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Birth Wellness Broup B Streptococcus (GBS) Protocols
Using a Vaginal Wash to Reduce GBS infection of the Newborn
Prepare a 0.2% solution of Hibiclens©: Prepare a 0.2% chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution by combining 7 ml
(1 1/2 teaspoons) Hibiclens© (4% chlorhexidine) with 133 ml (1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons) of water. Transfer your
diluted solution into a disposable douche bottle or a peri bottle. Use as a vaginal wash/rinse, not under pressure.
Vaginal Wash: Use 140 ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine vaginal wash at the onset of labor or at rupture of membranes,
whichever comes first. Repeat every 6 hours. Use the entire amount each time, and mix a fresh batch for every
application.
Where to purchase Hibiclerns©: Hibiclens© can be purchased at most pharmacies, without a prescription. Please
purchase this ahead of time, as some pharmacies do not stock it, and may need to order it for you. The smallest
bottle should be sufficient.
Based on:
Int J Antimicrob Agents 1999 Aug;12(3):245-51(Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aker Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway).
This prospective controlled trial demonstrated that vaginal douching with 0.2% chlorhexidine during labor can significantly reduce both
maternal and early neonatal infectious morbidity.
J Matern Fetal Med 2002 Feb; 11(2):84-8 (Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatric Sciences, University of Modena and
Reggio Emilia, Modena Italy). Conclusion: In this carefully screened target population, intrapartum vaginal flushings with chlorhexidine
in colonized mothers display the same efficacy as ampicillin in preventing vertical transmission of group B streptococcus. Moreover,
the rate of neonatal E. coli colonization was reduced by chlorhexidine.
Vitamins and Herbs to Help your Immune System
It is generally proven that for babies who develop invasive Group B Step disease, there is a lack of immunity to
Group B Strep bacteria in maternal and newborn pairs. Immunity is passed from mother to baby via the placenta in
the third trimester. When these antibodies are lacking, babies are vulnerable to invasive infection. Boosting
immunity may prove beneficial.
Echinacea can boost the immune system and it can help fight bacteria and viruses. Remember that a pregnant
body is not programmed to fight Group B Strep COLONIZATION; so taking this herb to eradicate colonization prior to
labor may be futile. It is reported to have a mild antibiotic effect on strep infections, but colonization in not an
infection. As Group B Strep is generally associated with a lack of immunity, the immune boosting ability of echinacea
may have some theoretical benefit for some groups of women.
Vitamin C can apparently heal damaged tissue, including weakened amniotic sacs and can also strengthen the
immune system. While its effect on GBS colonization may be questionable, a strong amniotic sac provides an
excellent barrier between GBS bacteria and the baby. Take up to 500 mg 3xday.
Pro-biotics naturally boost your immune system. They produce natural antibiotics that inhibit the growth and activity
of pathogenic microflora (bad bacteria). Probiotics restore the good bacteria in your body which "fight" the bad
bacteria. The more healthy bacteria there is in your body the less likely the harmful bacteria will be able to multiply
and "take over" (colonize). Good bacteria is especially maintained with a good diet. Change the microbial population
in your body from bad to good by eating a probiotic diet rich in fermented foods and beverages, like kefir and
cultured veggies. Taking a dietary probiotic supplement containing beneficial bacteria will assist the body's naturally
occurring gut flora and ecology of microbes.
Homeopathic remedies: SanPharma Notatum (Penicillium notatum), 10 Caps, 4X, taken every other day,
alternating with SanPharma Candida (Candida parapsilosis), 10 Caps, 4X, taken every other day. Penicillium
notatum interacts with immune system cells to help eliminate invading microorganisms.