"Are we going to have the baby today mom?"
"How do you feel Angie?"
"Anything???"
"How do you feel Angie?"
"Anything???"
Everyone is excited around here these days. Waiting in anticipation for the "arrival" of the new baby! It is an exciting time in a family's life. Very personal & special... not many other experiences in life truly compare to the birth of another member of a family or the "birth of a son or daughter." For the woman giving birth it is an especially intimate, introspective time. Every woman prepares for birth differently of course. Some are relaxed and have an aire of confidence there body will do what its supposed to and so they just go with the flow calmly, some women are so wound up nervous they feel scared...the unknowing of what will happen over comes them... they don't like not being in control. Then there is the in between crowd... they aren't paranoid or nervous (maybe a little, but thats normal), but they exhibit confidence and emotional stability.
Having giving birth naturally 5 times already, I can say that you don't just "become a pro" like some may think (or say). The anticipation still gets to you a bit... you still have moments of doubt... maybe even moments of fear, but those can all be overcome through Christ who gives us strength. When I was pregnant with my first born, I wanted to be educated so Isaac and I attended prebirth classes, I read as many books on pregnancy and childbirth I could find. To my dismay, I only found 1 good book ("The Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth" by Debra Evans) that had a strong solid Christian foundation when it came to natural childbirth. Now there are more resources and I have benefited from a few; however, Nothing prepares you more for childbirth than studying the scriptures on the topic. When I was pregnant with my fourth I decided to go through scripture and write out every verse that related to pregnancy or childbirth in the Bible. What the Lord showed me was far greater than what I could have read in any childbirth book.
Having giving birth naturally 5 times already, I can say that you don't just "become a pro" like some may think (or say). The anticipation still gets to you a bit... you still have moments of doubt... maybe even moments of fear, but those can all be overcome through Christ who gives us strength. When I was pregnant with my first born, I wanted to be educated so Isaac and I attended prebirth classes, I read as many books on pregnancy and childbirth I could find. To my dismay, I only found 1 good book ("The Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth" by Debra Evans) that had a strong solid Christian foundation when it came to natural childbirth. Now there are more resources and I have benefited from a few; however, Nothing prepares you more for childbirth than studying the scriptures on the topic. When I was pregnant with my fourth I decided to go through scripture and write out every verse that related to pregnancy or childbirth in the Bible. What the Lord showed me was far greater than what I could have read in any childbirth book.
In Genesis 4:1 Eve gives God the Glory for the birth of her son when she says...."With the Help of the Lord I have brought forth a man."
Eve didn't do it on her own... she is giving Him the glory and praising Him for His part in the creation and birth of a son. How is this missed in Christian Childbirth books? In my mind this is so critical to truly experiencing God in the process.As Christian women we should learn a lessn from Eve. She was the first woman God created, she was the first woman to disobey God and he personally punished her (and all women) with pain in childbirth, but even though that existed... she Glorified and praised him. Was she overwhelmed with the joy of her baby boy? Yes, but she was still very much in pain... she had another son to birth... in between there births she praised God. Shouldn't we do the same?
Now, I am not in any way trying to knock the "Bradley Method" or any other great books out there on Childbirth... ("Ina May Guide to Childbirth" although I do have to warn people about the new age stuff in this book, "Gentle Birth Choices" by Barbara Harper- founder of Waterbirth International and my first midwife when I gave birth to Kelsey under water) all I am saying is in all the preparing we do as women do we get into scripture and rely on God completely? When you are packing your birthing bags and nesting getting every thing "just right" for the arrival of the new baby... do you prepare spiritually for one of the most spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging experiences you will ever get the privilege of experiencing.... and prepare to invite the Lord of Lords into your experience?
I have to be honest, I have for many years hesitated in sharing these thoughts with women... not wanting to make people feel judged. I am sharing now b/c until this week I wasn't preparing like I had the other five times. I was distracted by nesting, activities with the other five children, business adventures with my husband, household projects, etc... the list could go on and on. So I began to get anxious last week, feeling unprepared. Not b/c I didn't have my bags packed, b/c I did. Not b/c I didn't read the childbirth books through again, b/c I did. But because I hadn't rested in the strength & peace that comes only from the Lord and being in HIs Word Deeply. For me, I have always given my birth experience to Jesus 100%... all of me. I bring worship music to keep my focus on Him and that He knows more pain than I. Keeping my perspective clear. I have family to be praying over me. I sing during and in between contractions, I pray, I cry out for God to help, He is my focus, the fact the He is giving me this gift of a child is the focus. I am not trying "sleep" through the contractions. I am not trying to have a "painless birth" b/c scripture says we will have pain. Instead I accept it, and I ask Him who is able to help me and give me strength to Glorify Him in those moments. And when I have self doubt... HE is the ONLY one that "brings forth man."
