11 months post-partum Christian woman here. I had a home, unmedicated birth and absolutely loved it. The birth course that I took was literally titled "Pain Free Birth" with doula Karen Weldon (who I first saw on the christian-conservative podcast The Spillover.) What I got out of her course was that when you approach labor with a complete understanding of how physiological birth works especially in regards to the natural hormones of oxytocin and cortisol (the two major players in labor) and create for yourself an environment in which you feel most safe with a birth team that you trust, ect, that it makes it easier to lean into those natural oxytocin surges which work to natural block the pain-receptors in your brain. This is science. We see in nature how other mammals give birth and it is completely opposite of the environment being modeled in hospitals. Many in the "holistic" birth world (as Allie called it) agree that the modern-day hospital approach to giving birth is not using evidence-based practices and has led women to be completely TERRIFIED of the labor experience because it capitalizes on FEAR and the idea that giving birth is some kind of medical emergency rather than a perfectly designed, natural process that God designed a woman's body to intuitively know how to do. Karen, in her course, does not promise you a "pain free birth" but she explains that when you understand how the body works during labor and if you can lean into the natural hormones that God purposely and incredibly designed into the natural birth experience, and you approach birth with the confidence instead of fear, that it is POSSIBLE actually ENJOY giving birth. The way that labor is described is that it's the single most painful experience that you can ever possibly imagine - and it doesn't actually have to be like that - it's just that women today are completely naive to the natural birth process and instead "trust the professionals" and it's leading women to have these traumatizing birth experiences. I appreciate Allie's deep dive into the history of the pain free birth movement and obviously ANYTHING that has to do the "prosperity gospel" "name it claim it" "evangelical" "new age" type of practices should be AVOIDED and are based in lies. I have never read or heard of the book that she was talking about so I cannot speak to that "wing" of the pain free birth movement. I agree that there are certain practices such as hypno-birthing, mantras, referring to birth as "sacred", ect. that should send up some major red- flags to Christians so you do have to be careful and use discernment not to go down any misleading paths. HOWEVER, I do hope that this episode does not deter any women from exploring and learning more about physiological birth because I speak from experience when I say that a natural, unmedicated birth was THE most incredible experience that I've ever had, yes it was uncomfortable, yes it was hard, but it was NOT the unbearable pain that you see depicted in the movies. If you're praying to God, worshiping God, thanking God, praising God, turning to God for strength when you get to the end of yourself and feel like you can't do it anymore in labor it is quite a beautiful experience.
Thank you for sharing ❤ I am currently 9 months pregnant with my second, ready any day now! My first was completely natural and at home but I went into it without Christ and with a lot of fear. I braced against every contraction. And although it was fairly smooth and only 7 hours, it was incredibly painful. This time around I have been delving into all these different Christian birth philosophies and perspectives. While, as an ex-new ager, I wholeheartedly reject the prosperity gospel, I do believe a pain-free birth is completely possible. I feel a lot more hopeful and prepared than last time and this time I get to have Jesus by my side!! ❤ (although I'm pretty sure he was there last time too, I just didn't know it!) I know whether I have a painful experience or a painless experience, or somewhere in between, birth will bring me closer to the Lord and He will use my experience to teach me, just like He did last time!
Totally agree with this comment! I have had very comfortable, fear-free births and about to have my third home birth and this hits it all on the head! I haven’t had “pain-free” births but honestly very doable births and I think this is 100% possible for every low intervention momma.
I’ve had four home births. They all involved pain, but it was SO much more manageable to the point I wouldn’t say it “hurt” when I was mentally in the right place, calm, prepared, and unafraid. Marathons are painful too but you also have the runners high!
There’s a difference between claiming something and having confidence in God based on what his will is. We don’t claim or tell God what is Good for us. We pray and ask, and we can have confidence that he heard us and he will answer us according to his will and what is best for us.
