Lessons in Labor & Birth

As a woman who has experienced both the beauty and the challenge of labor and birth, I can confidently say that every journey is unique. The first time I gave birth, I was filled with excitement and trust in my body. I didn’t fear the process. I knew that my body was made for this moment and that it would know what to do. But by the time my second birth approached, fear crept in.

I remember being overwhelmed with a deep, unsettling fear about the unknown. My greatest concern wasn’t the pain, but the fear that my body wouldn’t work as it was supposed to. I feared that my labor would not begin naturally. What if I had premature rupture of membranes (PROM) again, but no contractions followed? What if I needed to be induced to avoid infection for both me and my baby? The fear of induction and the unknown risks that came with it haunted me.

In the midst of that fear, I realized I needed to turn to God’s grace to carry me through. And through that, I learned powerful lessons about faith, trust, and surrender. It wasn’t about controlling every aspect of the birth; it was about trusting in God’s perfect plan, knowing that His grace would be sufficient, no matter the outcome.

The Bible is filled with verses that remind us of God’s constant presence, even in our most fearful moments. Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.” This verse was a powerful reminder that I did not have to carry my fears alone. I could bring my worries to God and trust that He would provide the peace I so desperately needed.

The fear of pain, especially the pain of induced contractions, was real. Anyone who has experienced induced labor can attest to the intensity of the contractions that come with it. But in those moments of fear, I had to remind myself that I was not alone. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises us: “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.” This promise reminded me that, no matter how difficult things may seem, God was beside me, strengthening me and giving me the courage to face what was ahead.

However, my second birth was different. In the midst of the unknown and the fear that I would have to be induced, I experienced a profound moment of grace. God showed me that my body was, indeed, capable. My contractions came naturally, just as they were meant to. I did not need to be induced, and I experienced the natural, unmedicated birth I had hoped for. The pain was intense, yes, but I did not suffer. I was able to feel my body at its fullest—doing exactly what it was made for. My body knew exactly what to do, and I was able to fully embrace the experience.

This second birth was a reminder of the power of trust and surrender. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “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.” 

I couldn’t control how or when labor would begin. But I could choose to trust in God’s perfect timing and plan. When I surrendered my fears to Him, I found peace, even in the unknown. Fear will always try to creep in, but God’s promises will always outweigh the fear.