I found the blog Stand and Deliver while I was pregnant in 2008-2009. It has many, many interesting posts, but one stuck out to me in particular. It is a post about an alternative GBS treatment plan.
When a pregnant woman is found to be GBS+ in pregnancy, she is routinely given antibiotics in labor so that she doesn’t pass on the infection to her baby. If untreated, it can cause serious complication and even death, albeit rarely.
Here is the alternative GBS+ treatment plan posted:
Twice a day, with breakfast and dinner:
- Acidophilus or pro-biotic supplement: 4 billion cells per dose
- Echinacea: Two 350 mg (each) capsules
- Garlic: Two 580 mg (each) capsules
- Vitamin C: 500-2000 mg (0.5-2 grams), with 200 mg bioflavonoids
- Grapefruit seed extract: 15 drops
- Homeopathic Streptococcinum 200X
3. Once per day (until finished)
- Herbal-C suppositories, by Bezweken
2014 Update: When I was pregnant with my second child I tested positive for GBS, did a bunch of research and decided to get the two doses of IV antibiotics in labor to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to my daughter. I have seen these babies, sick, at birth and I felt that an IV of antibiotics wasn’t a problem for me.
2016 Update: With my third birth, I decided to get the antibiotics again. But this time I had even more antibiotics – before labor (tooth abscess), during labor (GBS +) and postpartum (UTI). I am now battling yeast and a few other health concerns. This isn’t a black and white issue! Do your research and make great decisions, ladies.
~Lindsey
Erinn Streeter
Wednesday 9th of June 2010
To my knowledge, I don't think we have anyone who hangs their shingle out as the twins-OB-extraordinaire. Shelly was pretty happy with Donna Rusher over at Old Man Brickler's practice. Former students of Kim's hitched their wagon to NFLWC and didn't have a c/s.
I suppose risk might be a factor, too - if you've got a pregnancy complication with twins, you'd probably go see a perinatologist.
People you could ask about this:- Kristen- Melissa Harley
Lindsey (Mother Rising)
Tuesday 8th of June 2010
you really are a well of knowledge. ok, here's a question for you - who is the "Go To" OB for twins in Tallahassee?
Erinn Streeter
Tuesday 8th of June 2010
There's also more good reading at the gentlebirth.org midwife archives on GBS.
One thing about the plan detailed in Rixa's post: the grapefruit seed extract. Apparently, there's some debate as to whether the antimicrobial properties of GSE are due either to the inherent nature of the seed's extract, or the benzethonium chloride, triclosan and methyl paraben frequently found in the GSE end-product.