February 19th

2:30 a.m., the phone rings. It's Maria. The journey begins.

Half dazed and with adrenaline already coursing through my body, I set off for Laia and Arnau's house. The taxi driver asks me, a little bewildered, "For work?" and I happily and excitedly say YES!

​

Arnau opens the door for me. Laia is having contractions every five minutes. Alain, their first child, is sleeping peacefully. The night is passing peacefully, between coffee, contractions, laughter, and pain. We're home and feeling fine.

​

7 a.m. Alain wakes up, hugs his mother, and between contractions, they hug and dance together. The midwives arrive around 8 a.m. I meet Chiara i Gaia (acupuncturist midwife) for the first time, and I fall in love with her way of treating and caring for Laia. Reassuring whispers that make her smile, comforting caresses and hugs, and immense professionalism.

​

Laia starts to feel severe pain in one of her legs, damn sciatica. We pray it doesn't get worse. The labor is going very well, but at its own pace. So the midwives invite us to leave them alone so Maria and I can rest a little.

​

It's 11:30 a.m. We take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and head to Poble Nou beach. Along the way, we couldn't repeat the incredible journey we were experiencing with Maria. The intensity, Laia's strength, Arnau's love, and the great communion that was being created between all these women together, all with the same goal: bringing Duna into this world.

Everything was going quite well, but around 2:30 p.m. Arnau calls us, a little desperate. Laia's leg pain isn't going away and is getting worse. We take a taxi. Somewhat nervous, we worry that her leg won't let her give birth peacefully.

​

When we get home, one of the midwives is already with Laia. She suggests going to the pool. It will relieve the pain, although it may slow down labor. But Laia needs to rest.

From 3:30 p.m. onward, calm returns. Our leg gives us a break, and so do the contractions. So we all took the opportunity to rest and eat. I can't stop thinking about how strong Laia is. I admire her.

​

Maria hasn't left Laia alone for a moment. She talks to her, massages her, comforts her, showers her with love and affection. She remains calm, bringing harmony and peace to the house. At 6 p.m. we all get up, the sun is going down, and like some nocturnal animal, Laia and Duna are back in action. But they're not alone... the damn leg too!

​

Arnau and Maria try to ease the pain, but it gets worse and worse. The midwives arrive. And in an instant, the leg wins the battle. Laia can't take it anymore. It's a bittersweet moment, but Laia has had such an incredible journey so far, alongside Duna and Arnau, that going to the hospital is a detour on the way back home.

​

At 9 p.m. we say goodbye. The car drives away. And all I can think is, HOW INCREDIBLE WE WOMEN ARE! There is no act more powerful, generous, loving, courageous, intense, sensual, or powerful than giving birth.

Laia, you've taught us a life lesson. You've made us feel. THANK YOU