ techniques to help soothe your nervous system. Stimming involves repetitive actions that can redirect your energy and bring a sense of calm. Here are a few practical tips you can try:

  • Move your body: Rocking, swaying, dancing, or shaking can provide a soothing rhythm.
  • Make soothing sounds: Humming, singing, or creating repetitive noises can be calming.
  • Engage with touch or play: Use fidget or sensory tools, touch the grass, hold something warm or cold, or interact with soft or firm objects.

For more strategies, including sensory resets and self-soothing activities, we recommend reading the full article here: Managing Sensory Overload – PANDA.

Remember, seeking support early when you’re struggling is crucial. At Eleanor Clinic, we feel privileged to join you in the joys and challenges of parenthood, and we’re here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

December 16, 2018 In Eleanor Clinic, Women's Health

Emergency Contraception

By Dr Felicity Dent
Specialised Women’s Health General Practitioner

Editor’s note: This article focuses on emergency contraception. Eleanor Clinic offers advice on all forms of contraception and family planning, including Implanon, Copper IUD and Marina insertion. Please make an appointment with your Eleanor Clinic GP to discuss the most suitable option for you.

Emergency contraception, often called “the morning after pill”, is commonly used to prevent a woman becoming pregnant after unprotected sex.

But did you know that emergency contraception comes in different types?

Fast facts about emergency contraception:

  • 85-99% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy
  • Does not protect against STI’s
  • Is available as 2 different sorts of single use pill and also as the copper IUD
  • If you choose the copper IUD you will have ongoing contraceptive cover for 5-10 years
  • Works best if used as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 24 hours, butcan be used for up to 5 days

The emergency contraceptive pill is available in 2 types, both available over the counter from pharmacies at relatively low cost. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which is best for you. It works by preventing or delaying the ovaries releasing an egg, and it is around 85% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you have unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception you may need another dose.

Side effects from the emergency contraceptive pill are generally mild and might include: a change in your next period, nausea, headaches, bloating and tender breasts.

REMEMBER: if your period is very light or more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.

The emergency copper IUD is the most effective way of preventing unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex – it is 99% effective if used within 5 days. It also has the benefit of providing ongoing contraception for 5-10 years. An IUD is a small device that is inserted into the uterus by a trained professional, and it works by affecting sperm movement and making fertilisation of the egg unlikely.

In general copper IUDs can make future periods heavier and increase cramping, but there are other things to consider before making a decision – have a discussion with your doctor about whether an IUD is suitable for you.

We are generally able to insert copper IUDs at short notice at Eleanor Clinic.
Please contact our reception staff and let them know what you need.

For more information: