K and J started care with me in the first trimester of their second pregnancy.  I was excited to get to work with this sweet couple for a second time.  You can read about their first birthing journey here. On New Years Eve, 6 days after K’s “estimated due date” K sent me a text around 3pm in the afternoon saying her mucus plug was coming out, followed by 90 minutes later contractions coming every 15 minutes.  Knowing how her last labor went, I felt fairly certain K would be having a baby that night or in the morning. K and J had dinner plans that they decided to keep.  K’s parents began the drive from northern Texas.  By 7pm, contractions were coming every 10 minutes. Between 9-10pm, K went out for a walk and did some curb walking.  Contractions were coming every 6 minutes, lasting 45-60 seconds.  K said they were feeling a little stronger in intensity.  After the walk, K said she was going to try and sleep.  I had a few more sporadic updates from K over the next 90 minutes, as contractions were keeping her from resting well.  A little before 11:30pm, K sent a text that said she felt that things had shifted, that she was moaning and on her hands and knees.  I didn’t get a response back so I got up and dressed while shooting J a text asking what he thought.  Considering how quick her fast birth was, I was anticipating a quicker second birth.  J responded that K said she wanted me to come. Right after midnight with the New Years fire works bright in the air, I pulled in to K’s home.  I found her on her hands and knees on the bed, moaning through contractions.  Contractions were coming every 3-4 minutes, lasting 120 seconds, and by observations I thought K would be around 8cm. J had been filling the birth pool while I was en route.  It was about reading for K, so I encouraged her to empty her bladder before getting into the pool. K got into the birth pool in a kneeling position at 12:20am.  She alternated between sitting and kneeling for the next few contractions.  At 12:35am, K wanted to be examined.  Her cervix was 9cm dilated, 100% effaced and baby low at a +1 station.  K exclaimed, “God bless America!” after hearing her progress.  We might have all laughed! K continued to labor in a semi reclining position.  Her moans shifted, became more primal.  I grabbed for gloves in preparation, not anticipating things to take long when her body was ready to push. At 1am, K began to spontaneously push.  Things moved rapidly from there.  Things were intense.  The head began to crown at 1:03am.  I coached K to focus on me, the pressure was good.  The baby stretched the perineum, and the soon the head and rest of the body were born into J’s awaiting hands at 1:05am.

I think this is one of my most favorite birth pictures ever!

I love all the emotions you can see in these pictures.  This is birth…. raw, beautiful, gentle, miraculous….

Welcome to the world Jackson, born earthside on January 1st, 2016 at 1:05am, weighing in at 7lbs 4ozs (just like big brother!), 20″ long.  It was such a blessing to be part of another birth with this sweet family again!  Big brother Joel was in such awe of his little brother.

Photos taken by Kat Silva Photography.

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