Your say
Although this site, campaign and petition is because of and in memory of Jessica, it is for the benefit of future Mums like her. These are just a few of the things that people have said and emailed since this campaign started.
"I am an Independent Midwife, a supervisor of midwives and writer. I am just emailing you to offer any support, advice or help for your very important campaign. Thankyou for doing such important work. It will make a difference." LA
"I too had a Group A Strep infection in the uterus after the birth of my second baby. It was only by citing Jessica's death that I was "allowed" to come in and get started on necessary intravenous antibiotics." KG
"Through tears I have passed this on to everyone I know. Good luck with it." JS
"This horrible disease killed my grandmother nearly 100 years ago. I didn't realise it was still a problem. Sorry for your loss." TB
Please continue to have your say, in the comments below.
June 10th, 2007 at 20:36
I feel very moved by Jessica's story and the work you are doing. It is extremely valuable.
I myself was very ill with puerperal sepsis. I was admitted to hospital two days after giving birth, with symptoms similar to Jessica's and ended up spending two weeks there, ten of which were in ICU. Two midwives had visited me the day after I'd given birth and had attributed my pain to after pains and had not taken me seriously. They didn't even examine me. Luckily a Dr came out the next day and recognised the signs of sepsis. I'm so sorry that nobody took Jessica seriously. I will write to the Chief Exec of the hopsital as I feel strongly awareness needs to be raised among midwives.
I have a background in advocacy and campaigning for women's health, albeit in developing countries, if there is anything I can do, please let me know.
June 10th, 2007 at 21:14
Thank you for your very moving comment. It is always a relief to hear stories, like yours, of women who have survived Puerperal Sepsis, but the number that I have heard shows that even a slight slip below current awareness within maternity care could have tragic consequences. I would certainly love your help and will let you know.
July 5th, 2007 at 09:28
Hello
Great book. I just want to say what a fantastic thing you are doing! Good luck!
G'night
July 5th, 2007 at 12:33
hello, i was saddened to read about Jessica and pray that dad and kids are well. i have a website called http://www.parentpages.co.uk and you can have a free listing on the site in the appropriate section. if you can provide 100 words and logo i will add them with a link to this site. i can also add an article to our articles section if you have one ready.
regards,
wendy blair
020 8325 2250
July 5th, 2007 at 13:19
Dear Wendy,
That's fantastically kind of you, I'll put some stuff together this afternoon and email you back.
Thank you so much.
Best wishes
Ben
July 8th, 2007 at 20:38
just wondering if you could tell me the time from having the child to getting child bed fever is it hours weeks or even months.i have never heard of this before and i am very glad i came across your website
July 8th, 2007 at 21:05
Hi Lianne
You must understand that I'm not medically qualified, but the symptoms can show anytime between a few hours and a few weeks after birth. The important thing is to see a doctor as soon as you feel unwell, as childbed fever/puerperal sepsis can be easily treated with antibiotics if recognised quickly enough.
Best wishes,
Ben
July 12th, 2007 at 11:53
Hi Ben,
You are doing a fabulous job of raising awareness!
I wish you and your children the very best.
I would like to add Jessicas Trust to my links page, is that okay?
Kindest Regards,
Emma.
July 12th, 2007 at 12:14
Hi Emma
Thank you so much for your support. A link from your site would be hugely appreciated, thank you again!
Best wishes
Ben
July 20th, 2007 at 11:15
Such a terrible loss, I fully support your petition. I too was very poorly after my cesarean section with my first child, I was luck that they managed to pick up the signs on day 4, so was treated. I worry is for those mums that go home, especially after surgery and these vital symtoms go un noticed. I will send info to all my colleuges, xx
July 20th, 2007 at 18:06
I have a little boy of 6 months and can only imagine the pain of what you and your children have had to go through the last few years. My prayers go with you and your hard work to make this condition recognised properly. I will pass this on to everyone i know xx
July 21st, 2007 at 23:10
I am so sorry for your loss. I too was diagnosed with this after the birth of my 2nd baby. It went on for a little while with my community midwife dismissing my symptoms and signing me off. I got so ill and was in so much pain, I rang NHS Direct who advised me to go to a&e. Thank goodness I did. They immediately gave me intravenous antibiotics and kept me in hospital for 5 days until my infection had gone. I was lucky and it was only after when a doctor asked me if I realised how ill I had been it dawned on me how serious it was. Looking at your list of symptoms, I could say yes to nearly every one and yet my community midwife still signed me off. I am a classic example of why the NHS needs to tell their staff what to look out for. Well done and you are an amazing person for doing all this good work and helping women like me. Thank you.
July 21st, 2007 at 23:50
Charlotte, Annmarie
Thank you for your support. It means so much to hear from other mothers and get such messages.
Kathryn,
Thank you for leaving your comment. Your story really touched me as it spoke of so many similarities with Jessica's. I am so glad you were given the advice to go to A&E; Jessica was just prescribed pain killers.
Thank you also for signing the petition. I am determined to get attitudes changed and midwives properly trained. If I can get enough signatures this will really help - please spread the word about the petition!
Very best wishes to you all
Ben
July 22nd, 2007 at 11:59
Ben,
What a positive, generous and determined person you must be. I'm blown away by the quality of this website and how much dedication has gone into it. I've signed the petition and I'm passing on the link to my friends. Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention.
July 27th, 2007 at 23:33
As a former resident of Southfields and a mother who also gave birth at Kingston, I instantly recognised the comments you made in your evocative article in the Daily Mail. It was a very moving article and touched me directly.
You highlighted, through unfortunate necessity, the risks many mothers from the area go through and the lack of control and ultimate responsibility for a new mother.
Thanks you for your efforts.
Andrea Hodson
August 3rd, 2007 at 17:30
I've written a post for my blog which will be published on Monday morning, 6th August 2007, to try to help highlight your story. I hope it helps make a few more families aware of Childbed Fever.
August 3rd, 2007 at 17:37
Sinead,
Thank you so much for your support and help - I look forward to reading your blog on Monday! Ben
August 3rd, 2007 at 17:42
Kate, thank you so much, I'm rather embarrassed reading your kind words - I just feel I do what I can. I do what Jessica can't. Thank you for helping to spread the word - it really matters. Ben
August 3rd, 2007 at 17:49
Hi Ben,
I've signed the petition and have also written a blog post to help increase awareness of this terrible illness. (It will be posted on Monday 6th August 2007 as Mondays are one of my busiest days for site visitors.)
I'll also pass the story around the networking sites I visit regularly as they are all mum sites.
I think what you are doing is amazing and I'm sure your wife would be so proud of you...
Thank you for sharing your story. I have no doubt it will save many mothers and fathers from going through what you have had to.
God Bless.
August 7th, 2007 at 09:40
Dear Ben,
I have read yours, your children's and Jessica's story and I find it beyond words that things like this happen when they could be prevented. Your children will be so proud of you, for the dedication and devotion you continue to show their mummy and the support and strength it is clear you give them and will undoubtably continue to do.
