First time mom and dad both said "Let's do it again!"
Today, we would like to introduce you to Daria Giannini.
Daria, thank you so much for giving us the chance to learn more about your birth story!
What was your greatest challenge in preparing for your birth BEFORE joining Werk Your Birth program?
I was afraid about having a negative birth experience but didn't know where to start when preparing for my birth. I didn't know how preparation for birth could look like and had no clue where to start from. Also being very fearful was hindering really approaching the concept of birth.
What made you decide to join Werk Your Birth?
I had a past negative experience about an emergency c-section in my family and the experience that Chanel shared with us via social media about her first birth resonated so deeply with me. It also made me realize that it's unfortunately not uncommon for women to have bad experiences about birth. I was so impressed with how she turned that very negative experience into a mission to teach about birth; the sentence "I want to do it again" was so powerful. I wanted that!
To learn more about how you and your partner can become prepared for birth, check out my virtual birth coaching here.
Okay, so tell us about your birth? Walk us through your story!
My birth started with very soft contractions on the 13th of December, it felt a little like when I got my period (which luckily is not really painful for me). My husband and I started wondering... Could this be it ? We went to sleep early and I woke up once because of the contractions but still had a full night of sleep. In the afternoon of the next day around 6 pm the contraction got a little stronger and I asked my husband to come home. I was alone and chilling till then... By midnight I had many signs of transition and we went to the hospital, but it was a false alarm. I was very little dilated (1 cm) and contractions even stopped at the hospital. In the morning ( 7 am) we went back home to rest more, because birth had not really progressed (2 cm). We slept again for about 90 minutes, well my husband did, I rested 10 minutes between contractions :D
Then things really picked up and the contraction really became crazy intense. By 10 am we were back at the hospital : I was dilated to 3 cm, but within 30 minutes in the hospital my water broke and less than 2 1/2 hours later I was fully dilated. During that time I asked and received very mild painkillers, which are also common for menstrual cramps in Germany, but I rejected the epidural. And in the next 20 minutes my baby girl was born. I didn't really push and it took only two contractions for her to pass the birth canal - which by the way, even though it was crazy painful, felt truly amazing. We went home just a few hours later.
I want to do it again.
How did Werk Your Birth positively impact your birthing experience?
Thanks to Chanels course I knew way better what to expect from the process and I felt truly informed about how birth works. Also I faced my fears which was really important. It really helped to continue believing in myself and my body when labor progressed so slowly. And last but very important one - my partner was also prepared. Birth is no individual sport, it´s team effort. And at best there are two people assisting labor.
This could be your story too. Apply here.
What has this program done for you (and your partner)?
I was able to build confidence that my birth experience would be good and also I faced many fears. My partner and I approached it together and felt able to advocate in the hospital for our needs and wants.
Were there any results you weren't expecting that pleasantly surprised you?
Two days after our baby girl was born my husband said "Let's do it again, let's have another baby." :D
What would you tell a mama who is hoping to prepare for birth?
To all expecting FTM - take a course , educate yourself, prepare. Talk to people who experienced what you want to experience. Look for the positive.
Before we end, what would you tell someone who is considering investing in the Werk Your Birth program?
I have already recommended the course to many pregnant friends and would repeat what Chanel says : You prepare for a marathon - and if you have never done it , investing in a coach is important. I know that it helped me so immensely in having the birth I wanted, and also I'm looking for the next one.
When I’ll tell my daughter about her birth I can tell her how exciting it was, and that she doesn’t need to fear birthing a baby.
Be sure to follow this mama on her journey on Instagram @daria_dalorto
If you have been a part of my Werk Your Birth program and want to be interviewed, fill out this link.
Do you have a desire to join our community and become empowered during your pregnancy and birth, join here.
Looking for more information? Take a look around because we have so many resources available to you (and your partner) on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and of course here on our website.