Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Psalm 127:3-4 [NKJV]

Biblically it is clear that children are a beautiful gift from God. Yet, when it comes to the birth, the `unwrapping` of that gift, something about it being described as traumatic and painful is somewhat bothersome. “Here is your amazing gift… but its gonna hurt! – thanks Adam & Eve!” The consequence of their disobedience, the curse of painful childbirth, lurks in the shadows of your due date [Genesis 3:16]. As if that wasn't enough, culture, Hollywood’s premier productions and every mother’s aunty, sister and friend of a friend, all seem to take great pleasure in telling you about the trauma and agony of childbirth.  

Fantastic! Are you excited to have your baby yet?

So, our attempt to comfort ourselves begins with what I call, `slogan plasters` - we tell ourselves “as long as the baby is healthy, the birth doesn’t really matter”. But I believe it does matter…Therefore, as a Reverend I am offering support on giving birth? You may say “please, don’t quit your day job”! 

Reverends are often associated with dedications, weddings, funerals, and troubled times; the commitment, the union, the end and the bits in between. Rather than feel out of place, I am surprised there has not been more care and support provided for this incredible chapter. The birthing of life.

Expectations are key. Spiritual and emotional preparation is my forte as a Reverend. That tailored to motherhood and breastfeeding, is my passion as a mother, aided through additional training. I am not in any way here to tell you how to birth or what it should look like or take on aspects that should only be done by a healthcare professional.

However, I am here to tell you that how you truly feel about your labour and birth has far more of an impact on you than what you may previously have realised. It can be the difference between traumatic or a confident labour, even if things do not go as planned.

After countless woman telling me to read 'Supernatural Childbirth' during my pregnancy, along with the most horrific birth stories told by every other mum. I knew I needed something more, not more to the incredible work of Jesus on the cross, where He paid for and removed the curse of Eve from me and you. I knew He created my body amazingly enough to grow a human being, therefore He must have created it to bring it into this world. I searched for a way of applying that truth to my mind and being so that I could work with the wonderful body that I have been created with. 

It was then that a good friend offered me her Hypnobirthing course as a gift. Yes, my initial thought was "DODGY!". But rather than be overly sceptical and ignorant, she let me understand what it is. She allowed me to pull her course though my faith filter - hats off to her! So she did the course for me without the "hypnosis" aspect. Here's to Nicky Layton at Bold Birthing!

Along side this, prior to the course, I had an amazing woman of God and former Midwife provide extra support and advice regarding my labour. I had asked her to be my intercessor during my time as a pregnant mum. She was incredible in her spiritual support, emotional encouragement, as well has her 'know how' about the physical. We were incredibly fortunate to have her be our birthing partner and intercessor. I did not realise the magnitude of what she had done for us until about a year after having our baby. To this day, we can not thank her enough her for what she did.

These two woman provided spiritual and emotional preparation for me that transformed my approach towards and during my labour and birth. My antenatal classes were not able to provide me with spiritual and emotional support to better prepare me for labour.  Although the Safe Sleep guidance and the physical aspect of birth was informative. Nonetheless, they are important and I would encourage all parents do need to attend them!

Of course, I had wonderful midwifes, the midwifes and obstetrician who  and the provided our care were phenomenal! I have far more respect for the health professionals than I have ever had before. As a result of that respect, I know my boundaries as a Reverend in the course I provide and the vitally important role of medical professionals.

After intentional spiritual and emotional preparation I was excited and confidently calm about my labour, people were actually worried and thought I was in denial. Heck labour and birth was hard work! I was drip induced and used a tens machine ONLY!, I dilated in 2 hours from 4 cm to 10cm, up to that point I had been experiencing instant and very strong contraction for about 6 hours (the impact of being drip induced). After shouting, "I'm going to poo!", an unexpected pause of worship (singing the Goodness of God by Bethel) and prayer, noises like 'Godzilla & Planet of the Apes' ushered in our baby boy! Was it intense, yes - very intense! But I didn't want to escape my body! Was it painful? No it was strong! The only thing that was painful, was the canular in my hand! I wanted to rip it out! My husband can vouch for that.

To this day, talking about labour and birth makes me feel super relaxed! I even look forward to labouring again. This is the power of transforming my spiritual and emotional perspective on labour and birth. So I now understand why many woman have traumatic experiences during labour.

But for new mums and 2nd, 3rd (etc) time mums, this spiritual and emotional preparation will not only help transform your labour and birth, but it will impact your confidence as a mum. You don't need all that baby stuff (Gadgets etc) to make life more manageable with a new born. Your new born needs you, by looking after yourself before and during your labour and birth you will fee more able to give your baby your best. You will be able to feel good about your labour & birth, even if it did not go according to plan. That might not sound that life altering, but if you have experienced trauma, or have seen someone go through it. Feeling good about your labour & birth is truly a priceless gift.  

I will say it again, your birth experience does matter, it is your initiation into motherhood, after all Motherhood is a Woman’s Crown. In our sessions and in the pages of my book/guide, you will be equipped and empowered through scripture and science to look forward to the birthing of your baby!