Help!

[halcas]

Hello,

I am having some problems since birth and am now feeling that the medical sysyem has failed me.
I had bad birth - epidural, suction cap slipped off 3 times, followed by forceps, epiosotomy and 4th degree tearing. I was already on antibiotics as waters broke aftger induction (cervidil) but labour took more than 24 hours after to start. I was on antibiotics until i was discharged and sent home with an oral course. Plus put on coloxyl, actilax, metamucil, nurofen and panadol. About a week after finishing the a/b I became very ill - nausea, serious diarrhoea, sweating, chills, fever, vaginal thrush,stomach cramps and flu like . We went to emergency after reading warnings on a/b. They sent me back to maternity, as nowhere eldse would cater for breastfeeding. Then i was poked, prodded, heaps blood tests and faeces samples, and put back on same a/b as before with fluids. They basically told me it was an infection with gastro. Sent home with another course of same ofral a/b. Bub has been unsettled since first time i got sick. Now a week later i have same symptoms, although not as severe and i can barely look after myself let alone bub. We visited the local gp the other night, who did more tests - specifically for colitis, but the result was "no action required" and i am progressively getting worse. Please do you have any advice or info i can use - i am desperate.

[naturopathonline]

Dear Halcas,

I'm sorry about the delay in replying, it's sounds like you have had a dreadful time of things!

Certainly the thrush and gastrointestinal symptoms could be caused by the antibiotics you have been prescribed. A simple way to relieve symptoms is to start taking probiotics as soon as you can. Antibiotics are very effective for clearing up or preventing infections, however they will also wipe out alot of healthy gut baceria in the process, which may lead to thrush and gastrointestinal disturbance.

Antibiotics are prescribed for a reason, so it's important that you follow your doctors instructions and complete your course of treatment. There is a way that will help relieve your symptoms while you complete you prescribed course. I would reccomend that you start taking a good quality probiotic such as Metagenics Ultraflore SB Dysbiosis, speak to your local naturopath or helath food store for reccomendations. Probiotics should be taken 1-2 hours after your antibiotic so they can add in good bacteria. These should be taken 3 times a day and continued for at least two weeks after you finish your course. That will take care of some of your symptoms and at least provide some relief.

As you have had such severe gastrointestinal symptoms it's important that you pay attention to your diet, soups and broths are a great way to get nutrition that is gentle on your system as are slow cooked casseroles and stews. Avoid raw foods, acidic foods, sugar, all caffeine and too much dairy as these will aggravate your system.

I gues another thing that might help you at the moment is thinking about having a "Birth Debrief" with a midwife or suitably qualified counsellor, you describe your birth as 'bad' - which is understandable! It can be very helpful to talk through the details of your birthing experience with someone who can perhaps shed some light on some of the decisions made by your obstetrician and allow you to talk through your feelings about your birth. Don't let a traumatic start to motherhood effect your experience.

The other thing I'd like to add is that you have been through a difficult time, even under the best circumstances new mums need to rest and recover from birth, that means having someone to help you at home, prepare meals for you and generally support you while you rest and recover from birth. Do have support? don't be afraid to ask for help from people around you - it is very important that you physically rest and recover properly. There are many services available that would be able to provide extra support - speak to your doctor they should be able to reccomend some for you, or let me know what area you are in and I might be able to reccomend someone.

Don't forget to be gentle as possible with yourself - there is a term that is used in South American cultures which love - "Double Care". When a women has a baby she should recieve as much care and attention as her new baby does to help her rest and recover from birth. So be gentle with yourself, ask for help and rest as much as you can. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

I hope you're feeling better soon. My best wishes to you and your new baby

Tania