
03/01/2025
Trigger Warning: Infant loss.
I believe grief and joy can exist side by side.
Today marks 12 years since I gave birth to my first daughter, Kaelyn. Heartbreakingly, she passed away just a day later due to extremely high levels of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in her system.
As we celebrate her birthday, we also grieve all that could have been. In honour of Kaelyn’s memory, we choose to educate — because awareness saves lives. Please help us share her story.
Did you know there are three types of perinatal GBS disease?
Early onset (birth to 6 days old)
Late onset (7 days to 3 months old)
Prenatal onset (before birth)
Kaelyn’s diagnosis was prenatal GBS, which can’t be prevented by antibiotics during labour. Prenatal and late onset GBS currently have no official prevention protocols in place — and that needs to change.
If you’re pregnant or know someone who is, please take a moment to research GBS. Know the risks. Avoid membrane sweeps during pregnancy — they’ve been shown to push bacteria upwards, increasing the chance of infection.
If you have any questions, I am always here to share what I have learned.
Kaelyn’s life, though short, taught us to live with intention and to treasure every single moment.
Kindness matters. It starts with understanding that everyone you meet is carrying something. Be patient — with others and with yourself. Whatever you are facing today is shaping the strength you’ll need for tomorrow. Choose to rise, and seek happiness where you can.
Rest peacefully, my sweet Kaelyn.