Partnering with God in Birth
What if God was the only birth coach you needed? I know that may sound odd coming from a doula whose career is supporting women as a birth coach but hear me out…
Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous and spiritual experience - one that only our creator could draw up. I’m serious - there’s no amount of science that could make this thing make sense (yes, I know science can play a role in the process but our bodies still do some amazing things on their own). In the same breath, bringing life into the world is no easy feat. For expectant moms, the journey of labor can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Pain and fear are the two most common things that I deal with when working with new mamas.
In such a new and unfamiliar experience, how do you truly prepare or know how to make it through? Most people would begin to build a birth team for support, coaching, and guidance to help them through this process (hint: this is where people like me come in), but I would argue that most women forget one key person on their team - God.
Even if you are not a believer, this blog post will be helpful for you to understand the importance of connecting with a higher power in birth to help you achieve a beautiful and peaceful natural birth from the source where it all began. I am going to share practical tips as well as inspiring Bible verses that you can use during labor as reminders and affirmations that YOU CAN DO THIS!
Trusting in God's Plan:
One of the essential aspects of partnering with God during labor is to trust in His divine plan. Just as He intricately designed the process of childbirth, He will be with you every step of the way. When fear or uncertainty arises, remind yourself of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Embrace the Power of Prayer:
Prayer is a powerful tool to communicate with God and seek His guidance during labor. Before, during, and after the process, take time to pray, sharing your feelings, hopes, and concerns. This was key for me in my last two birth experiences. I remember praying to God in my most difficult moment in labor when I felt like giving up (hear my full story here). I remember isolating myself, praying to God for his supernatural strength, and surrendering to His plans. It was one of the clearest and most divine encounters I ever experienced with God. I had a baby very shortly after that.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Meditate on Scripture:
During labor, positive affirmations and scriptural verses can be a source of strength and encouragement. Consider writing down verses that resonate with you and meditate on them. One powerful verse to reflect on is Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Surround yourself with Prayer Warriors:
Your circle matters, especially during pregnancy. Make sure to close your circle during pregnancy to only allow your faith community to act as supportive prayer partners. I have seen time and time again women become discouraged and overwhelmed because their ‘circle’ does nothing but add unnecessary stress to their pregnancy journey. These individuals’ prayers can bring peace and comfort during your pregnancy and labor. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Embrace the Beauty of Worship:
Labor can be an opportunity to worship and praise God for the miracle of life. Sing worship songs, recite hymns, or listen to calming worship music to create an atmosphere of peace and spiritual connection. My worship playlist was so soothing for me in labor and reminded me to stay connected to God during this experience. Psalm 95:1-2 says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Practice Deep Breathing and Mindfulness:
In moments of intensity during labor, practice deep breathing (labor breathing tips can be found here) and mindfulness, inviting God's presence into your thoughts. Imagine Him as your birth coach, guiding you through each contraction. Psalm 46:1 assures us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Trust Your Instincts:
As you partner with God during labor, remember that He has equipped your body to bring forth new life. Trust your instincts and the innate wisdom God has instilled within you. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
In the journey of childbirth, partnering with God as the ultimate birth coach can provide moms with a deep sense of peace, strength, and comfort. Trusting in God's plan, embracing the power of prayer, meditating on Scripture, enlisting your prayer warriors, embracing worship, and practicing mindfulness can all enhance the spiritual connection during labor. As you embark on this beautiful journey, let go of fear and lean into the loving presence of God, knowing that He is with you every step of the way. Remember the words of Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
To hear how some mamas have put these things into practice in their births, check out some of my mamas stories:
Lauren’s Faith-Filled Unmedicated Breech Birth
Anisa’s Quick Supernatural Breech Birth
Madison’s Unplanned Home Birth
Shelly’s God-Centered Unmedicated Induced Birth
Let me know in the comments what you want to focus on as you prepare for your birth!