My midwife just called and told me that I have tested positive for Strep B. I've done a little research on the internet and it's really scaring me about the possibilities of newborn fatality if I don't get an IV of antibiotics during labor. My midwife says that there is a herbal remedy that she can suggest that I have to start immediately. Has anyone had experience with this before?
Strep B help
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check out the birthing forums for sure. maybe even ask/search in the birth professionals thread
i was GBS+ with Addy.
"they" say once you are + you are forever considered +.
whatever.
i am homebirthing. no ABX this time.
and i am a-ok with that.
if you are having a hospital birth you are running more risk of your baby getting sick just from the hospital than from GBS anyways.
after the thrush and different yucky complications from so many ABX with Addy theres no way i would dose up liek that again.
this time i am not even getting tested.
damn i love my midwife
i was GBS+ with Addy.
"they" say once you are + you are forever considered +.
whatever.
i am homebirthing. no ABX this time.
and i am a-ok with that.
if you are having a hospital birth you are running more risk of your baby getting sick just from the hospital than from GBS anyways.
after the thrush and different yucky complications from so many ABX with Addy theres no way i would dose up liek that again.
this time i am not even getting tested.
damn i love my midwife
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Taking probiotics, eating yogurt and garlic (or taking garlic capsules) and rinsing your perineal area with Hibicleanse is all very beneficial. I bet your midwife was talking about Hibicleanse when she suggested an herbal remedy. Yes, Group B strep can cause complications; so can IV antibiotics. Find out if they will Rx any oral abx beforehand, and possibly during labor. Remember- with an IV port already open and installed, it's a lot tougher to resist "a little of this" and "a little of that" if anyone suggests other interventions that you originally did not want.
Clara
Clara
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I am sorry that this is stressful for you...I understand the concern and of all the pre-natal tests, this is the one that that I have been on the fence about. After a group prenatal last week where we discussed this in depth, I have decided not to test this time. You could be positive today and then negative in labor. The GBS status changes. Treating everyone with antibiotics not only creates other problems ( Higher chance of e-coli in baby, etc.) but it makes as much sense as telling everyone they should wear helmets when they go outside in case a tree falls on their head. Yeah, the person whose head is protected from the random fallen tree is going to be grateful they had a helmet on, but the rest of us are going to complain of neck problems and head rashes from wearing helmets all day...
All I am doing is eating well (protein, greens, cutting back on sugar) and taking garlic and probiotics. Not doing much else with herbs, etc. I was GBS positive last time. Did the whole ABX in labor. I regret that I didn't learn more before my first birth about how rare it really is to have a baby with GBS. Prolonged rupture of membranes and having a pre-mature baby present more of a risk, but I really am starting to think that the one treatment for everyone in a hospital setting is creating more problems...I do think there is a lot of "hype" around GBS.
Good luck and I hope someone else chimes in with their experience with alternative treatments...
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All I am doing is eating well (protein, greens, cutting back on sugar) and taking garlic and probiotics. Not doing much else with herbs, etc. I was GBS positive last time. Did the whole ABX in labor. I regret that I didn't learn more before my first birth about how rare it really is to have a baby with GBS. Prolonged rupture of membranes and having a pre-mature baby present more of a risk, but I really am starting to think that the one treatment for everyone in a hospital setting is creating more problems...I do think there is a lot of "hype" around GBS.
Good luck and I hope someone else chimes in with their experience with alternative treatments...
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I wanted to mention the membranes thing too. Did they rupture before labor with your first? If no, I understand it is even more unlikely that they will with your second and that drastically reduces any risk.
Thanks so much for all your responses. MamaSpruce, no my membranes didn't rupture until I was pushing last time, so that's good to know.
Doula Clara - thanks for the info. I'll get on the probiotics and garlic right away.
From what I've read it's more likely to spread to your baby if your body is heavily colonized. They can find this out if you test + for a urinary tract infection too caused by Strep B. My midwife is going to do a urine culture tomorrow to see if I'm infected there also. I'm doing a homebirth no matter what but I really want to give my body and baby the best chance of avoiding infection other than using antibiotics.
Doula Clara - thanks for the info. I'll get on the probiotics and garlic right away.
From what I've read it's more likely to spread to your baby if your body is heavily colonized. They can find this out if you test + for a urinary tract infection too caused by Strep B. My midwife is going to do a urine culture tomorrow to see if I'm infected there also. I'm doing a homebirth no matter what but I really want to give my body and baby the best chance of avoiding infection other than using antibiotics.
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I just posted a related question on the Unassisted Birth boards. The ladies there are so knowledgeable! Thought you might like the link in order to tap into their expertise: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=695125
For those of you interested in trying to minimize or eradictae your Strep B infection - here is the 10 day regimen my midwife prescribed. Seemed good and thorough to me...
This is a 10 day treatment and should be taken as follows.
Vaginally:
1.Insert a clove of Garlic into the vagina at bedtime for 3 nights and remove in the morning. Directions: Peel off the natural white paper shell that covers the garlic and make a shallow slice along one side of the clove before inserting it.
