Having a birth plan is helpful so that moms can have a say in how they will deliver their babies with the support of their birthing team. However, we’ve learned that sometimes no amount of planning can prepare you for childbirth – it can happen when you least expect it, like in a car while en route to the hospital. 
That’s exactly what happened to Andrea Intalan, 36, when she gave birth to her second son, Dakila, in the backseat of their pickup truck on July 30, 2021. It occurred in the driveway of their home in Las Piñas.
Since she gave birth to her firstborn via unmedicated vaginal gentle birth, she planned to do the same for her second child. She also hoped to have a water birth this time around. 
After a routine checkup, Andrea and her husband, Jed Intalan, went back to the hospital to submit their letter of request for a water birth. “I had a bit of bloody discharge earlier that morning and was having some mild discomfort, which I shared with my doula and OB. My OB asked me to come by her clinic to check, and I was already 1cm dilated. She advised me to get an RT-PCR test as a precaution.”
Still, Andrea thought it would be a while before she gave birth, as she experienced being in labor for 24 hours with her first child.
That night, she and her husband started timing her contractions. After getting a couple of hours of sleep, the couple decided to go to the hospital. While Jed was preparing their bags, Andrea waded into a tub of warm water to ride out the surges. “It helped me calm down and breathe through my contractions,” she shares. 
When she got into the backseat of their truck, she realized she couldn’t sit down because of the intense pressure in her pelvic area. She ended up on her knees while facing the back of the pickup.
Andrea felt another uncontrollable urge to push and told him that she could feel their baby coming. When he checked, he could feel their baby’s head already. Their brother asked whether she wanted to go to the hospital or back home, and Andrea chose the latter. 
They parked the truck in their driveway and ended up surprising Andrea’s parents with a crying baby. “With my baby still connected to me, we managed to swaddle him with some clean towels,” Andrea says, adding that since Kidlat was with them in the car, he woke up to the sight of his baby brother covered in afterbirth.
Shortly after, they again left for the hospital to get Andrea and their baby checked. Andrea shares that trusting her body and her baby paved the way for a successful, natural, and gentle birth. Based on her experience, her advice to expecting moms is to also mentally prepare for their baby’s arrival.
Introduction
Are you in need of financial assistance but don't want to sell your property? A loan against property might be the ideal solution for you. This type of loan allows you to leverage the value of your property to secure a loan amount. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on obtaining a loan against property. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Assessing Property Value
The first step in obtaining a loan against property is to assess the value of your property. You can hire a professional property evaluator or consult a real estate agent to determine its market worth. The lender will consider this valuation to calculate the loan amount they can offer you.
Researching Lenders
Once you have assessed your property's value, it's time to research different lenders who offer loans against property. Compare their interest rates, loan tenure, processing fees, and customer reviews. Choose a reputable lender that aligns with your requirements and offers favorable terms and conditions.
Document Preparation
To apply for a loan against property, you need to gather the necessary documents. The typical documents include:
- Property ownership documents
- Identity proof
- Address proof
- Income proof
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
Ensure that you have all the required documents ready and organize them for easy access during the application process.
Loan Application
Now that you have chosen a lender and prepared the documents, it's time to submit the loan application. Fill out the application form provided by the lender, providing accurate information. Double-check the form to avoid any errors or discrepancies.
Property Valuation
After submitting the application, the lender will initiate the property valuation process. They will send a representative to assess the property's condition, location, and market value. This valuation helps the lender determine the maximum loan amount they can offer you.
Loan Approval and Disbursement
Once the property valuation is complete and meets the lender's criteria, they will approve your loan application. The lender will communicate the approved loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. Upon agreement, the loan amount will be disbursed to your bank account.
Repayment Terms
Understanding the repayment terms is crucial before finalizing the loan agreement. The terms include the loan tenure, interest rate, and EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) amount. Ensure that you carefully review the repayment schedule and have a repayment plan in place.
Conclusion
Obtaining a loan against property can provide you with the financial flexibility you need without giving up ownership of your property. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can navigate through the process effectively. Remember to conduct thorough research, gather the necessary documents, choose a reliable lender, and understand the repayment terms.
FAQs
1. Can I obtain a loan against any type of property?Yes, you can obtain a loan against residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
2. What happens if I default on the loan repayment?Defaulting on loan repayment can lead to penalties, legal action, and the possibility of losing your property.
3. Is the interest rate fixed or variable for a loan against property?The interest rate can be either fixed or variable, depending on the terms agreed upon with the lender.
4. Can I prepay the loan before the tenure ends?Most lenders allow prepayment of the loan, but it may be subject to prepayment charges.
5. How long does the loan approval process take?The loan approval process can vary among lenders, but it typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the documentation and property valuation process.
In conclusion, a loan against property is an excellent option for individuals in need of financial assistance. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can secure a loan against your property efficiently. Remember to thoroughly assess your property value, research lenders, prepare the required documents, and understand the repayment terms. With careful planning and execution, you can leverage your property to fulfill your financial needs.