The infection started a week after my baby was born. My newborn’s ombilical cord did not heal properly and we had to bring her back to the hospital where she was tested.

She was diagnosed with MRSA. The doctors called us back to hospital for a follow up and they gave us all the necessary information on how to take care of our infected baby.

Two days later, we returned to the hospital, becaue the infection had become worse, even with the anti-bacterial cream and the cauterization. Doctors decided to hospitalise our baby and treat her with intraveinous antibiotics. Our baby was only 14 days old.

The paediatrician disagreed on the treatment and care procedures. At first, she was not isolated, even though I questioned that. They kept her with all the other babies and no one ever wore gloves to take care of her.

The maternity staff was not familiar with this bacteria.

Control measures were neglected.

All the other babies had to be tested for MRSA afterwards! Communication between the staff was obviously not efficient and we were not updated properly. It was very stressful for us to be confronted to so much different information. Treatment had to be modified many times. Finally after 7 days in hospital and another 10 days of treatment at home, our baby recovered.

But we are still in doubt: is she completely cured of this bacteria or is the bacteria dormant? My little daughter has a very sensitive skin and easily develops red plaques on her body. I am always worried that the infection has come back.

One of the simplest and best ways to avoid infecting patients with this bacteria is to wash hands properly. If the staff does not have the time to wash their hands, why don’t they wear gloves? The staff at the maternity goes from one baby to the other constantly.

Why don’t they take the necessary means to protect the health of the newborns? This simple preventive procedure would be a valuable investment towards avoiding more infections in the future.