Every childbirth experience is unique. Just as no two women are alike, every pregnancy, labor, and delivery unfolds in its own way, whether it’s the first child or the second. Regardless of whether a woman gives birth vaginally or by cesarean section, childbirth remains an event unlike any other—a deeply personal experience beyond comparison.

My name is Julia. I am a psychiatric nurse, a teacher, and a mother of two beautiful girls. Having worked in the German healthcare service, I’ve witnessed the inefficiencies of the system, especially in relation to women’s health. I always said that I would rather give birth in the comfort of my own home than in a hospital. Here is my story of my first hospital birth and my second home birth.

Not every birth ends in trauma, I am aware of that, but my did and I feel the story must be shared. I got pregnant at the age of 35. I was actively preparing for childbirth by practicing HypnoBirthing, yoga, meditation and doing birth courses. I thought I had everything under control until labor began. I experienced traumatic childbirth experience, leaving me with an extensive postpartum injury.