Thread: Post with good GBS information

http://blossomingbabies.blogspot.com...ptoccocus.html

The doula and student midwife who writes this blog originally had another post on GBS, and was criticized for not having all of the facts straight and for presenting information in a way that was biased and did not promote true informed choice. She took that post down and later replaced it with this one, after doing some extensive research. The result is a wonderful piece on all of the information to consider when making decisions about GBS testing and treatment options.

thank you for sharing

That was a really good blog post, thank you for sharing. My SIL was GBS+ during her last birth & really had to jump through some hoops to get things done the way she wanted. I've passed this onto her as she is pregnant once again but living in a different state (bro is military) - I think she will find it informative & helpful.

I was GBS+ with my last 3 and I was just tested last week for this prego at 36 weeks. I have no clue yet if I am + or not.

With my first my OB did not make me get the IV meds until my water had been broken for 18 hours and then yes I did agree. This was in NY.

2nd and 3rd where both born in less then 4 hours so we had no time to get it. All they did was test the baby and make us stay 48 hours in the hospital until they could clear baby to go home GBS free.

So this time I asked what will happen if I refuse the Rx in labor and was told they will give it to the baby then. When I asked why not test the baby my OB was not sure that in NY that was an option for NY like it was in GA to stay 48 hours. Trust me if I am + this time I will be fighting for no Rx and a test of the baby. I can't see getting meds for something they don't even know he will have. If after the testing he is + then yes I am all for the meds.

I was negative with my frist, but positive last time. My doctor somehow failed to tell me the results of my test (I guess I probably should have asked!) until I arrived at the hosptial at 8 cm, after laboring at home for 7 hours. They typically do at least two doses, 4 hours apart, but I didn't have time to get a second dose, so they kept us in the hospital for 48 hours to watch DS. They did not test him, though.

I am planning a homebirth this time, and I feel like I have more options if I test positive. It is a tough call because I read a story recently about a homebirth baby who died from GBS whose mother apparently used the "garlic protocol." She had a postive urine test for GBS, which indicates heavy colonization, and it sounded like her midwife did a poor job giving her truly informed choices. At the same time, I have serious concerns about the risks of overuse of antibiotics.

Originally Posted by MrsMangoBabe

I was negative with my frist, but positive last time. My doctor somehow failed to tell me the results of my test (I guess I probably should have asked!) until I arrived at the hosptial at 8 cm, after laboring at home for 7 hours. They typically do at least two doses, 4 hours apart, but I didn't have time to get a second dose, so they kept us in the hospital for 48 hours to watch DS. They did not test him, though.

I am planning a homebirth this time, and I feel like I have more options if I test positive. It is a tough call because I read a story recently about a homebirth baby who died from GBS whose mother apparently used the "garlic protocol." She had a postive urine test for GBS, which indicates heavy colonization, and it sounded like her midwife did a poor job giving her truly informed choices. At the same time, I have serious concerns about the risks of overuse of antibiotics.

Are you sure he was not tested. Ours was not an extra test. But they did it at the same time they they took the prick to test other things when he was in the warmer right after birth.

DS did not get a heel stick for testing (the genetic screening) until the night before we left the hospital. That was standard procedure there. They also wouldn't have done the Hep B shot until right before discharge (but we didn't do it until he was 9 mo. old). The eye ointment and I think the vit K shot would have been done right at birth, but we didn't do either of those. All they did when they took DS to the warmer was suction him, give him oxygen and stimulation, take his APGARs, and do the basic newborn exam.

Originally Posted by MrsMangoBabe

DS did not get a heel stick for testing (the genetic screening) until the night before we left the hospital. That was standard procedure there. They also wouldn't have done the Hep B shot until right before discharge (but we didn't do it until he was 9 mo. old). The eye ointment and I think the vit K shot would have been done right at birth, but we didn't do either of those. All they did when they took DS to the warmer was suction him, give him oxygen and stimulation, take his APGARs, and do the basic newborn exam.

We declined all that as well. Other then PKU but that was the 2nd day too. For Heath they did it when they had to prick him for sugar because he was over 8 1/2 lbs

Originally Posted by MrsMangoBabe

I was negative with my frist, but positive last time. My doctor somehow failed to tell me the results of my test (I guess I probably should have asked!) until I arrived at the hosptial at 8 cm, after laboring at home for 7 hours. They typically do at least two doses, 4 hours apart, but I didn't have time to get a second dose, so they kept us in the hospital for 48 hours to watch DS. They did not test him, though.

I am planning a homebirth this time, and I feel like I have more options if I test positive. It is a tough call because I read a story recently about a homebirth baby who died from GBS whose mother apparently used the "garlic protocol." She had a postive urine test for GBS, which indicates heavy colonization, and it sounded like her midwife did a poor job giving her truly informed choices. At the same time, I have serious concerns about the risks of overuse of antibiotics.

My SIL refused all biotics & labored at home as long as possible (it was her first vbac) - she used the hibiclens washes with a peri bottle while at home & then delivered fairly quickly once we got to the hospital. They gave her a bunch of "your baby is going to die" grief but in the end they left her alone & allowed her to leave the hospital early.

I agree, you will have more options & less grief birthing at home.

ETA - and how in the world are you 14wks already? Good grief that flew by fast lol

Originally Posted by Chimmy

ETA - and how in the world are you 14wks already? Good grief that flew by fast lol

I know! It has gone by really fast to me, too!