2.On day 4 use Tea Tree Oil vaginal suppositories for six nights (you can purchase at most health food stores i.e. Mothers, Henrys etc.,) You can also make your own by using a tampon inserted vaginally at bedtime (cotton tampon soaked in 2%Tea Tree essential oil and 98% Olive oil.) The plastic applicator tampons would work best as once the tampon is soaked; it would be more difficult to insert. Pry the end of the plastic applicator open and squirt the solution into the applicator until it is soaked) do this for 6 nights.
3.Rinse perineal area with peri bottle of Hibeclens antibacterial wash/water mixture (1oz Hibeclens to 7 oz water) after urinating and/or bowel movements
Orally:
1.Echinacea: (if not allergic to Ragweed) 1 capsule three times a day
2.Garlic 1 tablet orally three times a day PLUS eat as much fresh garlic as you can in your food preparation.
3.Vitamin C 1000 mg three times a day for 3 days and then decrease to 500 mg three times a day for 3 days and then decrease to 500 mg three times a day for 4 days
4.Acidophilus 1 capsule twice a day
5.Royal Jelly or Propoulos (if not allergice to Bees or pollen) take 1 softgel three times a day with meals.
6.Eat AT LEAST one serving of yogurt (with live, active cultures) daily
Other:
1. Wash all under clothing in hot water
2. Avoid wearing thong type panties or pantyhose
3. Use scrupulous toilet habits, wipe front to back.
After 10 days we can repeat vaginal and/or urine cultures to determine if treatment was effective. If repeat cultures are negative, continue with daily garlic, vitamin C and acidophilus until delivery. Occasional garlic suppository (three times a week) is recommended to prevent recolonization [Midwifery Today, 1999, sec.4, par.2].
01-01-04
This is a 10 day treatment and should be taken as follows.
Vaginally:
1.Insert a clove of Garlic into the vagina at bedtime for 3 nights and remove in the morning. Directions: Peel off the natural white paper shell that covers the garlic and make a shallow slice along one side of the clove before inserting it.
2.On day 4 use Tea Tree Oil vaginal suppositories for six nights (you can purchase at most health food stores i.e. Mothers, Henrys etc.,) You can also make your own by using a tampon inserted vaginally at bedtime (cotton tampon soaked in 2%Tea Tree essential oil and 98% Olive oil.) The plastic applicator tampons would work best as once the tampon is soaked; it would be more difficult to insert. Pry the end of the plastic applicator open and squirt the solution into the applicator until it is soaked) do this for 6 nights.
3.Rinse perineal area with peri bottle of Hibeclens antibacterial wash/water mixture (1oz Hibeclens to 7 oz water) after urinating and/or bowel movements
Orally:
1.Echinacea: (if not allergic to Ragweed) 1 capsule three times a day
2.Garlic 1 tablet orally three times a day PLUS eat as much fresh garlic as you can in your food preparation.
3.Vitamin C 1000 mg three times a day for 3 days and then decrease to 500 mg three times a day for 3 days and then decrease to 500 mg three times a day for 4 days
4.Acidophilus 1 capsule twice a day
5.Royal Jelly or Propoulos (if not allergice to Bees or pollen) take 1 softgel three times a day with meals.
6.Eat AT LEAST one serving of yogurt (with live, active cultures) daily
Other:
1. Wash all under clothing in hot water
2. Avoid wearing thong type panties or pantyhose
3. Use scrupulous toilet habits, wipe front to back.
After 10 days we can repeat vaginal and/or urine cultures to determine if treatment was effective. If repeat cultures are negative, continue with daily garlic, vitamin C and acidophilus until delivery. Occasional garlic suppository (three times a week) is recommended to prevent recolonization [Midwifery Today, 1999, sec.4, par.2].
01-01-04
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Wow! That is wonderful info. THank you so much for taking the time to write it all out!
I don't know where they are anymore but I found several medical journals from I think it was europe where they had published studies saying that clorahexadine wash every four hours during labor was just as effective as antibiotics without risking all the problems of yeast and other antibiotic complications. Clorahexadine is the hibiclense stuff. That is the only treatment I am using this time.
http://www.forums.naturalparenting.c...18&postcount=1
I've been following this for the past few weeks - before I get tested. Regardless of the results, I'm refusing the antibiotics. Last time it was terrible for both me and my son. We both ended up with thrush/yeast issues that made breastfeeding get off to a rough start. Not to mention that recovering from birth with a yeast infection is just not fun.
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My midwife told me yesterday that about 30% of her GBS+ patients don't get the antibiotics. They either refuse or they get there too late for them. The only stipulation is that at my hospital there aren't any peds that will let you leave before the 48 hours are up if you are GBS+ and refuse/don't get the antibiotics.
But think about this... You're + now. You might not be when you deliver. You might have tested - now & been + at delivery. They wouldn't know that because they're not going to test you again. So if you were negative, would you have asked for the antibiotics just in case?
I've been following this for the past few weeks - before I get tested. Regardless of the results, I'm refusing the antibiotics. Last time it was terrible for both me and my son. We both ended up with thrush/yeast issues that made breastfeeding get off to a rough start. Not to mention that recovering from birth with a yeast infection is just not fun.
