By Naomi Bjorgan

THE JOURNEY through pregnancy and birth is one of the most unforgettable and life-changing events in a family’s life. For new mothers, it is a time of great expectation, hope – and often fear of the unknown.

The media has not helped in regards to the fear factor of pregnancy and birth, with shows like A Baby Story and the dramatic emergency deliveries seen on prime time television.

Why is the birth of a child portrayed as such a fearful event? Why do so many Christian women suffer from physical and emotional birth trauma and painful memories of what is supposed to be a miraculous event? Did God not know what he was doing when he designed women to birth their babies?

As a Christian, have you ever taken the time to think of birth as a well-planned design from a God who loves us?

Today there are various philosophies surrounding birth:

• Hypnobirth, when women are put into a trance-like state to avoid pain.

• Lotus birth, where the cord and placenta remain intact after delivery. This practice is based on the belief that cutting the cord is the first act of violence toward the infant and a cruel separation from his/her brother (the placenta).

• Yoga is another common preparation for birth, even among Christians.

What about the use of prayer, standing on the promises of God and faith in God’s grand design of the process?

God created us all, male and female.

We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God wove us together in our mother’s wombs.

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As women, the way he created us includes the ability to grow a child and give birth.

The promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). He promises his burden is easy and his yoke is light (Matthew 11:30).

He said he has plans to prosper us and not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). His people are a blessed people when they follow his will for them (Numbers 6:24-27). These promises can be applied to us, as birthing women.

Standing on these words and the many others given to us in scripture can significantly change our perception of birth, how we approach it and the final outcome.

For the last seven years as a birth doula and midwife, I have seen God at work in the process of pregnancy and birth.

For women, Christian and non-Christian, I have seen him intervene and change pregnancies and birth outcomes. There is no doubt God loves birth and babies.

Christian families need to reclaim the childbearing year and declare God’s word over their bodies and babies. Miracles happen this way. God’s words are powerful. They heal physical and emotional pain. They raise babies and mothers from the dead. They stop postpartum bleeding. They sometimes even allow for painless labours and deliveries.

God is good, all the time. He desires nothing more than to see his daughters and sons trust him in the process of bringing forth life.

Naomi Bjorgan is a certified professional midwife, birth doula and breastfeeding counsellor serving families in the Lower Mainland.

Contact: nurturingbirth.ca or 778.829.3834.

May 2010