Ex-Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen show off their newborn daughter as she reveals terror during 19-hour labour
Couple left terrified as umbilical cord was wrapped around baby's neck
KRISTINA Rihanoff and Ben Cohen have revealed the terrifying 19 and a half hour labour the dancer went through when she gave birth back in June.
Introducing their newborn daughter - who they have named Milena or Mila for short - the couple opened up about the ordeal for the first time.
The 38-year-old was left terrified and struggling during the gruelling labour after the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck.
Speaking to magazine, former professional rugby player Ben said: "Every time Kristina pushed, the cord was pulling the baby back. There comes a point when it is not happening and you do worry."
New mum Kristina revealed: "I was squeezing his hand so hard that I thought I might break it. I can't even begin to describe the pain, but it's an incredibly proud moment when you see your baby for the first time. It's an incredible feeling of love."
She added: "It's the feeling of being settled. I'm in a happy place. I feel a sense of security with Ben being next to me."
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Ben, 37, who has twin daughters, eight, from a previous marriage, said: "Kristina was amazing and I'm so very proud.
"Mila has changed the dynamic - another little human in our lives. She is our creation and that is amazing.
"Kristina is a natural mum. It was very emotional and it gives you even more respect - it's nature at its best. I'm proud of Kristina, proud of Mila and proud to be a dad again."
Read the full interview in Hello!, out now.