Katarina Rodriguez Shares Water Birth Journey: 'I Finally Know The True Power Of Woman'

Editor’s Note: Medical professionals caution against home births because of the risks involved. A hospital is the safest setting for childbirth, especially when a life-threatening complication develops, which can happen without warning. Women have the right to make an informed decision about where they prefer to deliver, but always consult a doctor to understand the risks. (Click here to know more about home births.)

Katarina Rodriguez, the country’s Miss World Philippines 2018, just received another title: mommy!

In a video uploaded on her YouTube channel on Sunday, November 14, 2021, the beauty queen revealed that she had already given birth almost three months ago! Katarina delivered her son, Robert Joaquin Rodriguez Barbers via water birth on August 25.

In a previous interview, the momma shared that she was planning to fly a midwife from Manila to Davao to assist in her water birth. Her friend, actress and celebrity mom Coleen Garcia, lent the beauty queen her birthing pool.

Katarina spent most of her pregnancy in Siargao, but moved to Davao for the birth, as it's where her partner, entrepreneur Nino Barbers, is based.

On her Instagram stories, Katarina shared: "I finally know the true power of woman," after uploading her water birth journey. In another story, she revealed that her Davao-based doula, Tere Sustiguer, was with her from the start of her contractions up to her birth.

Nino was also by her side, giving her a massage while she was having contractions, and holding her hand while she was laboring in the pool. The new dad also cut their son's umbilical cord once he was out.

The beauty queen announced her pregnancy back in August in a YouTube vlog. She revealed that she and Nino have been living together for almost two years, and she hasn’t had her period for close to nine months.

After testing positive in a pregnancy test, the vlog shows Katarina telling Nino that she was pregnant, which came as no surprise, because of the video showing off Katarina’s full belly. Nino played along, and they both laughed. Looking back, she had already given birth a few weeks after they made the reveal!

The vlog also revealed what she has been up to for the past few months, including working out, hanging out on the island, and a sweet baby shower for their Baby Barbers.

Congratulations to Katarina and Nino!

Click here for what you need to know about water births during the pandemic.