What a story, Julia! I had my 4th the day after, on epiphany! It was a similar story which I also just shared, but I WAS in transition in the car and that was intense! I will try to avoid that next time too ha! Praise God for our sweet babies!
I am on a birth story kick as my third is due May and my second was born April 2021 so it feels like an age ago. I had my first in a birth center and had a long labor where I felt a bit dissociated but also like medication would have made it harder to stay connected to reality. My second was induced and I used nitrous oxide for pain management but I wasn’t afraid of labor that time, I was afraid of postpartum. God was kind and EVERYTHING was easier the second time. This time I am older, in much better physical shape, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how our childbirth educator for my first said pain is usually a signal to your body that something is wrong, but in childbirth it is generally a sign of good work being done. Productive pain, if you will. I’ve been wrestling with how the concept of pain-free labor just doesn’t fit with the biblical reality that bringing forth children is cursed. It’s blessed and redemptive but also cursed. A woman’s body is absolutely strong and amazing but it’s also a time where we have to grapple with not being in control and that God is the one who gives and keeps life - ours and our children’s. It’s a lot!
Thank you for taking the time to write and share yours! It is really helpful to hear other women processing the experience through a biblical perspective!
Congratulations! Your little guy is so handsome. What a huge, important job birthing is. Your words brought me back. I actually love how you included the momentary bouts of panic and exhaustion that punctuate the experience because we need to normalize those parts of labor if anyone is going to have a chance at natural childbirth. I got an epidural with our first because I had only listened to people who championed natural childbirth as pain-free and wasn't prepared for what was asked of me. I thought something must be terribly wrong. With our second, I was mentally prepared for feeling like I couldn't do it, and I loved being fully present. Thank you for sharing this beautiful birth story, Julia.
Made me cry. Thanks for such a sweet story.
What a story, Julia! I had my 4th the day after, on epiphany! It was a similar story which I also just shared, but I WAS in transition in the car and that was intense! I will try to avoid that next time too ha! Praise God for our sweet babies!
I am on a birth story kick as my third is due May and my second was born April 2021 so it feels like an age ago. I had my first in a birth center and had a long labor where I felt a bit dissociated but also like medication would have made it harder to stay connected to reality. My second was induced and I used nitrous oxide for pain management but I wasn’t afraid of labor that time, I was afraid of postpartum. God was kind and EVERYTHING was easier the second time. This time I am older, in much better physical shape, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how our childbirth educator for my first said pain is usually a signal to your body that something is wrong, but in childbirth it is generally a sign of good work being done. Productive pain, if you will. I’ve been wrestling with how the concept of pain-free labor just doesn’t fit with the biblical reality that bringing forth children is cursed. It’s blessed and redemptive but also cursed. A woman’s body is absolutely strong and amazing but it’s also a time where we have to grapple with not being in control and that God is the one who gives and keeps life - ours and our children’s. It’s a lot!
Yes! I definitely think labor is an opportunity to practice surrender to God. It’s blessed me in different ways all three times! ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to write and share yours! It is really helpful to hear other women processing the experience through a biblical perspective!
Congratulations! Your little guy is so handsome. What a huge, important job birthing is. Your words brought me back. I actually love how you included the momentary bouts of panic and exhaustion that punctuate the experience because we need to normalize those parts of labor if anyone is going to have a chance at natural childbirth. I got an epidural with our first because I had only listened to people who championed natural childbirth as pain-free and wasn't prepared for what was asked of me. I thought something must be terribly wrong. With our second, I was mentally prepared for feeling like I couldn't do it, and I loved being fully present. Thank you for sharing this beautiful birth story, Julia.
Thanks Abigail! I totally agree that the pain of labor should be talked about more!
I absolutely adore a birth story, and yours bright me to tears (why am I such a sap?). God was with you. And is still. Enjoy your fresh baby time 🥹
Thanks Sarah! I’m a sap too so no judgement here 😆
Really enjoyed reading this! I'm a month or so away from having my fourth baby and reading such an affirming birth story gives me confidence 😊
Wishing you the best as you anticipate meeting your fourth little one! So exciting!
Thank you!