August 9th, 2007 at 17:33
hi ben,
my 17yr old niece has just given birth and her baby has just been diagnosed with group b strep. whilst in nicu visiting her baby, my niece became ill. last night she herself was rushed to icu (she was classed as critical). today the doctors have said she has GROUP A STREP (Childbed Fever). this is due to the stitches in her womb coming undone and causing an infection. she now has to have an operation to try and sort things out.
i have signed the petition as i think more should be done so that people are aware of this illness.
August 9th, 2007 at 20:01
Dear Ben - I have just read your story and feel so sad that this could have been prevented yet you have done something so positive in memory of your beautiful wife. I have a 5 month old baby and the job is so hard at the best of times but I know everything you do for those children Jessica would thank you for.I hope one day to be fortunate enough to have another child and had no idea about this terrible illness. From your work I would be so much more aware now.
August 9th, 2007 at 23:58
Sinead, thank you again for your blog post, and for helping to spread the word, help is so important - I can't do it all alone, and parents need to be aware.
Georgina and Yvonne, thank you so much - I just try to do what I can, and my love for my family is certainly pivotal in this. I hope you have all the beautiful children you wish for, Yvonne. They are indeed hard work, but the reward of their love more than pays for it all! x
August 10th, 2007 at 12:17
Lesley, I can't believe the double bad luck of this double infection, especially as one does not lead from the other. I hope both mother and baby are making a speedy recovery, and will be thinking of you all. Thank you for sharing your story, and for supporting the petition - the more people that do, the better its effect will be.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:49
Where I live in the UK they have cut right back on anti-natal/post natal care. They have compleatly closed our child birthing unit and are closing our hospital. I recently had a fourth baby and came to realise how down the scale the care has fallen. I had to travel a long way to deliver my baby and my husband had only just passed his driving test. I had to go into hospital far too early since I was afraid to travel such a long way in full blown labour. My comment is, when I was discharged I only had a visit from one midwife during the 10 days you are supposed to be under their care, and I did not see this midwife for two days after the birth of my baby. I was experiancing great swelling on my legs and ankles but still nobody would come out to see me.This I have learned could be the first sign of a blood clot; fortunatly for me it was not otherwise I would not be writing this and my baby is three months old now.
It seems our country are spend spend spend on arms and foreign wars that mean nothing, but for the sake of greed but will rapidly terminate vital health care.
August 19th, 2007 at 12:26
Susanna, this is indeed a shocking story. Until there are enough midwives to look after mothers properly, and fulfil the empty promises made, there are going to be more and more stories like yours, and that can only lead to more tragedy. I'm glad you and your baby are well.
August 21st, 2007 at 14:29
my sons nearly 6months old, since his birth im having alot of abdominal pain. my doctor saya i might have IBS after reading this im now worried about me and my child.what do you think i should do?
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:19
Above all else, you must talk to your GP about any concerns you have. Given the time since your son's birth it may be that sepsis is unlikely, but do raise your concerns, if only so that your doctor can put your mind at rest. I hope you feel better soon, whatever it is.
August 24th, 2007 at 06:08
I was just went on reading the text. It's so overwhelming. Kudos to u for the awareness job u hav done. It can save many lives n Restore children with their loving mothers!!
August 27th, 2007 at 23:59
My baby was born well @ 34+6 days. He deteriorated at 5 hours of age & then fought for his life in NICU with Strep A pneumonia & septicemia for 2 weeks. Now fit and well thankfully. At the same time, I complained frequently of fever & abdominal pain which was repeatedly overlooked & blamed on afterpains and hormones! I then collapsed on day 10 requiring indusrial strength IV Clindamycin - also Strep A. This was so predictable, why did everyone ignore my concerns??
August 28th, 2007 at 10:32
Clare, this is a horrendous story, and a miracle that you are both well. Thank you for sharing it. This just goes to show how little mothers seem to be valued.
August 28th, 2007 at 18:08
I contracted puepural fever when my first child was born - I was taken to an Isolation hspital, my baby was left at home - then sent to the children's ward at the local hospital. He died thee at five weeks, I was only allowed to see him once before he died- I think he faded away - no bonding - this is a cruel disease and shold e stampd out NOW
August 29th, 2007 at 11:38
I am so sorry for your loss.
It is indeed a cruel disease, and one for which there is no need. If its continued threat was properly acknowledged, it needn't take more lives.
September 6th, 2007 at 14:49
Ben
Have just been looking at Wikipedia's website and wondering why you don't attach a link from the Puerperal Fever Wikipeida page to Jessicastrust.org.uk. You've got so much more info and commentary on this site. Anyone surfing for childbed fever (who isn't a doctor I guess) would probably benefit from navigating to this site.
Just a thought.
Tom
September 6th, 2007 at 18:54
Thanks Tom, a good idea! Ben
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerperal_fever#Modern_Occurrence
September 9th, 2007 at 19:21
I was fortunate not to have this dreaded disease during the delivery of my son. However, I cannot help noting the symptoms being much like those I have frequently suffered with strep throat. I actually became septic once due to an untreated bout with strep throat. These bacteria are nothing to be taken lightly, and we must all remember to wash our hands!
September 12th, 2007 at 17:44
I am currently reading I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles and there are so many cases of this fever causing the untimely deaths of women in that era. I can understand the unsanitary conditions of the 1500s but in this day and age I cannot believe it could happen. You are right- there should be unity b/t the doctors and nurses and midwives caring for these young mothers. Without communication there is no ability to find the answers. Your beautiful wife knew she was ailing and tried repeatedly to get assistance. I pray for you and your lovely family- for peace, love and hope. You are such a strong brave man and I wish you every happiness and success. I am so proud that you have taken such action and made such a difference for so many women. Thank you.
September 12th, 2007 at 23:19
That mothers are still dying of this archaic disease beggars belief. I'm grateful for your support and kind words, but I don't feel strong or brave. I do what I have to do and constantly wish I could do more. If I really can make a difference then it will be worth it, and Jessica would be glad of that. None of us would want her death to have been in vain.
September 13th, 2007 at 14:56
I would like you to know that I have told all my friends and family about your website and the fever. No one had even heard of it! One of my best friends is pregnant with her second child and I told her about the symptoms. She had never heard of it either! Just think how many people you are enlightening in the face of such a dark evil. You have made such a difference in our lives and we gratefully thank you. I will do whatever I can to promote your website. My heart is with you and your lovely children.