@@AllieBethStuckeysuper happy you agree with this because I asked Our Heavenly Father for a supernatural birth from the examples of the book you discuss here and I got exactly that! 🙌✝️ All Glory be to God! I wanted a home birth but the midwife detected a heart arrhythmia so I had to have my healthy son at hospital and I was encouraged many times to get induced cause I was 41weeks &5days pregnant then at 41weeks and 6days pregnant I accepted to have cervadil inserted least type of induction in my opinion, then next morning at home woke up and my water was broke then went to hospital around 10am and they took it out and they again encouraged me to be induced with Pitocin , I denied and said I have 18hrs before risk of infection and I’d like to wait 17hrs since they wanted a plan I gave them a rough plan saying at 17hrs if I haven’t spontaneously begun active labour I’ll do the Pitocin. Well 11pm I was 4cm & that was active labour then I had my baby Moses at 4:58Am on March 27th 2024! I only pushed for an exact hour! I was fully dilated at 3:58Am and Moses entered this world at 4:58am I only felt mild cramping nothing that was unbearable just some discomfort and I STRONGLY believe God gifted me what I asked for & believed for by faith. It truly is a biblical principle that we shall ask and we will receive in His name according to His will; 🙏🙌✝️💯❤️ This book does increase one’s faith if they believe in the Word of God being alive and active and sharper then and double edged sword it is a weapon against the enemy and his schemes (like fear of childbearing) I trusted God through it all
I used to think pain free birth was not possible and was so unrealistic! I had two home births and my first birth was so painful, 8 hours long and I had my son in a birth pool. The pushing stage was alittle traumatic but I did it! My second one however.. was way different. 2 hours from start to finish I only felt pressure never pain. I never even pushed my baby litterally was just falling out. it was the weirdest craziest experience.. I never believed the women who preached a pain free birth but here I was living it. Definitely keep an open mind! I would have never agreed with a pain free birth but then I had one..
I do believe this is possible (pain free birth/ delivery). But there could be different factors as to why one mom has the long painful labor vs a quick, painless, or effortless delivery. Just curious, in your 2nd delivery, were you doing anything to try and have pain free birth (like stretches, prayers, relaxation techniques)? Or did it just turn out to be much easier than your first labor?
I have birthed a number of babies. There was pain with all, but in varying degrees and at different times. Baby two was intense during contractions but easily, smoothly, and without pain pushed out in two contractions. The labor for baby three was not painful until maybe the last two contractions. But pushing her out was painful. So if I had labor of baby 3 and pushing of baby 2, it would have almost been pain free. ;) I do have a friend who did say she had pain free births. I was skeptical until baby three's easy contractions. In case anyone is curious, I used Bradley Method and naturally delivered a baby who was almost 11 pounds. The hospital staff were popping in to see the "toddler" who was birthed naturally. :)
@@cristidormiendo5743 I did nothing different honestly… my pregnancy was probably 3 time more painful then my pregnancy with my first child any belly my pain the pelvic pain was terrible. With my first I had very minimal pregnancy discomfort so I was definitely expecting a painful and maybe even more painful second birth.. but I knew what to do and I knew how to surrender to the birth process for the first contraction so it was blissful fast and painless
The Lord allowed me to have 3 pain-free, natural, un-medicated, empowering home births. There were moments of intensity, but I wouldn't describe it as painful. I don't think I am an exception, as I know other women with similar experiences. There are a lot of strategies that are very useful in allowing birth to be easeful. The biggest thing for me was reframing view on childbirth being inherently horrible and painful, but normal and physiologally possible. I also prayed A LOT over my birth experiences. We didn't tell many people our plans for our first one because we didn't want to deal with other's opinions. I focused on positive birth stories (I love the Happy Homebirth Podcast!), meditated on scripture throughout my pregancy, maintained a healthy lifestyle, and read Mize's book (for baby #1). Preparing for an easeful, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth takes work! Other practical strategies: breathing my babies out, physical back/hip support from my husband and doula, and nipple stimulation from my husband (what gets baby in, gets baby out 😉). I do think there is a moment that you have to push past what you think you are capable of. At the moment, you will know that you will meet your baby so soon!
