Kristina Rihanoff's baby's birth

1 August 2016

Kristina Rihanoff's baby's umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck.

Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff

The former 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional welcomed her daughter Milena into the world just over a month ago but she has admitted the labour and birth didn't go as smoothly as she had initially planned.

The dancer's boyfriend Ben Cohen explained: "Every time Kristina pushed, the cord was pulling the baby back."

Kristina added: "There comes a point when it is not happening and you do worry. I was squeezing [Ben's] hand so hard I thought I might break it."

But, despite her gruelling 19-hour labour, the 38-year-old beauty fell in love with her little bundle of joy the moment she locked eyes on her.

Speaking to HELLO! magazine, she said: "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."

The couple - who announced they were together last year - have moved into the "perfect family home" in Northamptonshire and are thoroughly enjoying watching their daughter, who they call Mila, change by the day.

The 37-year-old retired rugby player said: "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."

Ben also has eight-year-old twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle with his ex-wife Abby Blayney, whom he split from in 2014.

Ben and Kristina met in 2013 when they were partnered together for 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

But, despite rumours claiming they were romancing while on the dancing show, they have always insisted they only got together after Ben split from Abby.