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CAMERON - USA
GBS Survivor Early-onset Mother's GBS Status: Unknown Gestational Age: 37 weeks and 1 day Age Harmed: 1 day old |
At 34 weeks, I was given my GBS test. My midwife at the Naval Base had given me what appeared like a long Q-Tip, and told me to "swab" myself. Perplexed, I questioned this, and she assured me I would be fine. I had been positive with my 1st son, and had read information which stated once positive, a mom should always be treated with subsequent pregnancies. (GBSI note: The CDC recommends that IV antibiotics during labor and delivery are recommended regardless of the mom's GBS status if she has given birth to a previous baby who has been infected by GBS disease. Otherwise women should be tested during each pregnancy.)
After 24 hrs of labor, I was finally admitted. During labor and delivery, I asked repeatedly to be placed on antibiotics, but was denied since my test results were "negative." Almost 20 hrs later, I gave birth to a 5lbs 4oz baby boy. He was so small, and was making odd breathing sounds.
Three hours after our son was delivered, he was admitted in the NICU, and began the fight of his life. A tube was placed down his throat to drain mucus from his stomach, and he was subjected to numerous tests, including a spinal tap. The test results came back POSITIVE for group B strep.
The next 2 weeks were a blur. Pumping at home, bringing my milk into the hospital. Talking to my little guy. Holding his hand, and begging him not to give up. I will never forget the long walk from my hospital room to the parking lot. I was carrying the diaper bag, and my husband was holding our empty baby carrier.
Day 14, we were allowed to take our son home. I believe the Lord healed our little boy, and after reading these stories on this website, I know we were so lucky and blessed. My heart goes out to the families who lost their precious babies to this terrible infection. Our son is now a healthy 8 yr old. I thank the Lord tremendously for sparing his life, but I want others to know the dangers.
The MIDWIFE should have been held accountable. The HOSPITAL should have LISTENED when I asked for antibiotics during delivery. Our voices MUST be heard.
Since my son, I have had 2 healthy baby boys. My 3rd was treated with antibiotics BEFORE, and AFTER delivery. My 4th was treated during labor, and watched carefully after birth, but showed no signs of Group B strep. My heart goes out to all of the families affected by GBS.
— Suzanne Hines, VA, USA
After 24 hrs of labor, I was finally admitted. During labor and delivery, I asked repeatedly to be placed on antibiotics, but was denied since my test results were "negative." Almost 20 hrs later, I gave birth to a 5lbs 4oz baby boy. He was so small, and was making odd breathing sounds.
Three hours after our son was delivered, he was admitted in the NICU, and began the fight of his life. A tube was placed down his throat to drain mucus from his stomach, and he was subjected to numerous tests, including a spinal tap. The test results came back POSITIVE for group B strep.
The next 2 weeks were a blur. Pumping at home, bringing my milk into the hospital. Talking to my little guy. Holding his hand, and begging him not to give up. I will never forget the long walk from my hospital room to the parking lot. I was carrying the diaper bag, and my husband was holding our empty baby carrier.
Day 14, we were allowed to take our son home. I believe the Lord healed our little boy, and after reading these stories on this website, I know we were so lucky and blessed. My heart goes out to the families who lost their precious babies to this terrible infection. Our son is now a healthy 8 yr old. I thank the Lord tremendously for sparing his life, but I want others to know the dangers.
The MIDWIFE should have been held accountable. The HOSPITAL should have LISTENED when I asked for antibiotics during delivery. Our voices MUST be heard.
Since my son, I have had 2 healthy baby boys. My 3rd was treated with antibiotics BEFORE, and AFTER delivery. My 4th was treated during labor, and watched carefully after birth, but showed no signs of Group B strep. My heart goes out to all of the families affected by GBS.
— Suzanne Hines, VA, USA
To learn more about Perinatal & GBS Misconceptions, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.