So, very recently, the issue of post partum infection has been brought to the forefront of my mind, and life. The midwives here in Sarasota have been rocked by an unexpected post partum infection in one of their clients which resulted in her being hospitalized, having several major surgeries, being in a coma, and having a few very scary (as in possible death looming) moments in all of that. One thing I can say about the midwives here is that they are *very* careful. They *truly* sterilize their instruments, follow universal precautions, etc. And yet, a homebirth client fell severely ill with Group A Strep. Post partum infection. No one can really say how she contracted the bacteria, all they can say is that it is a blessing she is recovering. The community here has been amazing, and breastmilk for the baby has been coming from as far away as Gainesville to feed the baby.
Shortly after I received news of this, I found out that a recently post partum mom back home was sent to the ER with fever, and was later diagnosed with Post Partum Group B Strep infection. This mom was screened for GBS prior to labor and was negative. Luckily her GBS infection was not nearly as serious as the sarasota mom's GAS infection, but it still required several nights in the hospital and away from her family.
Last night we read that another mom in Texas contracted Group A Strep infection post partum and she is fighting for her life right now in the hospital. Her husband had to make the heart wrenching decision yesterday to allow the doctors to amputate both of her hands and feet in order to save her life, due to necrotizing fasciitis.
Today we received notice that another mom who was under a midwife's care is in the hospital with endometritis (inflammation/infection of the endometrium). The midwives caring for her are also very stringent about keeping sterile technique, properly sterilizing instruments, etc.
This post is *not* meant to "scare" people away from midwives or homebirth, obviously I consider it a safe choice (and even safer than hospital in my opinion!) Know that these post partum infections are *common* in hospital births, and *unusual* in midwifery clients. However, that said, I encourage anyone who is looking for a midwife to find out their infectious control protocol. Do they follow universal precautions? Do they truly sterilize their instruments? Even though these steps obviously do *not* guarantee you will not get a post partum infection, as at least two of these women were in superb midwifery care with stringent infectious control protocols that I can *personally* vouch for, it is still our best protection against the spread of infectious disease.
It was not long ago, a mere two childbearing generations back, that puerperal fever (aka childbed fever) claimed the lives of one in two post partum women under the care of OBGYNs in the hospital. Let us not forget the wisdom of the midwives whom, in the same hospital would rarely see a case of the disease. Was it because their clients were "hand picked" with superior nutrition? NO! It was because midwives kept their hands out of the women's vaginas, and washed their hands in between clients! These wise women were taught from the beginnings of time, handed down woman to woman, that you must keep your hands off, and your hands and instruments clean, to avoid illness in your mothers. Let's not forget these important lessons, especially in this age of "superbugs" and antibiotic resistant bacterias. Let's be able to say confidently, like our fellow midwives here in Sarasota can say, "we did everything in our power to protect our mothers." It really is that important. I take my calling seriously, and keeping your family healthy is of utmost importance to me.
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