September 14th, 2007 at 21:05
i think that this story is well sad...im only 12 years old but i fully understand...i hope the kids will have a fun and happy life and i hope they will will remember there mother and just listen to the stories about her so they can find out what a wonderful woman she must have been...and also brave..my heart goes out to her family x
September 18th, 2007 at 12:59
Hi Ben, I just received an e-mail tonight with a link to your website. This is enlightening for me. 2 weeks after the birth of my twins I was nursing when my whole body started to shake uncontrollably. I had felt unwell/tired for a couple of days and had a high fever all that day. My husband called the ambulance and at 11pm at night I was admitted to hospital. The X-rays showed swelling around my caesarean scar. The young doctor put me on antibiotics intraveneously and was in contact with my obstertrician. Next day I was released from hospital and felt 100% again. On a follow-up visit with my doctor the next week he just said it's quite normal to have swelling around your scar especially mine because they had to cut across some muscles to get the 2nd twin out. He said my very high fever which caused my shaking was most likely due to mastitis (which I showed no symptoms of). I walked away doubting his opinion and never really knowing what may of happened until today. Thank-you Ben for putting this info out there. I will be passing it on.
September 18th, 2007 at 19:04
I have just found your site and was very moved by your story. You sound like a wonderful Dad.
The aftermath of the birth of my son was traumatic, although it does have a happy ending. I went into spontaneous labour at 34 weeks into my pregnancy and just managed to make it to the hospital in time before he was born. He struggled to breath and was taken to the intensive care unit. I was then left for six hours, despite repeated attempts to summon a midwife or nurse, none came. My husband helped me to have a shower and I discharged myself from hospital. I was told on signing my discharge sheet to return the next day for my postnatal check but was turned away when I tried to do this because they were 'too busy to see me'.
I was absolutely appalled by the treatment I received.
I wholeheartedly support your campaign for better care.
September 18th, 2007 at 22:15
Hi
Rather Interestingly I was watching David Starkey's 'Six Wives of Henry the Eight' in which it is widely accepted that Queen Jane Seymour died of the terrible infection that took your beloved wife, I think the thing that most moved me was that poor Queen Jane could probably never have been saved from this awful 'Child Bed Fever' as it was then known but you would think that in the 20th/21st century such a death would be unthinkable, that a medieval woman would share a similiar death to a 'modern' woman with all our 'advances.' I myself have Spina Bifida and when I gave birth to my son from cesearean section one of the midwives who was looking after me noticed that my feeling unwell and my scar looking distinctly 'red' as she put it, before I knew it I was on a course of strong antibiotics, this level of care should be the norm FOR ALL WOMEN WHO HAVE GIVEN BIRTH, why are we spending thousands/millions of pounds, daily/yearly, on keeping troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, instead of using that money to fund our health services and make sure that all mother's who leave hospital are well, and medical records are passed or available if anything happens/ goes wrong and imediate action can be taken.
Best wishes to you and your children and I think you are fantastic to keep this website going and I am certain that your wife would be so proud of you and your children.
Take care
Carolyn
September 20th, 2007 at 18:31
I hate the way that (in your case severe) signs of a fever are put down to mastitis. Doctors have become blinkered against what would once, even just 30 years ago, have immediately recognised as puerperal fever.
I'm really glad to hear that you were given antibiotics - for whatever reason - and lived to find out what you had.
Thank you for spreading the word.
September 20th, 2007 at 18:33
Alice, Carolyn
Thank you both for your very kind words, and for your support. Both of your stories show how lacking maternity care has become. I hope we can help improve it.
September 21st, 2007 at 14:55
Dear Ben,
I am a friend of Lucy Martin's.
I am so sorry for all this pain. How angry you must feel too. I have 2 children, I am a single parent. I know I give them so much love, they need it, but you must be loving your children whilst trying desperately to make up for their mum not being there. It's so unfair. Keep up the good work, keep being brave.
sarah
September 22nd, 2007 at 15:27
In 1994 I gave birth to my second child, a girl who is now a lovely 13 year old young lady.
However when I gave birth,my daughter was covered in blood and smelt awful. Not like newborn should smell. She gave off the odour of rotten meat. No one said anything when I mentioned this & she was washed & given back to me. The nurse asked me was I unhappy to have a girl?! No, I said. Im very happy but she doesnt smell right. They ignored my comment and took me to the ward.
Within hours I was chilled, shivery and suffering from flu like symptoms. I was passing enormous clots so I told the ward nurse who asked me are you sure? Did you keep them? I was worried and still shivering.
Finally one nurse brought the doctor to see me. I was feeling so ill. They performed a swab a day later which was very painful considering I'd had a normal delivery. I was given so many drugs to combat whatever I had (I was told later that it was a high pelvic infection) that I could not breastfeed my daughter.
I feel very lucky to be here but also angry that no one understood my concerns at the birth regarding my babys smell and appearance.
I agree with you. I hope that more care can be given to new mothers, more nurturing at this precious time.
It is disgraceful & so very needless for this disease to continue its destructive way.
I think there is campaign for Strep B to be tested in new mothers now, but you must ask for it as its not routine.
Be strong. You have my prayers.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:34
Paula, thank you for sharing your story. It is a horrific tale and also is appalling that nobody paid attention to your very valid concerns for so long.
Thank you for your support.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:48
Alex, thank you for your kind comment. They may not remember their Mum, but will always know what a wonderful person she was - I am making sure of it.
Sarah, yes it's hard work as any parent, esp a single parent, knows. Somehow we keep on getting through, a day at a time, and getting supportive messages like yours really helps, so thank you.
September 26th, 2007 at 14:00
Dear Ben
I can't imagine the pain and suffering you have experienced over the last 3 years and I hope your children are some comfort and add happiness to your life, although I know they cannot replace their mum.
I heard about Jessica from Jess Bruce-Lockhart, Lucy Martin and Sarah Bokaie. I also met her once. I will sign your petition and have forwarded the details on to my friends.
Is it okay if I add a link to my business e-mail footer?
Keep up the good work and look to the future. From what I hear, you're doing a fantastic job! I know it must be tough, but I can't imagine how much.
All the best.
Charlotte
September 26th, 2007 at 14:12
Charlotte, thank you so much for your message, and yes - both Harry and Emily make life livable - Emily in particular is so like Jessica.
Thank you for your support and signature, please do spread the word as far as you can by any means, that would be fantastic. Very best wishes. Ben
September 27th, 2007 at 12:46
Dear Ben
I have just spent the last hour in floods of tears after reading about your awful time.
I too had child bed fever in January this year after giving birth to my lovely daughter.
I feel very lucky that I had a fantastic midwife who insisted although I thought I could just fight it (high temperature, severe bloating in the stomach) that I should go back into hospital. I was then on an intravenous drip for a week whilst breastfeeding my daughter constantly. It was the hardest time in my life and I still cry when I think of it, but I pulled through thanks to the midwives at Cheltenham General and I feel blessed that it was caught it time.I would love another child but despite everyone telling me it is very rare and I wouldn't get it again, the memory of that time haunts me.
I have since trawled the internet for information on Strep A and didn't come up with very much. I am so glad I found your website this morning and will email everyone I know to sign the petition before it closes in October.
