XP: Seamus has arrived...

carmanb

I'm very, very new to this board, but I wanted to share my story.  I won't be here much for now.

Oh my goodness.  I don't even know where to begin.  Everything's going 100 miles per hour right now, and I feel so helpless.

My water broke on Sunday morning, right after I finished making omelettes for my brother and my son's father.  I called my doctor, rushed to the hospital, and was told I was 4cm dialated and 90% effaced, so there was no stopping Seamus from coming.  I was 22w 6d.  I was given the choice between staying at the hospital I was at, delivering, and receiving "comfort care" or being transferred to the hospital with the best NICU in the area, so that they could evaluate him when he was born and see how things went.  I decided to be transferred.

At 9:55pm, 13 hours and 10 minutes after my water broke, Seamus was born.  He took breaths on his own, so they were able to get him on a ventilator.  I was able to hear one small cry.  He was 1 pound, 3 ounces (or 550 grams), and he's still hanging in there.  It's going to be a long road, and an especially rough couple of weeks coming up. 

They've determined that the most likely reason for my water breaking is that I tested positive for Group B Strep, and it most likely infected my membranes.  They don't normally test for it until later in pregnancy, but because I was in labor so early, they gave me antibiotics immediately to help prevent the Strep from having any additional negative effects.

For now, I pump, sleep, eat, and spend as much time with my precious little boy as I can.  He truly is amazing, and he's such a fighter.

 

lemen99

Many, many prayers to you and little Seamus.  Hang in there - keep us updated!

 

ssg73

Congrats on the birth of your son and welcome to our board.  I am so sorry you have to join us.  I am glad that Seamus is doing ok.  This board is a great resource and was a wonderful comfort to me while dd was in the nicu.  Please keep us updated and ask any questions you might have.  Hugs to your family and Seamus. 

bhaynietippitt

Dalton (DS) and I will keep you and Seamus in our thoughts and prayers!

jcsntms06

Congratulations on the birth of your son. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way.

Bippy798

Congratulations on your precious baby boy. Hoping he is a fighter!

Kate621

Congratulations on your precious baby boy! I'm sending lots of t&ps to you are and your family for a quick and uneventful NICU stay. Take care of yourself too!

Irishsapphire

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy!  Baby boys are so much fun!  I am having fun dressing my baby up in Carter's, Gymboree, and BabyGap! 

LWilli35

Congrats on the birth of your son.  You will be in my thoughts as you fight through this long rollercoaster.  We're here if you have any questions or even just need to vent.  Lots of love to you all!

hollerjeepgirl

T&P for you and Seamus and I'm glad he's doing so well. You gave me a little hope so I really appreciate it and wish for the best for you both

carmanb

Thank you, ladies.  I posted an update on the January 2011 board earlier.  He's still hanging in there.  :-)

beyoga

I am SO glad you posted your story.  I gave birth last night to Reid, I was only 24 weeks along.  He's holding his own and hearing your story is inspiring.