The Birth of Liana

My daughter Liana is now a beautiful, intelligent, stubborn 9 year old. 9 years ago, she was already making sure her wishes were known, and she would be born when she chose to, not when we all said she would be. This is that story.



I was 20 years old when I found out I was pregnant. My then boyfriend and I had been together about a year and a half at the time, and were both in our final year of completing Bachelor’s Degrees.  From the beginning Liana was stubborn. Two pregnancy tests failed to detect her presence, and my GP insisted to me that I was not pregnant. He actually recommended I get an ultrasound to see why I was missing my period. The ultrasound  of course showed that I was 6 weeks pregnant.

Like most families when you’re in school, my family was initially upset, but came around quickly. Throughout my pregnancy I had help from so many friends and family in my effort to complete my undergraduate thesis. For that I am forever grateful.

Our bundle of joy was due to arrive March 17th 2010. Of course, she was not having this. On Tuesday January 26th, 2010 I noticed blood in my underwear, and was experiencing some pain. Upon visiting  the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, I was told not to worry, baby isn’t coming as yet, however they gave me meds to speed up her lung development just in case.  I left the hospital for home on Friday. Before going home, I complained about an unusually thick discharge, and was told it was nothing to worry about.

Fast forward to Monday February 1st 2010. My checkup at my gynaecologist’s office. After describing the discharge, she was shocked that I was sent home and told it was nothing. According to her, it was a sign of labour, and I was 4 cm dilated. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was once again told, ‘baby is not coming today”. I was even labeled “trouble” for my consistent inquiries.

Later that evening, my water was broken, and I was transferred to a small room to give a natural birth. I must admit the actual birthing process was very easy for me. I have no memory of excessive pain. I do remember reaching up to close my then boyfriend’s mouth as he kept instructing me to push.

I don’t think it was more than a half hour later that I was mesmerized by the sight of this beautiful, tiny being, weighing in at a little over 4 pounds. She was immediately transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU), where it was expected she would need help to breathe. Of course my Liana had her own plans. She was breathing without any assistance from the very beginning, and came home with me 4 days later.

9 years later my baby still defies expectations, gaining top marks in school(she is very upset with herself on the rare occasion that she comes second or third instead of first) , excelling at piano, swimming, and whatever else she puts her mind to. Her main career goal is to become a chef and open her own restaurant.

I consider Liana my miracle baby, and her birth will forever be etched in my memory.

My daughter’s birth story is not dramatic or may not even be exciting, but it is a day I will never forget.  I want to hear your birth stories. Comment below and let’s start a conversation.