This is the home birth story of how Keagan Nicole joined the world. I first met Amber when our oldest kiddos were still tiny babes at a Birth Connections of Stillwater meeting. And when she got pregnant with her second little one, she sought me out to photograph her home birth! I’m so glad she did. It was incredible. I don’t know if many of you were following me back then, but remember this stunning gymnast birth move that Amber performed? Click here to read about that birth story: birth-of-baby-emberly or here: https://www.birthbecomesher.com/new-blog/2016/7/26/baby-is-coming-now-an-intense-mothers-day-homebirth-in-stillwater-oklahoma-by-katie-lewis?rq=katie%20lewis

When she got pregnant again with baby Keagan, I just couldn’t wait to be with her as she rocked another home birth. This woman is a birth goddess ya’ll! I’m so grateful to her for welcoming me into her sacred birth space not only once, but twice. Here’s the rest of Keagan’s birth story from Amber’s perspective:

I was 41 weeks and 6 days pregnant when Keagan finally decided to make her grand entrance. For weeks I had been trying everything to go into labor, I was having contractions every night only to wake up still pregnant and the contractions gone. So when contractions started this night we went to bed as usual.

An hour after falling asleep I woke up to more intense contractions, after laying in bed for half an hour we finally decided it was time to get up and that baby was indeed coming that night.

Due one of my previous labor being only 3 hours we immediately called Cathy (the midwife) to come over. Once Cathy arrived we worked with baby to turn so she would be in position, which didn't take long. Family was informed baby would be making her entrance soon, which excited both grandmas so after continued texts for updates they were invited over to join us in laboring Keagan earthside. The majority of labor was spent gripping a chair for support while swaying side to side to work baby down during contractions until the pool was ready.

Once the pool was ready I labored in the pool while daddy poured water down my back to help ease contractions.

Six hours after labor had began, Daddy got to catch Keagan as she arrived. She didn't come out crying but took a little bit to adjust. As soon as Cathy stood to go get her rescue equipment to help baby out she began to cry. Keagan was born October 30 at 3:46am, surrounded by family and love! Her labor was longer then everyone imagined it would be but was very peaceful and calming.

Amber is a calm and peaceful birther. She quietly breathed through each contraction. And when the time came to push, she was fast and effective. Keagan came in to this world welcomed lovingly by her dad, sister, brother, grandmothers, and uncle. I loved so much getting to work with Amber and her family again.