Lydia, mum to Theo, says,
“As we approach Theo’s first birthday, I have been reflecting on his first year and the incredible rollercoaster we have been on – one that nearly didn’t get started.
When Theo was born, he was floppy, didn’t cry and needed oxygen, luckily the midwife noticed something wasn’t right straight away and, after a brief cuddle with Phil and me, he was taken to intensive care. We could never imagine that this would be the start of our journey as parents – I didn’t think I would envy those mothers who get to hear that first cry.
Theo was immediately put on antibiotics and put into an incubator. On day three we were told that Theo had contracted group B Strep from me during labour (we later found out that this led to sepsis).
He spent the next seven days in intensive care undergoing an intense course of antibiotics, three lumbar punctures and numerous cannula changes and heel pricks. It was the most intense week of our lives; Phil and I went through waves of utter joy and amazement at our new baby to the utter fear that we might not make it home as a family.
The moment we were told his blood results were normal and we could go home was the happiest moment of my life! We were one of the fortunate families and not a day goes by when I don’t think of how different things could have been.
From not knowing anything about it, to having a newborn in intensive care fighting for his life and being told I was the one who gave it to him, was awful. We are lucky that the outcome was positive but are still emotionally scarred from the whole thing. It’s so important that all expectant parents know about group B Strep.”