I have been so incredibly blessed to have the Holy Spirit present at every birth, whether in the Hospital or Birth Center, God is not to be put in a box.... he can be everywhere- anywhere! And he wants to be! I have always had the perspective and openness during my labor & delivery to let my light shine before men through the process. God has blessed it ten fold spiritually for me. Each of my children have a "birth song;" a song they were born too. I remember after my longest labor, Drew (my 4th), he was 9lb 7 oz big guy... 16 hours... and I was at 10 cm FOREVER... the nurses linked arms and started singing "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, God of Glory, Lord of Might" which was the song that was playing when he was born. Who knows if they were Christians or not... they were moved. That birth was at Kaiser Permanente. They experienced God with us... in His Sovereignty & Mercy. I thank God He allowed me to be a light. One nurse had never seen a natural birth before and was so moved she came to see us everyday we were there (very out of the normal). My point is... it is so easy for us to waste our energies "nesting" or getting ready for the baby, but I we putting our energies in the right places. Are we preparing to have music and prayer, are we preparing for this to be an opportunity to witness or to mentor up our daughters (let them come), are preparing for an exciting journey of letting God be in control. Inviting Him to be present and helping you.
I am back, I am confident, not in myself, but in my God b/c He has never let me down. He has always shown up when I needed him most and blessed my marriage and my relationship with my children b/c I have given it to him.
Thank you Lord for allowing me the time I needed, even by going "over due," to get back with you, spiritually prepared for the adventure to come. I am not anxious, but confidant that the baby will come in your timing, which is always perfect, even when we don't understand why. And thank you for showing me why already and speaking to me through your word.
Now, I am not in any way trying to knock the "Bradley Method" or any other great books out there on Childbirth... ("Ina May Guide to Childbirth" although I do have to warn people about the new age stuff in this book, "Gentle Birth Choices" by Barbara Harper- founder of Waterbirth International and my first midwife when I gave birth to Kelsey under water) all I am saying is in all the preparing we do as women do we get into scripture and rely on God completely? When you are packing your birthing bags and nesting getting every thing "just right" for the arrival of the new baby... do you prepare spiritually for one of the most spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging experiences you will ever get the privilege of experiencing.... and prepare to invite the Lord of Lords into your experience?
I have to be honest, I have for many years hesitated in sharing these thoughts with women... not wanting to make people feel judged. I am sharing now b/c until this week I wasn't preparing like I had the other five times. I was distracted by nesting, activities with the other five children, business adventures with my husband, household projects, etc... the list could go on and on. So I began to get anxious last week, feeling unprepared. Not b/c I didn't have my bags packed, b/c I did. Not b/c I didn't read the childbirth books through again, b/c I did. But because I hadn't rested in the strength & peace that comes only from the Lord and being in HIs Word Deeply. For me, I have always given my birth experience to Jesus 100%... all of me. I bring worship music to keep my focus on Him and that He knows more pain than I. Keeping my perspective clear. I have family to be praying over me. I sing during and in between contractions, I pray, I cry out for God to help, He is my focus, the fact the He is giving me this gift of a child is the focus. I am not trying "sleep" through the contractions. I am not trying to have a "painless birth" b/c scripture says we will have pain. Instead I accept it, and I ask Him who is able to help me and give me strength to Glorify Him in those moments. And when I have self doubt... HE is the ONLY one that "brings forth man."
I have been so incredibly blessed to have the Holy Spirit present at every birth, whether in the Hospital or Birth Center, God is not to be put in a box.... he can be everywhere- anywhere! And he wants to be! I have always had the perspective and openness during my labor & delivery to let my light shine before men through the process. God has blessed it ten fold spiritually for me. Each of my children have a "birth song;" a song they were born too. I remember after my longest labor, Drew (my 4th), he was 9lb 7 oz big guy... 16 hours... and I was at 10 cm FOREVER... the nurses linked arms and started singing "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, God of Glory, Lord of Might" which was the song that was playing when he was born. Who knows if they were Christians or not... they were moved. That birth was at Kaiser Permanente. They experienced God with us... in His Sovereignty & Mercy. I thank God He allowed me to be a light. One nurse had never seen a natural birth before and was so moved she came to see us everyday we were there (very out of the normal). My point is... it is so easy for us to waste our energies "nesting" or getting ready for the baby, but I we putting our energies in the right places. Are we preparing to have music and prayer, are we preparing for this to be an opportunity to witness or to mentor up our daughters (let them come), are preparing for an exciting journey of letting God be in control. Inviting Him to be present and helping you.
I am back, I am confident, not in myself, but in my God b/c He has never let me down. He has always shown up when I needed him most and blessed my marriage and my relationship with my children b/c I have given it to him.
Thank you Lord for allowing me the time I needed, even by going "over due," to get back with you, spiritually prepared for the adventure to come. I am not anxious, but confidant that the baby will come in your timing, which is always perfect, even when we don't understand why. And thank you for showing me why already and speaking to me through your word.
May I Glorify you while I am in Labor... may I "praise you in the storm" and give thanks to you fr you are good in all things. May I call on you to help me and remove my burden through the relief of birth. May I praise you through it all and when my work is done in birth, give me the strength Lord to continue to prepare and give you my days as I raise this son you are girting me with. Let my energy not be in vain, help me to stay the course and stay motivated all the days I am called to raise him for your Kingdom's Work. His birth is one very quick event... help me not to forget to prepare spiritually for the every days of training him up with the same diligence and perseverance. Thank You Jesus, for understanding our pains... and blessing us through suffering by making us stronger. I look forward to this sacred time with you Father in Heaven.
Amen
Amen
