24/08/2024
Today is my birthday, but the most precious gift was given to me six months ago.
This picture was taken on the day I was waiting for my baby to give me the signal. I had been holding onto patience when suddenly, my contractions began to intensify. My best friend arrived, and my partner drove us to the birthing house, where my midwife was already waiting. The rooms were softly lit with candles, the warm bath ready to embrace me.
Though it was the most physically intense experience of my life, it was also a journey into a meditative, trance-like state. In less than six hours, I experienced a natural birth—peaceful and without interventions. My midwife later told me how rare it is for a first-time mother to have such a smooth and self-determined birth. I know how privileged I was, having spent years learning mindfulness and embodiment practices that prepared me for this moment. I had the luxury of feeling safe, not just within my body, but within the walls of the beautiful birthing house, knowing that help was only minutes away if needed. I felt privileged also knowing that I am simply in a place where I don’t have to think of whether or not my daughter or I will remain physically safe after birth.
But these are luxuries that countless women can only dream of. My heart aches knowing that at this very moment, there are countless women in Gaza giving birth or raising children while bombs are falling. There are mothers in Palestine, Sudan, Congo and Ukraine who have no access to medical support or psychological safety. Women who don’t know if they will be able to nourish their babies. Women who must rush their births or have their babies in tents, knowing that any moment they might flee again because their lives are in danger. I was given the immense privilege of bringing a healthy daughter into this world under the safest, most beautiful circumstances.
In her name, I am now gathering donations to help women and new mothers in Gaza. A dear friend in Berlin will transfer the funds to his family in Gaza, who will ensure it reaches women and families in desperate need.
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