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.

I've been circumspect about what I've up to for a while, but after a very good meeting with my editor last night I can finally say what Project X is. I've written a book: Friday's Child, A Devastating Story of Love, Loss and Hope.

Six months after Jessica died I starting writing down what had happened to her and what it was like for us, so that Harry and Emily would one day have all of the facts in their hands. The thought of them knowing what happened to their mother breaks my heart, but it is their right, and I have always wanted them to know what they went through, when they are older. Already they don't fully remember.

To start with it wasn't going to be a real book - but as it developed, and as I told people that I was writing things down for the children, some of them suggested that it might have a wider appeal.

My reason for publishing is simple. The more people that read the full version of what happened in June 2004 and the years since, the less chance there is of it happening again.

Friday's Child will be published in June 2008.