I send you all the best wishes in the world.
Rebecca
September 27th, 2007 at 16:26
Rebecca, I'm sorry. Reading Jessica's story must have brought back some painful memories and fears, but thank you for telling your story.
I'm so glad that your illness was properly recognised and treated. It must have been a very scary time for you.
It is rare, and I hope that in time you will be more confident about having another baby if that is what you would like.
Very best wishes and many thanks for your support. Ben
September 27th, 2007 at 18:05
I also had a serious infection when I had my daughter in Feb of this year. I had her by Emergency C-Section as she was stuck and back to back. The op went really well and I felt quite good - I was released 3 days later and after being at home for an hour or so I started to feel really hot, went to bed early and started violently shaking and felt freezing cold - my partner called the dr out of hours service and was told that someone will come round the next day - my partner thought that I probably won't be alive then so he called an ambulance. They took my temp and it was 39.5 degrees and immediately admitted me to casualty where I was on a heart monitor as I was having heart pains and very fast heart rate. I was admitted back into the postnatal ward and on Intravenous antibiotics for 3 days and 3 days on 5 different oral antibiotics until they were happy to let me go home and continue taking all antibiotics for another 3 weeks (I have systemic Lupus which is an autoimmune disease so more antibiotics didn't help me in that department but I am told that Lupus didn't have anything to do with it) - I had to give up breastfeeding and I wanted my daughter to stay at home with my partner because I was too weak to look after her. The hospital were amazing in the end but I had no scans done during the infection and now 7 months later I still have a really sore stomach which I am told is just post ceasarean. I am so pleased to finally find out what the infection was as GP's were all so vague about what it was and actually never told me - Now I have a name to put to it. It is so common that another lady (who gave me this web address) in my district&postnatal group also had it. Thanks for the info.
September 27th, 2007 at 18:31
Rachel, thank you for sharing your story. It is extraordinary that so many doctors are unwilling/unknowing enough not to say 'You've got Childbed Fever'. Hearing so many horrific stories on here I am convinced that it is a much bigger problem than anyone is aware of. That is maybe why the incidence of death from sepsis has been rising in recent years.
I wish I had had the presence of mind that your partner had. Foolishly, Jessica and my fears were allayed by the people who were meant to be looking after her.
My very best wishes to you and your family. Ben
October 1st, 2007 at 08:23
Hi Ben,
I came across this site, while searching the web for information on Puerperal Fever. I was in hospital for 10 days earlier this month with it, after the birth of my fourth child. I too, had a straight forward natural birth, I had my daughter early hours of the morning, and was discharged from hospital the same afternoon, feeling good, except for a bit of after birth pain. That evening the pain got worse. I called the hospital twice that night, telling them how painful it was, and I didn't feel right. And was told to take some panadol, and try a heat pack. By morning, I was having chest pains trouble breathing, fever, and the pain I was feeling was worse than the labour. My husband called for an ambulance. When they arrived my blood pressure was very low, temperature high, and I had a very fast heart rate. Taken to hospital, I was taken to Theatre for a D&C, as they thought it was some of the Placenta remaining. Which was all clear. After the D&C my condition got worse and I was sent over to ICU. During the night there I could feel myself getting worse, The next day, I was put in an induced coma, and intubated. This was just two days after giving birth. It took the Doctors 4 days to realise what was wrong with me. And were all suprised at what it was. My Baby girl also was in hospital for 3 days, just for precautions having tests, and a course of antibiotics. I am so grateful for all the Doctors at the hospital, they were excellent and I know I am very lucky. I can't sign your petition, as I live in Australia. But I have family in the UK, and have told them all about it, and asked for there support. I have also sent your site to the midwives at the hospital for them to read. As they have never heard of Puerperal Fever before. I think you are doing a great job Ben, and are making a diffrence. I am so sorry for your loss.
Best wishes to you and your family.
October 2nd, 2007 at 16:43
Ben
I am so sorry to hear your story. I am in shock to be honest. I too got a group a strep infection after having my second baby 2 months ago. Luckily for me though I was given antibiotics straight away when I got my first bout of fever (day 3 postpartum) and a second IV antibiotic after another bout of fever (day 4 postpartum). I only found out what the infection was 2 wks post partum as the medical staff thought it was a UTI as standard tests were not conclusive. A swab which was cultured eventually revealed results. It was a very traumatic time for my family and I and although physically I made a good recovery after a few weeks, mentally its taking longer. But I know now how lucky I am.... I have been trying to find out more about the infection for some time now online and only today found your website..
Can I just say....its so great what you are doing about raising awareness of this....it can be so easily misdiagnosed as symptoms are not taken seriously enough or acted upon quickly enough as in your dear wife's case.
I wish you and your family the best. It breaks my heart to read your story as I Know how sick and afraid I was but also I lucky I am. What should be such a happy time for a family needlessly results in such a terrible outcome. I so admire your strength and love for your family.
Take care,will always think of you and your family as I do my best to look after mine.
October 2nd, 2007 at 21:31
I'm sorry your wife died an unnecessary death. There *is* something horribly wrong with the NHS system if there are still dying from a simple-to-care-for infection, especially in these days of antibiotics. I wish was a British citizen so I could sign the petition, but since I'm not and I can't, I wish you and your children and your cause the best of luck. (((HUGS)))
October 3rd, 2007 at 00:05
I am sorry to hear about your wife. I developed sepsis after both of my children's deliveries which leads me to believe that maybe some people are more susceptible than others to this disease. Even though I told the delivery room doctor of my previous condition, I was not listened too and developed a nearly fatal case 6 days after my second child was born; passing out on the floor.
Your family are in my prayers-I understand the severity and loss.
October 3rd, 2007 at 17:56
I am so so sorry about your wife, and I hope some 'good' (if that's an applicable word) can come out of all this.
I am pregnant with my first baby, am 34 and don't have a spleen, which makes me far more susceptible to infection than your average person. I will show my husband this site so he is aware and will be able to fight for me if I become too ill after labour.
Hopefully everything will go well and I am on antibiotics every day so I should be okay...
Wishing you and your children the serenity you all deserve.
October 5th, 2007 at 15:24
Ben - I am so very sorry for your loss. I live in Africa - I thought women were only at risk of post partum fever in impoverished Third World Countries and am shocked to read of your experience. Your effort to raise awareness is hugely valuable to women and their families everywhere, my best wishes to you and your children.
October 6th, 2007 at 00:24
I looked this up becuse i saw it appear as a reason for death in two queens of england, Jane Seymour and Catherine Paar while researching the Tudor monarchy. Cant believe only simple anti-biotics could've cured it, and in turn maybe even changed the curse of history had Henry the VIII never lost Jane one could wonder. Thanks for the info
Ashley, USA
October 6th, 2007 at 14:32
Joanne, Kathy, thank you both for sharing your stories. The number of people who are saying, "I had that" just shows how little room for complacency there is. Best wishes to you both.
