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home> birth stories> unexpected outcomes> a story about group b strep
By Melissa Richardson
I gave
birth to my third daughter on 17th October 2001. She was healthy and
beautiful. It wasn't until she was 7 days old that we realised just how
close we came to losing our precious baby. I had just finished feeding her
and she lay asleep in my arms. I looked down at her and noticed she was
blue. She had stopped breathing. My husband whisked my two older
daughters into the car along with my newborn baby and myself. By the time
we got to the car she had started breathing again. We rushed to the
hospital. When we were seen my doctor we were informed that she had group
b strep. I had never heard of the condition before and was a little
frightened. Every time she was moved she would scream in pain. I
couldn't understand why. The doctor explained to me it was part of the
symptoms of group b strep. My daughter was admitted to hospital overnight.
She was put on an IV drip, which was an experience I never wish to have again.
I couldn't stand listening to her scream as the doctor attempted to insert the
drip into her tiny little vein. I sat outside the room alone and crying.
Overnight she was put on oxygen as her oxygen levels dropped dramatically.
Early the next morning we were transported to another hospital about one hour
away as there was paediatric care available 24 hours a day. It had
all happened so fast. One minute I was feeding my baby, the next we were in a
strange hospital. My daughter and I spent the next 10 days in hospital.
She was eventually taken off the oxygen and IV and allowed home. She is now 6 months old and made a full recovery. One of the paediatricians looking after my daughter lost a baby to group b strep the day before my daughter was admitted to the same hospital. We feel so lucky that our daughter survived this horrible disease. It is now my mission to make sure that every pregnant woman is aware of group b strep and to encourage them to be tested in the later stages of their pregnancy.
Disclaimer The information contained on this website is of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. The information is not meant to replace the recommendations or advise of your midwife or doctor. Please consult your midwife or doctor regarding your health care. |
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