Anniversary request

Mon 30th Jun 2008 by Ben Palmer.

Four years ago today, a good mother died unnecessarily from an archaic illness. The world may not have noticed immediately, but the three year old boy crying in his bed, the six day old girl feeding in her father's arms and the grieving widower did.

Together the three of us have kicked, screamed and cried at more than one time or another, not necessarily in synchronisation.

We are now building a new life for ourselves but a few things haven't changed in the years that have past: we don't like what happened, we miss Jessica and we don't want another son, daughter or husband to live through what we have.

All three of us, to the extent of the understanding that we each have, want to do what we can to prevent another mother's death from childbed fever, but we need your help.

On this fourth anniversary, we would like you to tell four (or more) people, who don't already know, about Jessica's Trust, what childbed fever is and what the symptoms of childbed fever are.

Please ask them to do the same as well. Thank you.

Ben, Harry and Emily. x

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6 Responses

  1. leigh

    Ben,

    my thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. i have posted a message on a parents forum i am a member of telling them all about Jessicas trust and asking them to pass this message on.
    take care
    Leigh.x

  2. Ben Palmer

    Leigh, Thank you so much. Thank you for spreading the message as well; as ever your support is so valuable.

  3. Caitriona

    Hi Ben

    Thinking of you,Harry and Emily this week. I am with AIMS Ireland and so as a group we are actively involved in trying to create awareness to mums and families and service providers about all aspects of maternity care. On a more personal note, Group A strep postpartum infection is something I have personal experience of (thankfully caught in time as I mentioned before) and so I will continue to share with all, the devastating effects it can have. All those I refer to your website are truly shocked and saddened but are so thankful to be made aware of this cruel infection.
    Hope you are being "minded" this week.x

  4. Angie

    Hi Ben

    I read an article about you in the newspaper, and decided to visit the site.

    If I ever get the chance to I'll buy your book!

  5. Laura

    Hi Ben

    Just wanted to say I have just finished your book, I only got it yesterday and I have a 4 month old baby so this was quite an achievement (as I am sure you will understand). I was aware of your campaign before I gave birth to my son this year and made sure I was aware of all the symptoms of puerperal sepsis. Thankfully I was fine but I did have to remind the nurses on the ward to take my temp and BP ( I would never even have thought about this if it hadn't been for you). As for the book, what can I say...you are an inspiration. You told your story with such admirable honesty. Such a tragic loss of life. It made me cry but it also gave me hope. You were so honest about your problems but you cam through for the children. I am sure they love you so much

    Laura
    xxxxx

  6. Suzi

    I read the article in Pratical Parenting magazine and then came to your website. Words cannot express how I feel. I am off to post on a forum to highlight this to four friends and many more. I wish you and your children all you wish yourself.

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What is childbed fever?

Childbed fever is an infection of the womb in new mothers which can lead to septicaemia. If left untreated infection will cause organ failure and death - even in young, fit mothers.

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What are the symptoms? »
Information for parents »

What's the aim?

We would like every parent and every midwife and doctor to know that childbed fever is still a very real threat to a mother's life.

more »
Can I help? »

Who is Jessica?

Jessica Palmer was a Mum. She died in June 2004, at 34 years old, of childbed fever caused by Group A streptococcus.

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This website contains general information about childbed fever. The information is not complete or comprehensive. You should not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about childbed fever (or any other medical condition) you should consult your doctor or other healthcare provider; and if you think you may be suffering from childbed fever (or any other medical condition) you should seek immediately medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.