My midwife told me yesterday that about 30% of her GBS+ patients don't get the antibiotics. They either refuse or they get there too late for them. The only stipulation is that at my hospital there aren't any peds that will let you leave before the 48 hours are up if you are GBS+ and refuse/don't get the antibiotics.
But think about this... You're + now. You might not be when you deliver. You might have tested - now & been + at delivery. They wouldn't know that because they're not going to test you again. So if you were negative, would you have asked for the antibiotics just in case?
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The risk of having a baby with GBS disease is very small. The risk is even smaller for otherwise healthy, full-term babies. There are herbal regimines, and the hibiclense douche.... Personally I've found supplementing both vaginally and orally with lactobacillius and other probiotocs work well to eliminate GBS and are easier than the the more involved herbal protocols.
Hibiclens seems to be just as effective at reducing the number of GBS-infected babies, but it's still a potent chemical (chlorhexidine) that you're putting into your yoni. Personally, not so appealing for me.
Hibiclens seems to be just as effective at reducing the number of GBS-infected babies, but it's still a potent chemical (chlorhexidine) that you're putting into your yoni. Personally, not so appealing for me.
I'm getting my GBS test next week. I could refuse but that means if I end up going to the hospital, I'd have to sign my baby out AMA if I tried to do it within 48 hours. So I'm testing, and hopeful that this means a negative result on my chart.
Even more hopeful that homebirth will go as planned, eliminating need to go to hospital at all.
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elriomidwife: I've been taking probiotics regularly the majority of this pregnancy to keep yeast infections at bay. Should I consider doing a vaginal regimen before my test next week? What's the protocol for that?
Even more hopeful that homebirth will go as planned, eliminating need to go to hospital at all.
elriomidwife: I've been taking probiotics regularly the majority of this pregnancy to keep yeast infections at bay. Should I consider doing a vaginal regimen before my test next week? What's the protocol for that?
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I refused the test and have been taking garlic, echinacea, vitamin c and acidophilus. I'm going to douche with hibiclens in labor and only give my baby antibiotics if it gets sick. Only if my water has broken for a while before the birth will I consider any other regime.
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Bee, there isn't really a "protocol" per say, but IME there does seem to be a connection between healthy diets with lots of cultured live foods and lower incidence of GBS. So for mom's with a history of being GBS+, or who are really worried about it, I encourage them to take lots of *live* yogurt and also maybe supplement with capsules toward the end of pregnancy. It's really important that the yogurt "contain" live cultures and not simple be "made" with live cultures. Unfortunately most of the stuff at the grocery does not contain live cultures.
I actually swabbed myself this week. If I test postive I am going to hit the lactos hard (4 caps a day oral, 2 caps vag) and re-test. Using a negative test after a positive is not in accordance with CDC guidelines on the issue but fortunately my MW is willing to go with the plan and document a negative if I get it. As with you, I am only screening in hopes of documenting a negative in case of transfer. Yes, I have encountered a few GBS-sick babies, but to me this risk is so small, and definitely not worth dealing with antibiotics in labor, or the antibiotic aftermath on my and my baby's system.
I actually swabbed myself this week. If I test postive I am going to hit the lactos hard (4 caps a day oral, 2 caps vag) and re-test. Using a negative test after a positive is not in accordance with CDC guidelines on the issue but fortunately my MW is willing to go with the plan and document a negative if I get it. As with you, I am only screening in hopes of documenting a negative in case of transfer. Yes, I have encountered a few GBS-sick babies, but to me this risk is so small, and definitely not worth dealing with antibiotics in labor, or the antibiotic aftermath on my and my baby's system.
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I, too, found out yesterday that I tested positive. I eat extremely well and lots of cultured foods, take probiotics, and all the other stuff to try to limit this bacteria. Unfortunately, it didn't help my test results. So I am going to do a regimen similar to the one someone else posted a few back, I think the only addition was grapefruit seed extract. I will NOT subject myself and my newborn to antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, not as a precaution.
Here are a couple of threads that describe pretty much the same nonallopathic regimen that I am talking about:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...t=gbs+positive
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...S%2B+treatment
I am planning a HB and can receive the antibiotics via a intramuscular injection, however, I choose not too and will use a hibicleanse wash.
I have read some research that oral antibiotics are not effective, if you choose to use ab-it must be via iv or a shot.
Also my mw, suggests vaginal lavage with echinacea, comfrey, tea tree and a few other herbs that I can't think off right off the top of my head.
H
Here are a couple of threads that describe pretty much the same nonallopathic regimen that I am talking about:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...t=gbs+positive
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...S%2B+treatment
I am planning a HB and can receive the antibiotics via a intramuscular injection, however, I choose not too and will use a hibicleanse wash.
I have read some research that oral antibiotics are not effective, if you choose to use ab-it must be via iv or a shot.
Also my mw, suggests vaginal lavage with echinacea, comfrey, tea tree and a few other herbs that I can't think off right off the top of my head.
H
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