Episode 15: Hospital Birth? That WAS the Plan…
Naghieli’s Story, Part 2
Birth doesn’t always go according to plan—even when you prepare for everything.
In this episode of Pregnant in the Netherlands, we continue Naghieli’s story as she shares what actually happened during her fast, powerful home birth.
From early labor uncertainty to an intense but smooth progression, this story is full of surprising turns, deep trust, and a powerful reminder:
You don’t need everything to go as planned for birth to be positive.
“I Had a Plan… But It Was Completely Different”
Naghieli went into labor feeling prepared:
Birth pool
Aromatherapy
Massage
Movement
Playlists for every stage
But when labor began, things didn’t unfold the way she expected.
👉 “I had everything in my head… but it was completely different.”
She also found herself struggling mentally in those final days of pregnancy—especially being past her due date and fearing induction.
Early Labor: Not Quite Believing It
Like many women, Naghieli didn’t immediately trust that labor had started.
Mild discomfort felt easy to dismiss
She tried to sleep through contractions
Even when they became regular, there was doubt
👉 “I think I’m in labor… but I don’t know.”
After trying to rest, the intensity made sleep impossible. Instead, she followed her instincts.
Moving Through Labor
Rather than staying in bed, she created her own rhythm:
Sitting on a birth ball
Listening to meditations
Breathing through contractions
Moving continuously
Within a few hours, things shifted quickly.
👉 When her midwife arrived, she was already 4 cm dilated
Letting Go of the Birth Pool
Even though she had planned for a water birth, in the moment:
👉 “I didn’t want it at all.”
Instead, she kept moving:
Walking between rooms
Leaning on her partner
Swaying and dancing through contractions
This is something many parents don’t expect:
➡️ Your preferences can change completely in labor
The Shower: Her “Birth Bubble”
At a certain point, she tried the shower—and everything changed.
👉 “The shower for me was my bubble.”
What made it so powerful:
Warm water easing contractions
A sense of privacy and safety
White noise from the water
Dim lighting and candlelight
Even small details mattered more than she expected.
👉 “Things you think won’t matter… really do.”
The Power of Small Details
During labor, her environment became:
Dark and calm
Quiet and contained
Supported by scent (lavender cloth)
Anchored by affirmations
Her partner read her affirmations out loud—ones she had practiced daily during pregnancy.
👉 This helped her reconnect with her mindset and preparation.
Fast Progression
When labor intensified, she called her midwife again.
Soon after:
👉 She was already 8 cm dilated
Despite the intensity, she never felt overwhelmed.
👉 “I never had a moment where I thought, I can’t do this.”
Instinct Took Over
When it came time to push, there was no overthinking.
Her body led the way.
She moved into:
👉 Hands-and-knees (all fours)
Not because she planned it—but because it felt right.
👉 “It was instinct.”
Her baby was born quickly—within about 13 minutes.
Letting Go of Fear
During pregnancy, Naghieli carried real fears:
A myoma (fibroid)
Risk of bleeding
Tearing
But none of those fears became her reality.
👉 “You don’t have to be afraid of something that might happen… or might not.”
This is a powerful reminder for expecting parents navigating uncertainty.
Birth Is About Feeling Safe
One of the strongest messages from her story:
👉 Feeling safe changes everything
She felt supported by:
Her partner
Her doula
Her midwife
👉 “I felt like I was in good hands.”
Choosing Your Birth Team
Nghieli emphasizes something many people don’t realize:
👉 You can choose your care providers
You can:
Ask questions
Change midwives
Build a team you trust
👉 “You need to connect with the person supporting you.”
Postpartum: The Conversation Most Couples Skip
The episode shifts into something just as important as birth:
👉 Postpartum support
Many partners don’t know what their role is.
And many mothers don’t realize how much support they’ll need.
What Support Really Looks Like
Naghieli explains it simply:
👉 “Your partner needs to take care of you so you can take care of the baby.”
Because:
Babies rely on the mother
Mothers often forget their own needs
Recovery requires support
Preparing Your Partner
She encourages couples to talk before the baby arrives.
Discuss:
Expectations
Roles
Daily support
Examples of real support:
Preparing meals
Bringing food and water
Managing the household
Creating space for rest
👉 “You won’t eat, drink, or rest… unless someone helps you.”
Communication & Boundaries
A key takeaway:
👉 Don’t assume your partner knows what to do
Instead:
Be clear
Be specific
Set expectations
👉 “Show them. Prepare them.”
Redefining Postpartum Roles
In the Netherlands, short paternity leave often reinforces the idea that:
➡️ The mother handles everything
Naghieli challenges this:
👉 “Your baby needs you—but you need support.”
This requires intentional planning and communication.
Key Takeaways
Birth doesn’t have to go according to plan to be positive
Early labor can be confusing and easy to dismiss
Simple tools like water, movement, and environment can be incredibly powerful
Fear doesn’t equal reality—many worries never happen
Feeling safe and supported shapes your entire experience
Choosing your birth team is essential
Postpartum support is not optional—it’s necessary
Partners play a crucial role in maternal recovery
Support for Your Pregnancy Journey
If you’re preparing for birth in the Netherlands, having the right support can completely change your experience.
Explore your options:
What Was Your Biggest Takeaway?
Every birth story offers something different.
👉 Did this change how you think about birth?
👉 Are you preparing your partner differently after hearing this?
Send a message or share this episode with your partner—this is one worth listening to together.