Antonella, I very much hope that some good can come out of our situation - I'll do anything I can to ensure it. I hope and trust that everything will go well with your pregnancy and birth, but as you say, forewarned is forearmed. Very best wishes.
Anthea, you wouldn't have thought it could still happen in our NHS, would you. As you say, most people do think it's a Third World condition and until that misconception is reversed I fear more women will become very seriously ill with a real risk of death. Thank you for your support.
October 6th, 2007 at 14:35
Ashley, yes, if only they'd had antibiotics things might be very different. What's appalling is that it still happens with antibiotics available. Thanks for visiting.
October 6th, 2007 at 14:41
Caitriona, thank you so much for your story and I'm so glad you were successfully treated. It's extraordinary that they wouldn't/couldn't tell you what was wrong with you. I'm glad you've got some answers. Thank you for your support and encouragement as well, and I wish you the very best for a full recovery and happiness.
Alicia, thank you for your support and hugs. It means so much to have so much encouragement from all over the world.
October 6th, 2007 at 22:27
Hi Ben, I came on to your page from Andrea's. I didn't know what 'childbed fever' was till now and I was curious. I have 2 lovely girls and anything that involves family and children is of great interest to me. Just to say I was shocked to hear about this. I can't imagine how hard life must have been for you (ben). What a tradgedy. I pray that the petition, which i have signed will reach the right people and that the suffering of families due to childbed fever would end as a result. With love, Angela
October 8th, 2007 at 14:34
Thank you for your message and support, Angela. Best wishes.
October 8th, 2007 at 21:57
Hi, its really sad that this can still kill after all thesea years of childbirth. And that people inc me are soo ignorant to it. I'm behind you all the way to make the NHS sit up and be more aware of it. Training staff on the condition.
Keep up the great work.
October 9th, 2007 at 13:14
Hello. I'm so sorry for your loss. I gave birth on the 3rd of September 2007 to a healthy baby girl but after 2or 3 hours, she developed`respiratory problems. I had no idea about this until the next day when she was brought to my room shortly after she had passed away. I was shocked., angry and confused as I did not know how it happened. They later explained that she had a hole in the heart. I on the other hand had had`a caesarean and was not feeling too good. I attributed this to the fact that I had just had abdominal surgery. After I was discharged on Friday, the pain got worse. I felt like there was a lot of fluid inside my stomach. On Monday, I went to the hospital and explained to the doctor how I felt. He told me it was normal. However, I was convinced something was`wrong and therefore sought a second opinion. I was then told that I had puerperal sepsis and that if I had waited till later, I would have lost my uterus. All this because I was not given antibiotics and yet I had just had abdominal surgery!!!I live in Africa and therefore cannot sign your petition, but I hope that more people are made aware of this situation in order to prevent future deaths.
October 10th, 2007 at 15:06
What an absolute waste of a young life, I am so saddened by Jessica's death, and so sorry for you and your children's loss, Ben. I am pregnant so I will be vigilant for these symptoms - thank you for raising awareness. I signed your petition and wish you all the best for the future.
October 10th, 2007 at 19:58
As a midwife and mum i am deeply saddened to read of such a needless waste of life.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:45
hi, ive read your story and the stories of all the other mothers, it brings tears to my eyes.
i want to congratulate you on all the excellent work you are doing. Im wondering do you have an education plan/pack available that can be downloaded/posted?
i run a local parent and toddler group and we would love to be able to pass out information leaflets for all new parents, carers and aprents to be that come thru our doors. We often find that as a rural community our gp is pretty lax about providing us with information and often tries to make us feel we are worrying unnnecessarily. However this happens time and time again. Perhaps we as mothers can look out for the signs in our friends and collegues
October 11th, 2007 at 14:57
Thank you for the link to my blog. Your site is extremely moving and an excellent way of raising awareness of Childbed Fever. I am a parent and I hadn't heard of it before. I will continue to read your updates. I have published a post about your site, and also your petition, on my own site today. Keep battling on with your campaign. Let me know if I can do anything to promote it further. I'd like to help.
October 11th, 2007 at 15:07
Fauzia, I am so sorry to read your story and hear about the death of your little girl - that is a tragedy I can barely imagine.
To then be told that your sepsis was 'normal' was unbelievable, I am glad you were treated in time, and hope you are able to make a full recovery. My thoughts and best wishes for the future are with you. Ben
October 11th, 2007 at 15:13
Ciara, thank you so much for reading the site and for your encouragement. I don't (as yet) have an education pack, but it is something I'd like to produce. I do, however, have a leaflet and poster to download: http://www.jessicastrust.org.uk/downloads/
I'd be so glad if they did help you to spread the word in your group. If we as parents are aware and are looking for the symptoms we can ensure that we get proper, timely, attention.
We shouldn't have to, but as I found out, clinicians are no longer looking for the symptoms with the same fear and dread as they did thirty or so years ago. Best wishes.
October 11th, 2007 at 15:17
Emma, thank you for your support and kind words. I wish you all happiness with your pregnancy and birth.
Ingenious Rose, thank you so much for your post, encouragement and support. The petition ends soon, but this site and the campaign won't!
I want to keep on until every (future) parent has heard of Childbed Fever/Pueperal Sepsis - it is such a needless and untimely waste of life.
October 12th, 2007 at 17:38
Ben - I have just come over from Ingenious Rose's site after reading her post about your petition. Your tenacity is amazing and I wish you the very best in getting through to the government. I have many friends who are currently pregnant and will make them aware of Childbed Fever, which is something I have never heard of previously. Thank you for what seems to be a difficult campaign. Best wishes to you and your young family, from someone who also lost a parent at a very age. You have my every admiration. Karen
October 12th, 2007 at 18:45
Karen, thank you for visiting and thank you for being so kind and supportive. It's worth pointing out that it is usually called Puerperal Fever now (I use the old name to highlight the fact that it isn't just) a disease of the past. Either way, many people haven't heard of it because we parents aren't told about it - which is wrong. I hope to change that, so really appreciate any passed on messages of awareness! Best wishes
October 12th, 2007 at 22:28
Hi Ben. Just so that you know, since coming across your campaign this evening, I have now put up a post on my blog to promote your cause to my own community. I hope that it will be of help in raising the levels of awareness that expectant mothers and their families deserve. I've also just noticed the link to my site. Thank you very much and good luck. Please email me with any news of your progress. Best wishes.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:36
21CM, thank you for your post and your terrific support. I will keep in touch - there is much work still to be done and much progress to be made. Ben
October 22nd, 2007 at 17:20
i'm so sorry about jessica. it must have been an incredibly hard time for you; it propbably still is. i hope you and you children are coping alright, because i know if i lost my mother i would not be the same again.
jessica xxxx
October 24th, 2007 at 19:35
Jessica, thank you so much for dropping by and yes, it's been hard but with so much support it's a little easier to manage. Ben
October 27th, 2007 at 20:27
Ben,
It is through tears that I read the story of your wife, You really are an inspiration, this website is a fantastic way of raising awareness of this dreadful infection. You really sound like a wonderful father and I'm sure Jessica is resting in peace knowing that they are being so well looked after.
