Iya Villania's Birth Story Video Shows She's A Warrior, Rockstar

A warrior. A rockstar.

These are just some of the comments Iya Villania received after sharing an Instagram reel about how she delivered her and Drew Arellano's fifth child, Anya Love, through a vaginal, unmedicated birth.

Iya Villania's birth story with Baby #5, Anya Love

On February 18, Iya shared a timeline of her labor and delivery. On February 2, Iya experienced consistent light contractions every 8-9 minutes for 2-3 hours and headed to The Medical City, only to find out it was a prodromal labor or false labor. It was the first time she experienced this in her five pregnancies. 

"I experienced prodromal labor 2-3 times through the week, and I’m not sure if my anticipation for labor and delivery was contributing to it. I guess no mom can ever be a pro in pregnancy," Iya wrote.

On the early morning of February 11, Iya woke up to contractions again but wanted to be sure before heading to the hospital. She considered heading to the gym but ended up consulting her OB-Gyne, who told her to monitor her contractions, even without waiting for signs like water breaking or spotting.

When her contractions grew stronger and closer in intervals, she told Drew and her doctors that she was going to prepare to go to the hospital. They arrived at the hospital at 10 AM, and her internal examination revealed that her cervix was already dilated at 6 cm and 60% effaced. Effacement refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for labor. A pregnant woman must be 100% effaced for a vaginal delivery, according to Cleveland Clinic.

"It was like God orchestrated the home birth I’ve always dreamt about within the safety of a hospital setting." —Iya Villania Arellano on giving birth to Baby Anya

Iya was then prepped and brought to the same delivery suite where she delivered three of her children—Primo, Leon, and Alana. Her doctor instructed her to keep walking to help progress the labor.

At 10:45, Iya's water broke. "I ran to the toilet with the urge to poop when the nurse told me to stand up and head to the bed, where I found myself kneeling, breathing my way through each contraction."

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A post shared by Iya Villania-Arellano (@iyavillania)

She continued, "With everything happening so fast, I found myself birthing Anya in the most natural way that felt right to me. Enveloped with a spirit of courage and peace, God was with me the whole way, washing away every ounce of doubt and fear that I had in the weeks and days leading up to my delivery."

Amazed by her delivery, Iya described her experience as "like God orchestrated the home birth I’ve always dreamt about within the safety of a hospital setting."

She then thanked the doctors and nurses who helped her, "I prayed for a fast and easy delivery, but God can truly do more that you can ever think, ask for or imagine. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness."

Iya concluded her post with a message for Drew, "To my husband who was recording it as it was unfolding even while having to deal with his own fears, I love you! Ikaw naman, pls!"

Celebrities, netizens react to Iya Villania's birth story video

On Instagram, celebrity moms like Rica Peralejo Bonifacio, Chariz Solomon, and Miriam Quiambao praised Iya for her bravery and strength.

Mom of two, Rica Peralejo Bonifacio, said, "I love this video. Amazing. Parang gusto ko manganak ulit, ganun ka amazing."

Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez, who delivered her two children via water birth, called Iya a "rockstar."

G Tongi, who has two kids, told Iya, "You are a warrior."

Iya's followers were also in awe of her incredible birth story. One user said, "Parang di masakit manganak pag si Ms. Iya." Another one commented, "Mabuhay ka!! Superwoman!! Isang kang bayani."

Drew had no words but "That's my girl."

Over the years, Iya has been committed to raising awareness about the importance of staying active and embracing fitness throughout her pregnancies. She says her exercise regimen is key to her successful deliveries. 

However, Iya said she still fears delivery even after five births.

Iya Villania's birth stories

Looking back at Iya's birth stories, she delivered her firstborn son, Primo Antonio, on August 30, 2016. Iya had a false alarm on August 29 and was sent home. She went back to the hospital at 5 AM the following day after experiencing labor pains. After six hours of labor, Primo arrived at 12:06 PM and weighed 6.4 pounds, a few days earlier than his expected arrival date of September 4.

Alonzo Leon, meanwhile, was born on August 19, 2018. She and Drew were at the hospital around 2 AM, and she delivered their second child at 9:44 AM. 

Alana Lauren was born on July 18, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When her cervix was 8 cm dilated, her doctor broke her water bag to help progress the labor. She delivered her first baby girl after just two pushes!

On June 4, 2022, Iya gave birth to Astro Phoenix at 4:39 PM. It was her first unmedicated birth. Iya said that it was her most prolonged and most painful delivery but also the most special, "because I was praying for strength and courage EVERY SINGLE DAY hoping to get through an unmedicated birth to wrap up this journey (yes guys, I believe this is the last!)."

Iya revealed in November last year that their fifth pregnancy was not planned. On February 11, 2025, they welcomed Anya Love, the seventh member of Team Arellano.

Read about Iya and Drew's parenting style here.