For years, being a mom wasn't even on my radar—it just wasn't something I saw for myself. Today? I honestly can't believe I waited this long to feel this kind of love. It really feels like that line from the song: "I could spend my life in this sweet surrender." (Aerosmith)

The day before I went into labor, I just knew she was on her way. I had this gut feeling all along that she wouldn't wait past 40 weeks. Sensing the shift, I actually had a little talk with her. I told her it was time for us to finally meet.

We’d had such an incredible journey during pregnancy, but I was ready, the world was ready, and if she was set, we were doing this together. I was 39 +4 days. Sure enough, around 1:30 AM on November 26th 2025, my water broke. It was just a slow trickle and I had zero contractions, so I figured I’d try to get some sleep. By 3:00 AM, there was way more water—no denying it now! Still no pain though, so I rested up, knowing I’d need the energy.

By 5:00 AM, I woke up completely soaked, but since I still felt fine, I squeezed in one more hour of sleep.When my husband woke up, I gave him the news. Since I’d tested positive for GBS, my midwife had told me to call the hospital the second my water broke. I’d been holding off because I had no symptoms and was really hoping labor would kick off naturally.

By 8:00 AM, the midwife called, and we agreed I’d head in by 10:00 AM.

At the hospital, after talking things through with the doctor and midwife, they suggested an induction. Being over 40, GBS positive, and with my water broken for over 12 hours, it felt like the safest call. People always have opinions on waiting, but I held out as long as I safely could. Nobody forced my hand; I just trusted my gut for me and my girl. Birth is totally unpredictable, but that’s what makes it so intense and magical. We try so hard to control every detail, but our bodies just know. My body needed a little nudge, and I listened. Looking back, I think that was my daughter’s first lesson to me: slow down, drop the pressure, and just let go.

We set the induction for 2:00 PM, giving Nadia (our photographer) and Thabata (my doula) time to get there without rushing.

They arrived right on time, just as I was drifting off to sleep. Out of nowhere, a massive gust of wind blew through—a storm rolling in right in the middle of a gorgeous day. It hit me how symbolic that was. It was a mirror for how I felt inside: caught in this beautiful season of life that suddenly threw a curveball I couldn’t control. I was bracing for a birth I’d never pictured. I never thought I’d end up being induced. What happened to me only affects a tiny percentage of women, and honestly, I was so frustrated. On top of that, the GBS diagnosis meant the public health system wouldn't cover the peaceful, intervention-free home birth I’d set my heart on.

My mind was racing, so I prayed for clarity. I thought about my grandmother, who had 15 babies at home, and asked for that same strength to bring my daughter into the world without extra interventions. I also thought about my own birth. My mom faced something similar and, without the right support, was pushed into a super disrespectful C-section. I saw this as my moment to rewrite our story—to reclaim my birth with the respect I deserved.

With that in mind, I shifted gears and decided to go into the induction as calmly as I could. Panic tried to creep in a few times, but my doula and husband were right beside me, holding me up.

At 2:30 PM, the induction started. I felt floaty, dizzy, and sleepy, almost like stepping into another world. Around 5:30 PM, the midwife asked to check me. To my surprise, I was already 4.5 cm dilated! All my doubts just melted away—I knew we were on our way.

Then the contractions really amped up. Time after time, I just wanted to run away. Panic shadowed me, but I kept telling myself, just hold on, don't give up. When it came time to push, things took longer than expected.

Looking back, I think a part of me was subconsciously clinging to her just a little longer—because that’s what mothers do, right? We want to hold our babies as close as possible.

Suddenly, a doctor walked into the room, and the energy completely shifted. I knew instantly that this wasn't how I wanted my story to go, so I asked her to step back and take a breath. She actually listened, respected my boundary, and didn't touch me. With labor inching close to an assisted delivery, I dug deep, gave it everything I had, and pushed.

And then, she was here. At 10:27 PM.

I had practiced so many things to say to her, but when the moment came, words weren't enough. I realized that love for a child is bigger than anything words can explain. So, I just kept repeating, "We did it, we did it"—a huge victory over every doubt, and a win for every woman who was ever told her body couldn't do it.

The birth was perfect in its own unique way. The second she arrived, the pain completely vanished, leaving only pure relief, gratitude, and joy. Since that day, I make sure to let her know—in words, in actions, or simply in my heart—that every day with her is a gift. Tiny as she was, she was born to teach me never to doubt my own strength and my capacity to do whatever I choose.

There is a brazilian classic song which says; “E eu que era triste descrente desse mundo ao encontrar você eu conheci o que é felicidade, meu amor.” (Tom Jobim)

“And I, who was sad and faithless in this world, found what happiness truly means when I met you, my love.

If you’re expecting and feel drawn to documenting your own story, I would love to be there. follow this link for more info: Birth story

{Birth Story} : " We did it" - Olivia's Birth Story