November 1st, 2007 at 19:00
Hi,
I had my son in APril this year and had childbed fever after the birth. Since I am a first time mom, I didn´t recognize the signs, and only went to the hospital 10 days after delivery. ( and I had fever when I left the hospital 2 days after delivery, the nurses didn´t take my temperature before releasing). Anyways, I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, 5 days in ICU, had 4 tubes in my abdominal area and 1 in my chest to drain fluids that had developped due to the sepsis. It was horrible and I almost died. I had an enlarged heart, but thank god now I am all good, everything is back to normal. However, we did call the dr when I first had real bad fever during the 1rst week home, and they just told me to take pain medication. Now I am a lot smarter, and I think it is great that you are informing all women and men, because childbed fever is something you just don´t think about, but that could cost your life!!
November 1st, 2007 at 19:20
Dear Lauren, thank you so much for being so kind and supportive, and I really hope you're right about Jessica - if only we knew.
November 1st, 2007 at 19:24
Dear Jenny, I am so sorry to hear your terrible terrible story. How similar to Jessica's it is. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how lucky you are and what a close call it must have been. I wish that more doctors and midwives would take CEMACH's advice and assume childbed fever until proven otherwise. I'm sure that all of your friends and family are now aware of the dangers, do tell them about this website and ask them all to spread the word. The more people that understand, the less likely another sad tale will be. Best wishes to you and your family.
December 12th, 2007 at 15:07
I had my second child nearly 14 yrs ago, by emergency c-section. Staff picked up he was unwell and he was put on pencillin . I became very ill 36 hours hours later , thankfully I was still in hospital & had a vigilant Sister onward who raised the alarm .. early hours of xmas morning apparently it was touch & go at one bit I knew nothing about what was going on I was put on antibiotic drip but took couple of days I think to identify it was strep a . Both my son & I remained on antibiotic treatment for 3months.
I had never heard of Strep a before. I'm so saddened to hear of the loss of your wife Jessica, I'm sure by raising awareness as you other lives will be saved and although it is not of much consolation to you & your family I'm sure your dear wife's life will not have been in vain. God blessx
December 27th, 2007 at 21:23
Hi Ben
I know you cannot give medical advice but just wondered if you could help me. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and wanted to know if it is beneficial to get tested to see if I do carry group A strep? Would this help prevent a possible case of puerperal sepsis? You are doing a fantastic job with your children, I will definitely get you book. You really are an inspiration.
December 28th, 2007 at 11:53
Hi Lauren
Although there is no screening program it could be worth asking your midwife/GP at your next check up whether they can take a swab.
However, to be given an all clear now may not be helpful if you acquired it subsequently! The most important thing is to be aware of the symptoms and, should you show any, make sure they are properly treated.
Also, remember this is an unusual condition. Very best wishes.
January 4th, 2008 at 23:10
Dear Ben
My thoughts are with you for your loss. Please keep up your good work. I came upon your site whilst searching.
Two young mums have died on 23rd and 24th December 2007, from Group A streptococcus, just a few days after leaving The Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester with their new babies born on 21st December. Hospital bosses are reported as saying the women's deaths were a 'terrible coincidence'. I've forwarded your web address to the newspaper reporter in the hope that he can print more information to raise awareness.
Gill
January 7th, 2008 at 01:16
hi, i wondered if you had any recommendations for someone about to enter winchester hospital to give birth - in light of the two recent deaths
January 7th, 2008 at 14:20
Pia, I would make the same recommendation to any expectant mother, in any hospital:
Don't panic, stay relaxed, try and enjoy the experience (I know that's easy for a man to say) but be aware of childbed fever, know what the symptoms are and speak to your midwife/GP the moment you have any worries about feeling unwell, however slight.
I'm not sure from your question whether it is you who is expecting, but if so I wish you the very best of happiness.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:00
Quick question ! My daughter suffered from puerperal fever directly after the birth of her son - both fine - she is due to give birth to her second child in June this year. Having had the problem once is there a propensity to suffer again and should it be in her notes to highlight this to the midwife team this time around ? Thank you !
January 8th, 2008 at 11:07
Hi Lin, as ever I have to say I'm not qualified to give advice. That said, I would think it is vital that it is in your daughter's notes, and she should make her midwife aware, and ask to be watched very closely. I know I would...
I hope she has a happy and trouble free pregnancy & delivery.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:21
hi ben,
i came across your website as i was reading about Catherine Parr and googled Puerperal Fever. I myself am a mother of 3 lovely kids and was very lucky to never have any problems after their births. I am now in another realtionship with the possiblity of having another child.So thanks for making me and others aware of this terrible infection. I am so sorry that you had to loose your lovely wife. if only she had got the treatment she so needed at the time. After reading your story i am now in tears. You and your children are in my thoughts.
January 9th, 2008 at 22:15
Dear Ben,
I've just been doing a bit of research on Puerperal Fever after the tragic recent deaths of the 2 mums in winchester. I'm actually training to be a doctor and in particular am interested in obstetrics. Thank you so much for all the valuable information on your website - it has certainly made me more aware of the potential devastation of this disease and I shall make sure that I spread the word to friends and colleagues. My thoughts go out to you and your children, and thank you for all your hardwork in spreading the information.
Best wishes, Fay.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:02
Vicky, I'm glad that you've found the site and am touched by your comments. I hope you have much happiness in the future. Thank you.
Fay, thank you too. I am humbled to have been able to help a trainee doctor. Please do spread the message and maybe Puerperal Fever will one day be a thing of the past. Best wishes.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:20
I will put a link to your site from my blog. Stay strong.
January 17th, 2008 at 23:41
I have to say i have never been affected by something like this or really anything like it touch wood. Though i am really touched by your writing, and probably because of that i hope your campaign goes well. I have family who are doctors and i shall be bugging them about it.
JP
January 19th, 2008 at 21:33
I would firstly like to pass on my deepest condolences to Ben and his family for the sad loss of his wife. I gave birth to my second child, Sophie on 04/01/08. It was a normally delivery. I was discharged from hospital the following day. However, on the 5/01/08,I was readmitted to hospital with this infection. I had felt unwell, taken paracetamol, and gone to bed, blaming my breast milk for my temperature.During the course of the night, I felt very ill. Then I felt a stabbing pain, so bad that I couldn't stand up. I knew something was wrong, so I called an ambulance. I was very lucky that the strep A intion was caught early. I was only made aware of the danger I faced once I got home and looked on the internet.Women need to be made aware of this potentially life threatening infection.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:45
Dear Christine
Thank you for your very moving comment. It brings tears to my eyes to hear so many stories of childbed fever - but also gives me hope because there are so many who do get prompt treatment and survive. This proves that it needn't be a killer.
