Diaper Swappers

ashley84 · 01-08-2013, 07:07 AM

I've been positive for Group B strep with both pregnancies. I was really frustrated the second time because I took probiotics twice a day through the whole pregnancy and I really thought I would test negative. At any rate, I'm a delayed and selective vaxer. We don't even do the vitamin K shot, we just do drops. I did antibiotic IVs during each labor though. I wouldn't dream of foregoing the antibiotics for Group B strep. GBS infections are awful. I've read about more than one baby dying from untreated GBS during my time on parenting message boards. Yes, the chances are very high that your baby will be fine, but are you having a hospital birth? The hospital is going to require invasive testing and possibly even a NICU stay if you decline the antibiotics. I would seriously reconsider.

MrsFields · 01-08-2013, 07:09 AM

Thanks for your stories and suggestions, everyone! After a little more research, I now intend to accept the antibiotics. One concern I had which I forgot to mention is that my husband is allergic to some antibiotics and I was afraid that could have passed to Anastasia. However, I'll just mention it to the doctor and find out specifically what antibiotic they use to make sure there isn't a contradiction. I've been planning a water birth and was grateful to learn that this (abx drip, using an iv, etc) won't upset those plans!

BeccaSueCongdon · 01-08-2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsFields

Thanks for your stories and suggestions, everyone! After a little more research, I now intend to accept the antibiotics. One concern I had which I forgot to mention is that my husband is allergic to some antibiotics and I was afraid that could have passed to Anastasia. However, I'll just mention it to the doctor and find out specifically what antibiotic they use to make sure there isn't a contradiction. I've been planning a water birth and was grateful to learn that this (abx drip, using an iv, etc) won't upset those plans!

Definitely make a list of which ones your DH is allergic to, and the reactions he has had. If you can talk to your provider beforehand about that concern they should work with you to find the right one. In my experience, providers swim to use the least potent option that will have the intended outcome. They don't immediately jump to the big guns.

The good news about the IV abx, is its usually just one bag every six hours. You can walk with your IV in (dragging your IV cart with you, lol), and once the bag is emptied you're free of it for another several hours.

lifeacoustic · 01-08-2013, 08:42 PM

I was Strep B positive and I refused antibiotics. I had a beautiful natural birth and everything was fine. I agree with happy2bamommy on all accounts. You can treat yourself naturally prior to your labor. Also, there isn't any way of knowing whether you are positive at the time of birth - that's just a guess based on the prior month, but the flora is always changing. I recommend looking at statistics and doing more research before you decide. Sounds like your gut was telling you what you are comfortable with.

steph410 · 01-09-2013, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeacoustic

I was Strep B positive and I refused antibiotics. I had a beautiful natural birth and everything was fine. I agree with happy2bamommy on all accounts. You can treat yourself naturally prior to your labor. Also, there isn't any way of knowing whether you are positive at the time of birth - that's just a guess based on the prior month, but the flora is always changing. I recommend looking at statistics and doing more research before you decide. Sounds like your gut was telling you what you are comfortable with.

this is sort of misleading I think to someone who has not talked to an actual doctor. there is nothing else outside of antibiotics that has been proven to significantly lower your risk of the baby contracting GBS at birth.

Ellasundies · 01-09-2013, 08:33 AM

^^ That is not true. There are problems caused by antibiotics with treating GBS and there are other treatment options out there that have been tested by main stream medicine that have been found to be effective. I think I linked to them earlier in this thread. This issue is not as clear cut as you would like to think.

umphreysmommy · 01-09-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeacoustic

I was Strep B positive and I refused antibiotics. I had a beautiful natural birth and everything was fine. I agree with happy2bamommy on all accounts. You can treat yourself naturally prior to your labor. Also, there isn't any way of knowing whether you are positive at the time of birth - that's just a guess based on the prior month, but the flora is always changing. I recommend looking at statistics and doing more research before you decide. Sounds like your gut was telling you what you are comfortable with.

