Myths & Miracles

Myth: Second babies are much easier deliveries.

Miracle: Jacob Cole McGann

This entry is more for us as a way to remember Jacob's entry into the world so please don't feel obligated to read it ALL.

As my due date of November 13th drew nearer I had many images of my water breaking in awkward times and places. So I was thrilled when Dr. Shapiro said I could be induced a week early on November 6th. We got there 7am and I was hooked up and contracting mildly within a couple hours. Dr. Shapiro started the day in a good mood and I was excited when he first arrived and said he would be back to break my water. Brian and I made wagers on when baby boy would come and decided between 2-3pm would work for us.

Around 11am Dr. Shapiro was true to his word and broke my water. With Stella I was in active labor within 20 minutes so I expected the same thing this time but it was almost 2 hours later before I found myself thinking an epidural might be nice. At the time I got the epi the contractions were managable but I knew that would change soon. The Dr. told me he wasn't sure he got the spot and it didn't take long for me to be able to agree that no relief was in sight. Because the contractions were coming harder and faster, time to redo the epidural had run out. They promised a shot of demerol would take the edge off but I have to say it didn't feel like it took the edge of the edge of the edge off. The contractions were lower now and the intensity was unlike anything imaginable. I gripped the bedrails and Brian so hard I thought I would break them. Still only 7cm I couldn't push yet and just had to endure the contractions. Breathing in all sorts of hee hee haha hoho modes trying to find help in the form of air seemed foolish but it was all I could remember from the birthing class 2 years ago. Damn, I thought.....we shoulda taken the refresher!!! Brian was patient as I gripped him and grimaced and made faces and noises that I am sure will linger with him forever! Finally Dr. Shapiro said I was 10cm and could start pushing.

With the pain hitting a new peak I tried to focus and push but with each push I felt like nothing was happening or moving. I remembered people who told me stories of having their 2nd baby out in 3 pushes and wanted to kick them silly. The contractions were virtually constant and the pain actually forced me up into position whether I was up for it or not. I looked at Brian a few times and said "I can't do this". There was almost no break in between contractions and I was feeling delerious with the pain. He cheered me on and I even noticed on the white board on the wall in the room a smiley face he had drawn hours earlier and I focused on it and pushed-finally I felt like some progress was being made and sure enough I heard the nurse yelling for them to get Dr. Shapiro. I almost screamed for him myself but thought better of it and just screamed.

He came in calm cool and collected but not in the good mood of earlier in the day. He curtly directed me to turn this way and hold my leg that way and do this and don't do that all the while pain is surging through my body. Thankfully Dr. Shapiro is who he is. You don't argue or whine you grit your teeth and do what he tells you. With a few more commands I am told the baby's head is out and to stop pushing and breathe through the contractions. Ummmm, now I feel like I have no control over my body and not pushing is not an option. The nurses are rushing around and I am asking if the baby is ok and flurry flurry....Dr. Shapiro gives more commands and we all do what we are told and then....I feel the release that the baby is out. The single most bizarre incredible feeling in the world. What makes it really incredible is how your body stops contracting and the pain is essentially gone.

I didn't hear the baby cry yet so I became a little worried. I kept telling Brian to go and take pictures but he stayed by my side as they checked the baby over. Then we heard his cry and sighed with relief. Jacob Cole McGann was here. At 9lbs 4oz he was a big beautiful boy who looks a lot like Stella did at birth.

After Dr. Shapiro sewed me up and left....did I mention I had no epidural?.....the nurses told me that the delievery was complicated by something called shoulder dystocia. Essentially they couldn't get the baby's shoulders out. This could lead to anything from me hemmoraging to the baby having brain damage or a broken bone. Thankfully both Mom and Baby were fine. Jacob has a little bruising on his arm but that is all. Carol, my labor and delivery nurse for the day said that Dr. Shapiro didn't miss a beat or get flustered in the slightest and I should be glad he was my Dr. I was and am. Thank you Dr. Shapiro.

It took a little while for them to finally hand my boy to me but when they did I was overcome with love. He is just beautiful and wonderful.

A little while later Stella and My mom and Brian's Dad arrived to see the new little McGann. It was heeartwrenching for me to see Stella as she seemed confused and sad. I was barely able to hold up my head at times and shaking uncontrolably at other times. Stella sat on the edge of the bed and pointed at me saying "mommy". She was inches from me but I couldn't even reach out to her I was so exhausted. Finally we decided Daddy should take her home and he said she cried for me the whole way. Words cannot describe how hearing that makes me feel.

Thankfully the next day I was feeling much better and Stella came back to visit and see her baby brother. She sort of would point to him when asked but that was about it. I know it will take time for her to get used to him and I was just glad she didn't seem angry or as sad as the day before.

We came home on Saturday and was so nice to be home. With our new little boy in our arms the McGann family is complete and it feels so good. Brian and I had our first date on November 15th 2002...6 years ago next week! We had no idea that night how our lives would change and what miracles we would have in Stella and Jacob. Once again I find myself thanking him for asking me out on that date and every date after. I love you Brian and I love my life with you. I can't wait to see the wonderful things to come in the next 6 years.