I'm glad that you have managed to find out what it was you had - it is my aim to make all women and midwives aware of childbed fever before they encounter it, then women will be so much safer from this archaic illness.
Very best wishes to you and your family. Ben
April 8th, 2008 at 14:45
Hello, I am very saddened to hear about this story as I suffered from Child Bed Fever in 2006 when I had my son. I was close to death for almost two days before one amazing doctor decided, against the advise of her peers, to test for Group Strep A. She literally saved my life. I hope this never happens to another woman, it was six months before the pain was gone and I could walk again but at least I got the chance. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 11th, 2008 at 00:06
Hello, I am saddened to hear about your wife. Today we lost a family member, Her name was Stacy. She just had a beautiful baby girl on March 25th. Yesterday her Mom found her in the bathroom. They rushed her to the ER. She had been running fever and said she didn't feel well. She thought she had a virus. They ran a series of test and said nothing showed up. They called it inconclusive and said we should have a autopsy performed. She is still on life support and waiting on her greiving mom and Husband to pull the plug. She leaves behind a 5 year old son and a 2 week old Baby Girl..... She had a c-section. Do you think she could have died from this? She was a healthy 27 year old female. We are still in shock.
April 12th, 2008 at 17:54
Gina,
I am so sorry to hear your story, but am relieved to hear that someone managed to ensure you were treated. The length of the time it took to recover shows how terrible this condition is.
April 12th, 2008 at 17:56
Tammy,
I am devastated to hear about Stacy. This is yet another terrible story, and I really feel your family's pain and sense of loss. It is a cruel situation, and does indeed sound like it could have been caused by childbed fever, but hopefully the hospital will have the answers that you will need so badly. My thoughts remain with you.
April 16th, 2008 at 14:45
[...] a great deal of extra information to put on the site just yet, but there is a new Information for Parents page, lifted from the new leaflet which, together with the poster, is hopefully almost ready for [...]
April 23rd, 2008 at 09:47
may i please have access to the leaflet for parents and midwives ?
or tell me how to access it.
many thanks
sinead
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:23
Sinead,
Thank you for your interest in the leaflet, but please bear with us: the leaflet isn't quite ready, it's being reviewed by a professor of microbiology and then I hope to be able to put it up for download, together with the poster.
However, most of the information on the leaflet is already contained within the childbed fever information pages on this site, in particular:
What are the symptoms?, the Home page and this page.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:48
I've always thought that streptococcal infections are dangerous for infants only, not for mothers. Shocking news... Are there any ways to prevent it from occurring (may be some vaccination)?
As daily changes in bodily temperature when you just start feeding are quite a common thing (i remember the temperature going up every night with the milk "gathering" inside). It would be better to be able to prevent this infection somehow than trying to "catch" signs of it:(
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:05
Hi,
am reading stories and almost crying... Have just realized that gotta-be-moms are examined well only before they have given birth to a child, so that they are able to pass the delivery. And afterwards only the child alone is examined and undergoing various vaccinations, mom is just asked if she feels ok... but you are so disorientated a couple days after the delivery, you can't realize that weakness and temperature and tiredness may be not normal for your state... and you say you're ok and can die afterwards... it's awful. thank you for sharing information, will know what to pay attention with my next child and will try to spread a word...
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:22
Polina - an interesting point. I believe that work is being done towards a streptococcal vaccine, which may be effective against some of the causes of childbed fever, but in the meantime prompt recognition and treatment is the key to beating it.
The only preventative course of treatment at the moment would be routine administration of antibiotics, but perversely this could actually kill more women than it saves.
Group B Strep is more dangerous to babies in delivery, and Group A Strep generally more dangerous to mothers. GAS is also the cause of other diseases as well of course.
May 2nd, 2008 at 13:03
Dear Ben,
I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Jessica, it is terrible that it could have been prevented. i Can not fathom your pain or the struggle to raise your kids without your wife by your side.
I found your site while trying to find info on strep a sepsis and recovery from it. Three weeks ago i gave birth to my third baby on the 10th April in a public hospital in Australia. We had planned to go go home the next day, but i didn't feel right. i was aching, generally felt unwell and each time i got out of bed i started shaking all over and i could feel my heart racing inside my chest. i hadn't said anything to the hospital staff, but after the midwife that cared for me in my pregnancy called she insisted that i let the midwifes on the ward know and ask to be seen by the one of the doctors. At first the doctors took bloods, performed an ecg (my heart was sitting around 130 beats a minute)and put me on more regular observations. The tests came back normal and as i had no temperature to indicate infection they did repat bloods the next day although they did keep asking if i had anxiety as if they couldn't find anything that was probably the problem, but they would not let me go home thankfully until they had investigated everything. By that night i got weaker (48hrs after my son was born) and suddenly got a temperature after two days of painful rigors (shaking all over). One of the doctors that came to see me went away and got another obstetric register to consult. By this stage i was very sick with a high temp, he took one look at me and noticed that my latest bloods showed my white cell count was out. He immediately started me on iv antibiotics and apoligised that through the night they would be observing me very closly while they continued testing, i think this was when they started to take blood cultures. Within hours of this happening i declining rapidly, my body went into periphial shutdown my heart rate was around 170 and my blood pressure was too low and i was breathing rapidly and i went into a semiconsious state unable to move, i thought i was going to die and the doctors and midwifes did too. But when i declined they responded quickly and appropriately. the doctor immediately recognised sepsis although didn't know the cause and immediatley put me on five different iv antibiotics, took more blood for cultures while my fever was high, gave me a catheter to make sure my kidneys wern't failing, gave me oxygeb and gave 9 litres of iv fluids in that first day to try and get my blood flowing again. They also did chest x rays, ultrasounds and swabs to try and locate the source of infection. Then i went to intensive care for a few days. When my blood grew strep a they then consulted with microbiologists to get the right antibiotics for the right length of time. i ended up on iv antibiotics for 8 days, and am still on oral antibiotics. i was in hospital for 12 days and am now at home, but still recovering, they say it will be some time before i get my strength back. Apparently the infection was so severe that my body metabolised my muscles in trying to fight the infection, they are now wasted so it is a real effort just to walk around the house without shaking.
Sepsis is a terrible infection and is still rare, only two midwifes on the maternity ward had ever seen a case of strep a in there careers, and a majority of the doctors had not seen strep a before. They told me that if i had been at home and not in hospital (like i had planned) i would not have made it back to the hospital to save my life. It was only that my midwife that knew me well through caring for me in my pregnancy could tell that things wern't right that i took more notice of how i was doing. Otherwise if i had gone home i would have just shrugged it off as my body adjusting to not being pregnant and would have taken some paracetamol and gone to bed. i would have died. Also it was the doctors who didn't ignore my symptoms but kept investigating and treated me appropriatly that saved my life, even though i was in a critical condition for some time. i hope that through your campaign more midwifes and doctors will have the knowledge and skill to save other lives like they saved mine and that mums won't be dissmisive about any symptoms they may have. Sorry this is such a long post, i'm still recovering and trying to make sense of what has happened to me. Your site is only the second one i have found with real people who have suffered from the effects of strep a sepsis.
