Psalm 57:13

"Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." NASB

One of the most important things you can do for yourself throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey is to learn the truth and receive it.  And never let yourself think negative thoughts about your birth and try to stay away from those with creepy birth stories! 

Why?

When you let the negativity in... you are doing yourself harm. A truth from the Bible about what you are going through is much better to pray over and speak over instead of allowing fear to dominate your thoughts. If you are familiar with childbirth education then you have heard of the fear-tension-pain cycle. This can apply to pregnancy and birth! If you are afraid, then you are tense. When you tense up you will experience more pain. When you are in pain you become more afraid! It is a vicious cycle to get caught in!! 

Rebuke that fear with positive Scripture and it will HELP you exit the cycle... stop the lies in their tacks before they have the ability to do any damage to you! 

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." NIV

Never fear that you are alone in your labor. Yes it is your body doing the work and yes it is YOU that has to physically endure the trial. But NO you are not alone. 

It's true that no other person can bear your pain or discomfort if you happen to start loosing your rhythm in labor and that fact may make you feel lonely... It's not like you can say to your husband, "Hey babe, this hurts! You wanna labor for me a little while while I take a nap?"  (DON'T YOU WISH!)

But you can look to the Lord for refuge and also strength that will help you cope better than anything any other person is able to offer you. 

Ok you're thinking easily said Shanon... but what do I do when I am REALLY in labor and I am not coping, I'm hurting or struggling, maybe I'm too frustrated to go on... 

Let's look further into this Psalm for the answer... What does God say?

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;" -Verse 10

Be still. Mentally get a hold of yourself however you need to and be still. Even for a moment and look to the Lord. Place your pain in His hands... place your fear and anxiety in His hands. Confess to Him that you are having a hard time if you are. He will guide your labor if you let Him. He will lighten your load if you ask Him to. He will change a circumstance if need Him to. You only need to be still and let Him do His work for you. These are promises to you as children of God for your life, why would He not deliver the same promises in childbirth? 

Psalms 73:28

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." NIV


Sometimes in birth (and in life) we find ourselves set aside from the "norm" of society. We may find ourselves in the midst of a traumatic birth situation and feel scared, powerless, unsure, and overwhelmed. We may feel sad that our birth has gone awry and want an explanation! We may feel jealous of the stories we hear of perfect birth happening everywhere... Why is this happening to me?

I feel led to say here that the Lord knows all. And His plan for you has a purpose. His plan for your birth HAS A PURPOSE. Never ever be fooled by the enemy and let him have control of a situation when it is frightening to you. Ladies, in the midst of trauma you can seek refuge in the Lord. Depending upon many things, it may be the last thing you naturally feel like doing... acceptance. But I want to tell you that it is GOOD to be near the Lord. It is good to call Him in for guidance, wisdom, and resources... It is so good to call Him in for peace. And when things have settled and your trial is over... staying in the shelter of the Lord will give him the ability to provide your heart and mind wisdom of events that have taken place. If you can walk with the Lord away from a traumatic birth and tell your story of peace in the midst to someone else... you have just given them the best gift you could ever give them and that is a testimony of hope.

Psalms 91:1

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." NIV


It is important to involve the Lord in your pregnancy. I tell pregnant women all the time to give their daily struggles up to the Lord because he DOES care and he WANTS you to rest knowing he has everything you are going through in his mighty hands. He knows you are tired, sick, weak, grouchy, hungry, and all the other many "fun" symptoms that come with being a pregnant woman! And as we know these symptoms can stress us out quite easily! But "Seek ye first thy kingdom of God" my friend and you will be given a resting place in the shadow of the Lord! No better resting spot exists! No better cover from the stress of your pregnancy exists! It is also very wise of you and healthy for the tiny baby inside your womb to sit with God and rest in his hands! 

Joshua 1:9

"The Lord your God is with you wherever you go" NLT


Do not fear your labor and delivery... do not fear that your birth wishes will not be honored. Do not fear that you will be alone. Do not let yourself be swept away by the enemies plots to destroy your childbirth experience. This is a time of peace and joy! You are about to play a huge part in the delivering of a brand new soul here on earth! You are about to embark on the journey of parenthood... a journey the Lord has planned just for you! Do not fear this day. Take the Lord with you into the delivery room or birthing center. If you are birthing at home call upon His presence to be with you there! Do not stress yourself out with worry over the possibly negative outcomes of this day... that is not what the Lord has planned for you! Instead lift your fears and worries to the Lord and let Him take care of them for you!! If you let Him in... He will stand by you! 

Psalms 94:19

"When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer." NIV




I have literally seen this happen in birth! I have seen women get to that point in their labors where they just give up on themselves... this happens a lot in the "transition" phase of labor. You are so tired, have been working so hard, and are in a lot of pain. It can be hard to focus on the reality that you are almost done at this point! I think it's important that when you are gathering your things in preparation for your childbirth (whether you are packing a bag or nesting at home) you need to include some scripture for transition! It will help you rely on the Lord to get you through this last phase before pushing! Let him be your strength!!

It can be so easy as humans to give up... resist that with the Word and your faith in Christ that he can restore your peace!

Joshua 23:10

"The Lord fights for you, just as he has promised." NLT


There are so many places in the Bible where we can find encouragement and promises that the Lord has for us if we just believe and trust in Him. He says he will strengthen us, protect us, guide us, keep us, and FIGHT for us! Use this scripture as a reminder that if you can bring Him into your labor with you, He will fight for you! I have spoken with a lot of women who feel so nervous and even scared that their birth plans and their wishes for control over their births will be ignored during their childbirth. The Lord has the power to change hearts and make paths possible for you! You need only to believe Him for that!