The story....of Shea

In case you like birth stories...if not, skip this...
Oh, and just so you know...Seamus is pronounced Shay-mus. I considered spelling his name Sheamus, but Greg prefers the original, proper Irish spelling. Seamus is the Irish form of James. We will usually go by the shorter version of Shea (Shay). I first loved the name Shea when I watched the movie "White Squall" back in highschool. It has always been one of the top boy names on our list, but we saved it til now.

So I'll try to write my birth story in a short but sweet fashion...

As most of you know...I thought my water had broken on Friday, and I was having contractions every 10-15 min. apart. Turns out water hadn't broken, but contractions never did stop after that. Sadly they carried on for days (and nights). On Tuesday morning they had changed to quite large ones that were starting to take my breath away. I knew I was close. I had an appointment that morning and found out that I was already 4-5cm dilated and 80%effaced. I knew that if things got more severe, that I should go in quickly. The contractions did continue to worsen, radiating to the front and causing back ache. They didn't get too much closer together, still about every 10 min. but they were getting stronger. I walked and picked up my son from school about 4pm, told my friends that I think I'm in labor for REAL now. I gave our friends the warning that I might need to drop off the kids with her soon. By 5:30pm I knew it was time to head out. We dropped the boys off, and away we drove. I was still pretty happy in between contractions, but stopping talking during them. We arrived to the hospital around 6pm and checked in. I started getting more severe contractions, still only about 10min. apart. I was checked in triage and was a solid 6cm. The nurse there made it sound as though it would be hours yet, so start walking around. No sooner had we started walking the halls, when the contractions picked up in speed and intensity. About 5min. apart and very painful. I was having deja vu of my past two labors and dreading what was to come!! At least I was happy to know that the end was near...no turning back now. The contractions picked up to more like 2 min. apart by the time we got back from the hall and into triage again. Then I had this killer contraction that was never ending!! I told hubby that I needed something now...gas or drugs, whatever...I couldn't catch my breath anymore and was crying throughout the entire thing. The nurses insisted they had to check me again to see where I was at. But the contraction just wasn't ceasing!! I managed to lay down for a sec in total oblivion and was at 7cm. The nurses started taking me seriously at this point and had a wheelchair ready to take me into delivery. I was still in a contraction that was about 10min. in length. I needed something now, if I was only at 7cm!! I was dying. Give me the gas, somebody!! They got me up on the bed and said we have to check you again just to make sure its worth giving you drugs. (I am still in a super never ending contraction and have started grunting). Nope, you're ready Sarah, you can start pushing. What?! I went from 7 -10cm in one solid nasty contraction. I couldn't believe it was already time to push. We had just got to the hospital!? But ugh! the pain. They popped my water for me, I grabbed some gas and then on the next contraction started pushing. I was anticipating hours of feirce back pain and soreness of pushing like with the two boys I had previously. But not this time!! On only the 3rd contraction, Shea decided to make his entry into the world. I was screaming in pain as the ring of fire was upon me. Couldn't believe he was here. Greg was reassuring me...I see him already!! And then it was over...he was out and screaming. They put him on my chest and he was perfect and healthy. I was so happy!! I had only a little tear that required 2 stitches, and the precious baby was only 8lbs 6oz!! Over a pound smaller than my others. To me he is absolutely tiny and floating in his outfits. I love it. His hands and feet are long and skinny, so unlike his big brothers who had chubby little everything.
I wish this was the end of the story, but sadly no.
I had a shower and was heavily bleeding, but no biggie. I got moved out of delivery and into the postpartum unit. I was so happy and Greg and I were in awe at how fast Shea had come and how good I felt. After about an hour or two, the nurse was asking me to empty my bladder. On my way to the bathroom, blood and clots started to come like mad. I started to shake like a leaf. The next few minutes turn into a bit of a blur. The room filled with about 4 nurses and a doctor. I had one nurse putting an IV into me (never had one before) and another sticking a catheter into me (never had that either), the doctor was pushing clots out while a nurse was busy trying to massage my lazy uterus that had turned to mush. I was screaming in pain. They were poking around where I had just pushed a baby through. This shouldn't be happening!? I just did my job already!! Then the doc had some more medicine which he wanted to put up my rear! YUCK! I felt violated and angry and was in so much pain. Finally after a bunch more doctors coming in to push on my uterus and remove any blood clots, a few more needles and such, it was over. I was left crying and hurt, with a nasty IV and catheter. Thankfully though, my uterus was starting to harden again as the medicine did its magic.
And then that was it. I didn't sleep well that night as the medicine caused my uterus to contract all night long, and I couldn't move well due to the catheter. Thankfully Shea was a happy camper and wasn't really interested in feeding as he was so tired. I stayed an extra night in the hospital to ensure the bleeding was under control, and all went well after that. I got home today and feel really great, a whole lot better than I did after my first two. He is a little mucousy as he came through the canal so fast, so last night he had a lot of gas pain. Today he has been sleeping well and only eating every 4 hours. I haven't got his latch exactly perfect yet, so I'm a little sore. Milk should arrive in the morning, so that will help. The boys were super excited to meet their little bro and are excited about his tiny noises and features. Riley unfortunately has this nasty cold and fever and is sick on the couch today. Liam is wired and slightly jealous of the baby. He will enjoy having auntie Heather and grandma and grandpa here to play with him in the next few days.
Thanks for all your well wishes. We feel extremely blessed with our healthy boys. To be able to deliver without drugs three times over and live through it was fortunate too...I know a lot of people don't get the chance as complications arrive. I sure appreciated the intervention of the doctors when I needed it after delivery.
Just so good to be home and NOT pregnant!! Thanks for stickin it out with a grump the last few weeks!! He was worth it.