Group B Strep Explained

by Sara Wickham

Group B strep (or GBS) is a common and usually harmless type of bacteria, but it can very occasionally cause serious disease in newborn babies. Many pregnant women are offered screening and prevention for GBS, but there are pros and cons to this, as the main preventative (or prophylactic) measure involves women having antibiotics given to them by intravenous drip in labour. In this updated second edition of her popular book, Dr Sara Wickham discusses the different perspectives on GBS, the screening and prevention options that are available, the wider issues relating to this area, the alternative paths that some people take, the answers to parents’ most frequently asked questions and more. Dr Sara Wickham is a midwife, educator and researcher. She is the author or editor of sixteen books, has edited three midwifery journals and provides in-person and online educational and consultancy services for midwifery and health-related organisations around the world. "Sara has written an excellent and important book. She has pulled all of the evidence (in its many forms) together into a comprehensive woman-centred resource. Sara's writing makes complex information accessible to all. I'd recommend this book to women, and anyone involved in caring for childbearing women. I learned lots." - Dr Rachel Reed, Midwifery Lecturer and Author of MidwifeThinking. "Sara has a remarkable ability to search through extensive amounts of research and to translate it into simple, easy to understand language. She has achieved that once again in this beautifully written book. The choices women face as they negotiate their births are challenging, but are always made easier by having accurate, easy to understand information. This is THE book to go to for everything you need to know about GBS." - Dr Kirsten Small, Obstetrician Gynaecologist.

Genres: Science

178 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2019

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, informative, balanced, well-researched, & well-documented. Honest about what we know and what we don’t. I came across a lot of this information freely online via the Association of Ontario Midwives (who also have some excellent visuals in their handouts), but this book answered some additional questions I had. I found it useful to compare protocol and outcome similarities and differences across the pond with those in my own vicinity. I’m happy to commend it for those wanting additional information on this subject.

[Private Account · Rating 5 out of 5]

The current medical model is so insane to me. Give 20,000 women and their babies antibiotics to save the one that would die if they didn’t. 19,999 women and their babies were hurt, were given antibiotics and the side effects that come with unnecessarily so that 1 baby who otherwise would have died will live. This is why the population is so sick. It’s exactly what is wrong with the West right now. It’s all about saving that one sick person, rather than supporting the 19,999 healthy ones. It’s all about hurting the 19,999 to save the life of a weakling. It’s so anti-nature!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wickham provides a very concise and informed perspective of GBS and Early Onset Group B Strep disease in babies.

She provides a no-nonsense approach without fear based coercion.

All medical providers, doulas, childbirth educators, and parents should be informed of the choices and alternatives.

The book itself is packed with relevant studies, statistics, and sections that give access to quick reference topics if you have a pressing question.

I look forward to reading more of Dr. Wickham's books.

[Kim Osterholzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Group B Strep Explained is yet another work by Dr. Sara Wickham shedding light on a tough topic. Sara explores and explains the issues from every angle with amazing simplicity and grace, offering aid to those seeking to navigate the murky waters of this highly-charged subject.

[Sum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely useful review of the literature around Group B strep which will certainly help women like myself make more informed choices about this crucial subject area during pregnancy in an area where the research is so patchy; yet NHS guidelines are so authoritative on the subject area.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of the topic for parents or midwives

[Nicole Mott]

As always, Sara is very informative on her approach to understanding different topics and lays out things pragmatically so as to help you truly understand the full scope of a topic better.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, insightful and well researched. Sarah Wickham has a knack for helping you sort through the noise without being overwhelmed.

[Charity (Booktrovert Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really informative and helped me make a decision on the risk and benefits of this test.
Would recommend to anyone!