No news would have been good news
Sun 6th Jan 2008 by Ben Palmer.There's been a fair bit of news recently (see here and here) about two poor mothers who gave birth on the same day, in the same hospital, and who both died within three days, just before Christmas. The coverage has focused on the fact that they both had a Group A Strep infection, and there has been much talk about infections (hospital and community acquired) and superbugs.
Luckily, it was acknowledged that GAS is not a superbug and that it is treatable. Unfortunately there was no mention of the fact that these two women died of Childbed/Puerperal Fever, and that it is a well documented and once much feared condition that should not be killing any more.
My heart goes out to these women and their families - how well Harry, Emily and I know their pain and confusion.
I have failed in my New Year's resolution to give up smoking (sorry, Harry) but am so far succeeding in my second - to tidy, sort and organise the house better. I also have a third: to step up the campaign to raise awareness of childbed fever. 2008 was always going to be a big year with the launch of my book, Friday's Child, in June but I want to make more noise and more of a difference than just that.
Thanks to a very kind person who has offered her professional help at no charge, I just may be able to. Many others have also offered to help, and I'm sure I'll be in touch.
January 7th, 2008 at 10:19
Hi Ben,
I saw these reports and didn't realise that the mothers had contracted childbed fever. It is so tragic and my heart is with both families.
As for your smoking, it is incredibly difficult to give up. Have you asked your GP for help? Apparently some of the newer prescription medications are very successful at helping to cut the cravings...
I can't wait to read your book when it's published. I'm so glad someone is helping to make your dream a reality.
January 8th, 2008 at 08:23
Hi Ben - I have posted a link to your Jessica's Trust website on the Winchester thread on Mumsnet.com - an invaluable resource for parents and parents-to-be. I hope lots of people see it.
Best wishes for 2008 for all the family,
Tamsin
January 8th, 2008 at 10:52
Hi again Ben,
Thought I'd let you know I've just added a link to Jessica's Trust on my new site BMums.com (a friendship and support network for mothers).
January 8th, 2008 at 11:03
Tamsin, many thanks for posting the link. I hope that this site will be useful, particularly in relation to any discussion of the poor women at Winchester
Sinead, thank you for the smoking advice - I'll ask my GP. Thank you to for your support and for the link. It's a great looking site.