Frequently Asked Questions
- Who's behind this website?
- Why do you call it Childbed Fever, not Puerperal Fever or Puerperal Sepsis?
- Are you trying to raise money?
- Are you party politically motivated or NHS bashing?
- Are you medically qualified?
- Aren't you just scaremongering?
- I have just had a baby, and feel unwell/ have a raised temperature/ vomiting/ diarrhoea/ a rash but I don't want to make a fuss, what should I do?
- I've spoken to my midwife who reassured me, but I still don't feel right. What should I do?
- I had a normal delivery. Isn't your advice a bit extreme?
-
Who's behind this website?
This site was created by Jessica Palmer's husband, Ben.
-
Why do you call it Childbed Fever, not Puerperal Fever or Puerperal Sepsis?
Because it's easier to say and more easily understood. Also, by using an old fashioned name for it, we want to highlight that it is not just an old fashioned illness. It is still with us in the modern day.
-
Are you trying to raise money?
No, at present we are not a charity, but hope to be granted charitable status in the near future ...
-
Are you party politically motivated or NHS bashing?
No, just saying it as it is. We'd like to see changes and are not concerned by how they come about.
-
Are you medically qualified?
No, just speaking from experience. If you need a medical opinion or are not sure if you do or not, please consult your GP or midwife.
-
Aren't you just scaremongering?
Hopefully not, that is not the intention. Incidence of Childbed Fever is relatively low, but when contracted, it can kill fast. Midwives and doctors do a fantastic job, but most have never seen a case, and if parents are aware of the symptoms, they can alert their midwife or GP and get treatment in time.
-
I have just had a baby, and feel unwell/ have a raised temperature/ vomiting/ diarrhoea/ a rash but I don't want to make a fuss, what should I do?
Make a fuss.
Tell your GP that you are worried about Childbed Fever, and insist on being seen. If they don't take your concerns seriously, go to your nearest A&E department and tell them that we sent you.Remember: you are your best advocate. You know yourself best. Having a baby isn't an illness so you shouldn't feel unwell (Tired, yes!). If you do there must be a reason. -
I've spoken to my midwife who reassured me, but I still don't feel right. What should I do?
Persist. Get a second opinion from your GP or hospital. If you feel unwell, they must give you a reason for your symptoms, and childbed fever must be considered.
-
I had a normal delivery. Isn't your advice a bit extreme?
If it is, nobody will mind. If it isn't, it could be too late. It was for Jessica, after her normal delivery; had she been re-admitted to hospital even six hours earlier, she might have had a fighting chance.