Where did you birth? I do agree with alternate methods and it is what my midwives do at home but OP is birthing in a hospital and I think if she refuses they would treat the baby with the antibiotics and a NICU stay or worse.

zandj · 01-09-2013, 11:44 AM

I did hibiclens for 3 days and retested positive again so I don't necessarily trust it. I was birthing at home though and my labor was short and fast, water broke right at the end, otherwise we had the antibiotics in the fridge waiting in case my water broke earlier, labor was long etc

iwiamandaiwi · 01-09-2013, 11:56 AM

I can't understand why anyone would take the risk of declining. Is your discomfort or unease about it worth risking your child's life? Because that is exactly what a person that knows they tested positive and declined treatment would be doing. I am not talking specifically about OP because she had an unusual situation with her husbands allergies and I am very happy to hear that she is going to take the antibiotics and talk with her doctor about the possibilities of allergies in her child. I think it is a very responsible and wonderful decision. I just can't help but feel immense sorrow for the babies whose mothers decline. I am sorry, I don't want to cause drama, but I think it is one of the most selfish and cold decisions a mother could make. You are risking your childs life when it could easily be avoided

NappyChappy · 01-09-2013, 12:50 PM

I am planning on a 2nd homebirth and we aren't even getting tested. I will do probiotics starting at 32 weeks, do a hibiscleanse, and limit internal exams once my water has broke.

What is someone to do in this situation? I don't have a back up dr to do a test and my MW doesn't offer it?

01-08-2013, 07:07 AM	#11
ashley84 Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,222 Ratings: 100 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Group B Strep I've been positive for Group B strep with both pregnancies. I was really frustrated the second time because I took probiotics twice a day through the whole pregnancy and I really thought I would test negative. At any rate, I'm a delayed and selective vaxer. We don't even do the vitamin K shot, we just do drops. I did antibiotic IVs during each labor though. I wouldn't dream of foregoing the antibiotics for Group B strep. GBS infections are awful. I've read about more than one baby dying from untreated GBS during my time on parenting message boards. Yes, the chances are very high that your baby will be fine, but are you having a hospital birth? The hospital is going to require invasive testing and possibly even a NICU stay if you decline the antibiotics. I would seriously reconsider. __________________ My hubby has been rocking my world for 6+ years. We have ~~three~~ 4 awesome kids! DSD (11 yrs) , DS (Feb '10) , & DD (Sept '12) Expecting Joshua Daniel, Sept. 2013 I'm up to $150 in Amazon giftcards! Check out SWAGBUCKS!

01-08-2013, 08:42 PM	#14
lifeacoustic Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 905 Ratings: 3 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Group B Strep I was Strep B positive and I refused antibiotics. I had a beautiful natural birth and everything was fine. I agree with happy2bamommy on all accounts. You can treat yourself naturally prior to your labor. Also, there isn't any way of knowing whether you are positive at the time of birth - that's just a guess based on the prior month, but the flora is always changing. I recommend looking at statistics and doing more research before you decide. Sounds like your gut was telling you what you are comfortable with. __________________ Angela Girlfriend of Josh (11-21-08) and mama to silly Ms. Aurora Willow (9-8-10)!

01-09-2013, 08:33 AM	#16
Ellasundies Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 938	Re: Group B Strep ^^ That is not true. There are problems caused by antibiotics with treating GBS and there are other treatment options out there that have been tested by main stream medicine that have been found to be effective. I think I linked to them earlier in this thread. This issue is not as clear cut as you would like to think.

01-09-2013, 11:44 AM	#18
zandj Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 6,625 Ratings: 161 Feedback: 100%	Re: Group B Strep I did hibiclens for 3 days and retested positive again so I don't necessarily trust it. I was birthing at home though and my labor was short and fast, water broke right at the end, otherwise we had the antibiotics in the fridge waiting in case my water broke earlier, labor was long etc __________________ Zaira, mama to P 12.07 and baby Q born at home 9.30.12 <3 SWAGBUCKS Opinion Outpost We do it all naturally (blog)CO-OPS! My HyenaCart: Sweaters for Wetters

01-09-2013, 11:56 AM	#19
iwiamandaiwi Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,218 Ratings: 1 Feedback: 100%	Re: Group B Strep I can't understand why anyone would take the risk of declining. Is your discomfort or unease about it worth risking your child's life? Because that is exactly what a person that knows they tested positive and declined treatment would be doing. I am not talking specifically about OP because she had an unusual situation with her husbands allergies and I am very happy to hear that she is going to take the antibiotics and talk with her doctor about the possibilities of allergies in her child. I think it is a very responsible and wonderful decision. I just can't help but feel immense sorrow for the babies whose mothers decline. I am sorry, I don't want to cause drama, but I think it is one of the most selfish and cold decisions a mother could make. You are risking your childs life when it could easily be avoided __________________ Breastfeeding , Cloth Diapering, Babywearing Mommy, to Dylan Michael (September 2007) Aiden Edward (March 2011) and anxiously waiting for Katherine Sophia due in MAY!