• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Cart Facebook Twitter
  • About us
    • Who we are
    • What we do
    • Work for us
    • Contact us
  • News
  • Media
  • Donate

Group B Strep Support HomepageGroup B Strep Support

Working to stop GBS infection in babies

Helpline: 0330 120 0796
New to this site? START HERE →
Quick guide: What is Group B Strep?
Why and when should I test for group B Strep?
What does my test result mean?
Group B Strep infection – know the symptoms
  • Home
  • Information & Support
    • About Group B Strep
      • Group B Strep and pregnancy
      • I’ve tested positive for group B Strep
      • After your baby is born
      • Information if you’re not pregnant
      • Frequently asked questions
    • Group B Strep testing
      • When and why to order a group B Strep test
      • Different types of group B Strep tests
      • Where to order a group B Strep test
      • What does my test result mean?
    • Group B Strep infection in babies
      • Symptoms of group B Strep infection in babies
      • Treating babies for GBS infection
      • After your baby’s GBS infection
      • Group B Strep and stillbirth
      • Making a complaint or taking legal action
    • Support
      • Contact our Helpline
      • Support for Dads & Partners
      • Bereavement Support
      • Peer Support
      • Your stories and experience
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
      • Donate online
      • Giving in memory
      • Pledge your birthday
      • Leave a gift in your will
      • Corporate Support
      • Other ways to give
      • How your donation helps
    • Fundraising and events
      • Fundraising events
      • Fundraising ideas
      • Fundraise in memory
      • Fundraise at work
      • Meet the community team
      • Fundraising Resources
      • Get your school involved
      • Tell us your plans
      • Fundraising hints and tips
      • Meet our inspirational fundraisers
      • Supporter promise
    • Campaign and raise awareness
      • Share your story on our website
      • Baby Loss Awareness Week 2023
      • Group B Strep Awareness Month 2023
      • Parliamentary activity
      • Latest Petition
    • Volunteer
      • Office volunteers
      • Events volunteers
      • Fundraising volunteers
    • Shop
      • All items
      • Information Materials and Publications
      • Clothing
  • Health Professionals
    • Group B Strep in Pregnancy & Babies Conference : 15 May 2024
    • Leaflets & Posters Bulk Order form
    • UK Guidelines
    • Resources for health professionals & those in their care
    • The GBS3 Trial
    • Online training, study days and conferences
    • Changing rates of GBS infection in babies
    • Research Papers

Tommy

Tommy’s mum Tiffany writes,

“It all began on my 21st birthday (June 1st 2017), my partner Dale and I had gone to an early scan due to heavy bleeding, just as the nurse was about to give up and remove the sonographer a tiny little flicker showed us he was there and he was a fighter. 

All throughout my pregnancy, I bled heavily. On my routine examination, they had suspected I was losing amniotic fluid and I was swabbed. I was around 24 weeks pregnant when they said I was positive for group B Strep and would need antibiotics throughout labour and I was given a leaflet about group b Strep. We were terrified considering the pregnancy had been plagued with problems.

Fast forward to 22nd January 2018, the doctors had planned to induce me, but Tommy was already on his way, and nothing was stopping him. They began antibiotics, however Tommy was born within 3 hours, 7lb 5oz. Immediately rushed under a heat lamp as he couldn’t regulate his temperature. His bloods were tested more times than I could count and 48 hours until we could return home. He never cried once as he was being pricked over and over again. 

At home he caught a viral infection and wouldn’t stop throwing up bile. We were watching him like a hawk after the horror stories we had read about group B Strep. 

Three years on, our boy is healthy and strong. Nothing can bother him. He is one of the lucky ones. I couldn’t imagine losing him, and my heart breaks for families going through that. We are hoping to raise £150 for GBSS this November 2021. Thanks for reading our story. 

*Left-hand image shows Tommy being held by Bailey, his proud older brother.

Share this post:

Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on E-mail
More stories
« Jasper
Mason »

Footer

Group B Strep Support
PO Box 203
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1GF

Helpline: 0330 120 0796
E: info@gbss.org.uk

Contact us

Office Hours:
Weekdays 9am to 5pm

Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for our emails
Fundraising Regulator logo
Living Wage employer logo
Community Fund logo

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) provides general information only and this should not be considered as a substitute for advice given by a health professional covering any specific situation. | GBSS © 2023 | Registered Charity 1112065 | Company 5587535 | Cookies | Privacy | Terms & Conditions

Helpline: 0330 120 0796