Michelle
May 3rd, 2008 at 09:36
Michelle
Thank you for leaving such a detailed and moving story. So terrible, and so similar to Jessica's story that I can't help thinking how nearly she could have lived.
It is so important to hear of cases like yours, they are so tragic and can take so long to fully recover from.
Here in the UK there are no official numbers of childbed fever survivors, but I hear so many stories, and there must be so many more.
Thank you again.
Very best wishes to you and your family.
June 1st, 2008 at 13:18
My grandmother died of childbed fever at exactly the same age as Jessica, and that was in 1905. It's so sad that nearly 100 years later, women are still dying from this awful disease. Your campaign is so commendable - we are not doing enough to raise awareness of this killer in our midst.
My sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones to this disease.
Nick.
June 6th, 2008 at 13:18
Dear Ben,
Thank you so much for sharing your family's story. I am 15 weeks pregnant with my first child and had never heard of this awful infection until now. Because of your website, my partner and I will be capable of recognizing the symptoms of Childbed fever if they do indeed present themselves and I cannot thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Cassandra McCallister
Collinsville, Illinois USA
June 6th, 2008 at 22:32
I am so sorry to hear that this happened. I carry the Group B strep virus in my body and was on intravenous penicillin during both labor and deliveries. They identified the virus doing routine lab work during the first pregnancy. I wonder if it is in the same category? Reading your story just makes me want to hold everyone near. You are a blessing to your children and those around you.
June 7th, 2008 at 06:59
Dear Ben,
I cannot begin to tell you how profoundly sorry I am for what you, Jessica and your children have had to go through words just simply are not good enough. I have posted the link to this site to an Australian forum for pregnancy and babies that I visit so you can be certain that hundreds and hundreds of expectant Aussie Mums are going to be made aware. Thank you for your courage and for having the strength to try and make things change for the better.
Regards,
Belinda.
June 9th, 2008 at 13:24
Hi,
I read the article in The Guardian and had to remember the events following the birth of my first son. Nothing as dramatic as some of the others, but upsetting nonetheless. I was shocked to realise the basic information is no longer provided as it saved my life.
Thankfully the midwife at the Hammersmith hospital in 1991 had mentioned the symptoms, so when I noticed a fever and discharge 7 days after the birth I went to the nearest hospital in Victoria (London). By then, as I was breastfeeding, I had also infected my son, and found myself in a hospital with a sick child ,who was about to be removed to a children's hospital, while my husband was on a TA manoeuvre.
The treatment in the hospital was basic, just antibiotics and no other treatment for me, whereas my son was to be treated elsewhere. As this was my first child I was panicking.
I did the only sensible thing and called my mother, who came and fetched me and my son, and drove us all the way back to their house in the centre of France for treatment, which was excellent. For her it was a hard 1,400km round trip, but for us it probably saved us both.
One thing that really shocked my mother was the state of the child. Having spent most of her life in third world countries she could not believe that her first grandchild looked like an undernourished baby, and no-one else seemed to notice it. Because of the infection he had been having diarrhoea, was losing weight and his arms and legs were turning blue. Nobody seemed to find this abnormal or make the connection between my infection and his condition, but kept on urging me to breast-feed. And the antibiotics were not making things better for him. So she stopped the breast-feeding, and got him onto the bottle, after which he started gaining weight and regaining a normal colour.
He is now almost 17, a rugby player and healthy, with two younger brothers. And me, I am grateful to be alive.
Coni
June 13th, 2008 at 14:29
Hello Ben
My family are so very moved by your journey, thank you for sharing it and raising awareness of puerperal sepsis. The site is excellent, but I am interested to know whether you have a reference for stating that childbed fever is not linked to poor hygeine or HAIs?
I feel close to Jessica because for me, signs of infection were dismissed in the week post birth and I suffered strep a sepsis, multiple organ failure and was in ICU for 5 weeks, unable to work or care adequately for my children for 16 months. Two years on now, and so grateful to be alive albeit with enduring health problems.
I will be championing your site - thank you.
Jacqui
June 13th, 2008 at 18:49
Nick, Cassandra, Angie, Belinda: Thank you so much for your support it means so much to hear your comments.
June 13th, 2008 at 18:51
Coni, what a tale. I am so glad your mother helped you and your son get treatment, but how shocking the lengths you had to go to. I am glad to hear how things have turned out.
June 13th, 2008 at 18:52
Jacquie, Thank you for your kind comment. I am very moved by your account of your own infection - I know it only too well. It is so important to realise that of the people who do survive childbed fever, so many like you are so very ill for a long period of time. I hope your health and quality of life are still improving?
I would have liked to be able to ask our medical advisor, a Professor of Microbiology, to help answer your point about hygiene and hospital acquired infection as he advised on the points which I think you are referring to. Unfortunately he is abroad, but what I can tell you is that Group A streptococcus, the major cause of childbed fever as in Jessica's and your cases, is a commensal bacteria - i.e. it naturally colonises the body, especially the genital tract. The best places to start to read more online are Wikipedia's entry on Group A strep and the Health Protection Agency website.
Thank you for adding your experiences, and for supporting the site. I say it often, but the more people who are aware, the better for all of us.
July 21st, 2008 (2 days ago) at 17:34
Thank you so much for this site! My heart is with your family.
I had puerperal fever and my situation was similar to your wife. I was 34, fit and it was my 2nd child. It came super fast and I was hospitalized with severe pain for 2 weeks and a couple more months of recovery and I had to have surgery to remove the painful scar tissue. I was admitted in ER twice, because after the first time, I was told to "walk it off" by one of he PAs. I remember thinking, I can't even turn from side to side, much less walk. 12 hours later, I passed out and my blood pressure was super low. I had a brilliant doctor that finally diagnosed me. I believe that I was close to death. My son was also in the hospital with RSV, so my husband and other child were super taxed. I could not stop crying while in the hosptital.
It was decided that I got the fever from taking high doses of prednisone (steroid) for the Bells Palsy that I had. Prednisone lowers your immune system and I was already living in the hospital with my son's illness. BTW, he is very healthy now. I was lucky that ER was just down stairs and not far away. I went from nursing my son and caring for him to complete sickness within a couple of hours. It took about a month to start nursing again. Lots and lots of pumping.
The strangest thing, is that I developed a winged scapula from the ordeal. That is a paralyzed nerve that causes my right shoulder blade to stick out when I move my arm. Painful and difficult to use. It's been 1 1/2 years and I may never have a normal shoulder again. Has this happened to anyone else??