Reuben’s mum Julie writes, “Reuben is my second-born son. A textbook pregnancy and born a healthy 9lbs 12 in April 2010. My waters had started leaking the day before and I had a long labour marked by a temperature during the labour. This was noted but never commented on.
I’d heard about group B Strep and had even ordered the test but for whatever reason never took it. I recall thinking ‘if it was such a concern the NHS would test for it surely?’ I know better now.
Reuben was grunting on day 2 – the midwife commented on it, but nothing else was done and we were discharged.
On day 9 my gut told me something wasn’t right. The midwife did a visit and assured me he was fine. The next day he slept too long and didn’t feed. He was then making a low grasping/moaning sound. I tried to call midwives and my GP and couldn’t get through. Ultimately, in pure panic, I took him back to the maternity unit. They rushed me over to A&E. I overheard the doctors saying he was a ‘very poorly baby.’ That was a truly horrifying moment.
He was put straight onto antibiotics and was diagnosed with GBS infection 3 days later. He underwent many failed lumbar punctures and exasperating line placements and a 2-week course of medication.
Thankfully he made a full recovery. His brain looked normal. He’s now 11 and physically a picture of health. He is diagnosed dyslexic. I was advised that there may be some learning development issues – but I don’t know if this is the cause and never will.
We are blessed that Reuben was ok. I’d urge every mother to be tested. I’d not wish that experience on anybody. It frustrates me immensely that this test is still not routine 11 years on.”
