Mourning Sarah: A Case for Testing Group B Strep (Patient Narratives Series)

"Mourning Sarah is filled with important, even urgent, messages for any woman having a baby right here, right now, and for all young girls who soon will grow into womanhood and want babies of their own. Theresa Vigour articulates the unspeakable loss of her daughter using every hue in the emotional rainbow. Her account is exquisite, her metaphors masterful, and throughout the book, she skillfully weaves her inner and outer worlds. Theresa Vigour has given us a gift." From the Foreword by Lorraine Ash, author of Life Touches Life: A Mother's Story of Stillbirth and Healing

"In this astonishing read, we follow Vigour's journey into darkness and loss, a gripping pilgrimage that leads to eventual knowledge and empowerment. This lucid book should be required reading for any woman headed to the maternity ward. This unforgettable book reveals what would have happened to my son and family had he not been treated for group B strep at birth. Let's celebrate Vigour's brave testimony here and take heed of her hard-won insights on the medical establishment that surrounds the birth experience." Paul Morris, Director, Master of Liberal Studies Program, Arizona State University, Tempe

"A tragic story, clearly told. Theresa shares the confusion, pain and devastation she and her family experienced around the time of her daughter, Sarah's, birth and early death from potentially preventable group B Strep infection. Many who have suffered similar losses will draw comfort from this book, knowing that they aren't alone. Thankfully, as Theresa outlines, measures are now in place in the US that ensure most group B strep infections in babies are prevented there - in the UK, we're yet to achieve this, though we continue to campaign for such measures to be introduced. Perhaps were the decision makers to read this book, it would happen sooner - I fervently hope so." Jane Plumb, Chairman, Group B Strep Support, UK

"Deep was the grief that came with the death of Theresa Vigour's newborn daughter, Sarah. Yet profound is this memoir of her mother's journey. It is a gift to see such raw and visceral emotion transformed into beautiful and evocative prose that touch and teach and heal." Walt Harrington, author of The Everlasting Stream