One day before you were born, I saw your parents once more. We did a pregnancy check-up because you had been moving a little less. But you were doing very well. You were lying calmly, ready, as if you were gathering strength for what was to come.
It was wonderful to see your parents again and to feel this special connection, knowing that your birth was very near. All of us had the feeling: it would not be long now. And that is exactly how it was.
It was wonderful to see your parents again and to feel this special connection, knowing that your birth was very near. All of us had the feeling: it would not be long now. And that is exactly how it was.
That night, your waters broke, and a few hours later the contractions began. The mood on the way to your parents’ home was very special: thick, deep fog hung in the air; you could hardly see a metre ahead. Everything was quiet and mysterious—as if the world were holding its breath for your arrival.
When I arrived at your parents’ home, the contractions were already strong. Your mother is an incredibly strong woman. I was deeply impressed by her. With so much dignity, courage and trust, she welcomed each and every contraction. After about an hour, we decided to make our way to the hospital slowly. The shared flat was already awake—you could hear quiet whispering, excited joy, a shared sense of knowing: labour has begun, the midwife is here.
I called the hospital to register us. Many babies wanted to come into the world that day, and at first there was no room available. Lior and I briefly considered: perhaps a home birth after all? Arrange a second midwife?
But the midwives at Triemli did everything they could to make a room with a bathtub possible for us. First, we had to wait briefly in another room.
But the midwives at Triemli did everything they could to make a room with a bathtub possible for us. First, we had to wait briefly in another room.
But you were in a great hurry. Hardly had we arrived at the hospital when the pushing contractions began. We quickly moved to the other room, and your mum stepped straight into the warm water. There, too, she carried everything with incredible strength and courage. The contractions were intense, with only short breaks in between. You were determined to come into the world.
The atmosphere in the delivery room was cosy: outside, thick fog and snow; inside, soft, warm light, the trees gently decorated, your mother in the bathtub, all of us full of anticipation to finally meet you. Soon your little head could be seen. It looked as if you would be born any moment, but your head still had a little difficulty coming over the perineum, and your heart tones responded to that.
After about eleven more minutes of pushing, we decided together that we wanted to make sure you were doing well. Your mother came out of the water, we helped a little—and with the next contraction, you were here.
You coped remarkably well with that brief stress. You were immediately awake, present, and fully there.
I wish you great determination and courage in your life. May you always have trust—in yourself and in the knowledge that you are held by people who love you, support you, and are by your side.
Welcome to this world.