Against the Mainstream
“You’re crazy! Why would you want to give birth somewhere else if you can give birth in Austria?”
We heard this sentence – and many similar ones – over and over again when we announced that we wanted to bring our daughter into the world on Ibiza. People reacted with confusion, skepticism, and sometimes even mockery.
I can’t even fully explain why – it was simply an inner calling. At first I felt drawn to Bali, then to Colombia, but eventually I stayed in Europe. Something deep inside me knew: Ibiza is the place.
Lockdown, Restrictions & the Deep Desire for Freedom
It was 2021, in the middle of the Covid madness. Austria was leading the way when it came to restrictions – especially around childbirth, and especially for the unvaccinated.
My longing for freedom grew stronger and stronger. I wanted to decide for myself how and where I would give birth – without control, without pressure.
Europe remained the logical choice. We looked at the Canary Islands, Mallorca, and finally Ibiza.
While researching, I immediately found a doula – Cyd. The moment I heard her voice for the first time, tears ran down my face. I just knew: This is the woman who is meant to accompany me.
The Journey Begins
We set a departure date and rented our first little home near Eivissa.
Shortly before leaving, David and I both got sick – with Covid. Strangely enough, we were even relieved, because it meant that all the testing requirements no longer applied to us. Two weeks later, we finally set off in our Trudi, a VW T4:
Krems – Maribor – Venice – Genoa – Southern France – Barcelona – Ibiza.
On February 14th, 2022, we arrived. I was overflowing with joy and couldn’t wait to meet Cyd and create our little nest.
Our Home Away from Home
Finding a place to live turned out to be challenging – until Cyd offered us a place on her property. We were given a small private apartment with an outdoor kitchen and bathroom. It was perfect.
Life felt light, sunny, full of sea and salt on our skin. I found a local gynecologist, completed all the necessary checkups, and prepared everything for our home birth: incense, crystals, music, and lots of love.
The Birth Begins
At 37 weeks, Maali was still in breech position. The doctor recommended a planned cesarean – I declined. Just to be safe, I registered at the hospital in Eivissa.
Shortly after – at the beach, while snorkeling – I suddenly heard and felt a loud pop.
My waters had broken. 36+6. Too early, too unexpected, too sudden.
Our doula and midwives were on their way, and we were faced with a decision: wait or act.
The next day contractions began – strong, regular, intense. Maali was still in breech, so in the middle of the night we headed to the hospital.
Between Trust & Fear
Despite Covid, David was allowed to stay with me – thank goodness.
We held onto our wish for a natural birth. We even wrote a contract with the hospital to ensure our wishes would be respected: no unnecessary interventions, no separation, no bathing after birth.
But as I lay there, panic washed over me. I just didn’t want to be in that place.
After more than 12 hours of contractions, with my cervix barely opening and my strength fading, I let go. I accepted the cesarean – my biggest fear.
Maali Arrives
When I heard her voice, I couldn’t stop crying.
The moment she was finally placed on my chest was indescribable.
I barely remember the hours afterward – only David holding her in his arms until I slowly came back to myself.
Love & Healing
In the beginning, I felt empty, disappointed, “not strong enough.”
I thought I had failed.
But with time, I understood that everything happened exactly as it needed to.
Now, more than three years later, I am simply grateful that she is here. I made a decision back then that pushed me far beyond my biggest fears. Today, I’m proud of myself – of my intuition, my courage, my inner strength.
And I am so deeply grateful.
Grateful that Maali Ila Ocean chose me.
Grateful for my doula Cyd and my midwife Anna, who accompanied me with so much love.
Grateful for the hospital in Eivissa, where we were treated with respect and warmth.
Grateful for Ibiza.
I would do it all again – exactly the same way.