I also had the same experience of it being very different experience to what the movies show us of such extreme pain and trauma. My second childbirth was very different after reading the same book. I did a lot of research on what childbirth is and I didn't let fear into it the second time round. Fear is amazing at what it does to hormones and our perception of pain. I approach birth as natural and what my body was designed to do. It wasn't easy, it was labor indeed, but it is possible to not be a traumatic experience like my first childbirth was.
@Kwildcat13we all have different experiences. I wouldn't think any less of how amazing God is and what he has done if my future births weren't like the ones I had experienced. I am 100% in agreement that afterbirth contractions were HORRENDOUS. They got worse after each additional baby. The time that I take a ton of ibuprofen lol
Sorry, you're asking me to believe you versus God (Genesis 3:16). I choose to believe the Scriptures. Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
My first birth was so easy, smooth and fast, and although not pain free, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! My second birth almost killed me, literally. I was whisked away in an emergency situation leaving my husband holding our newborn son, thinking he might be left a single parent. Each birth is different and all we can do is pray that God protects us through it. 🙏
Wow! I’m so sorry that it turned out to be a stressful situation with your 2nd. Praise God that you made it through and your loved ones still have you here today. Amen ❤
Oh Allie! I am SO, SO GLAD you are talking about this! Thank you! When I was pregnant with my first, this book was popular, and I followed EVERYTHING it said! I read all the testimonies and knew it would "work" for me too. When I went into labor, it was NOT pain-free and I ended up with a c-section anyway. For about 10-15 years after that my faith was very shook, because people would say I must not have had enough faith. But the thing was, I KNEW I did! There wasn't anything I didn't believe about that process. It's not that my faith in God was shook, I knew He could do it, it was me. I didn't know how to have faith. I mean, I must not even understand what it was if I couldn't 'do it right'. Looking back I can see I was looking at it all wrong, but it did some damage because I will never forget how I felt back then. Like I said,it took me so many years to realize that the "word of faith" lifestyle was not Biblical. I realized I was right that God could do anything, but it's not up to me to manipulate Him into doing what I want and just "claiming" it! There's more I could say. This hits deep for me. I was so shocked you are speaking about this. I have felt very alone in the past.
Don't take this the wrong way, but if the Bible says all things are possible if we believe, then if it doesn't happen, what does that mean? My labor was painful but I believe it could have been worse. I'm not dejected by that, but full of hope and faith that I can grow and really see this happen. I've witnessed actual births that were pain free, they do happen! Allie is a Calvinist so unfortunately she doesn't believe in healing. I love her stuff but definitely disagree with her theology. Anyway, don't let your experience determine your faith. Let Jesus and his finished work on the cross do that. If your faith is moved by experience, it means your faith wasn't in the Unshakeable, Unmovable Word of God.
@briellejacobs1045 The Bible does say that in God, all things are possible, and He certainly can heal or eliminatesufferingif it is His will. That doesn't mean that what we want or believe he will do for us means it's His will. He will not be manipulated into doing our will instead of His own. His will is perfect, and ours is not. Just this last month, my neighbor, who was a wonderful God-loving man, passed away from pancreatic cancer a week before his 40th birth day. Leaving behind a his wife and 4 children all 9 or younger. He fought it for a little over a year and a half. They prayed. We all did. Without ceasing, we prayed for his healing, but it wasn't God's will to heal him. It wasn't because they didn't have enough faith. It was because it was God's perfect plan for Andy to be with Him.
We share the same sentiments. Here’s what I posted on Allie’s fb post on the same topic: I read Supernatural Childbirth and prayed the prayers shared in that book multiple times a day with my first two pregnancies. The first one ended in a still birth at 29 weeks and the 2 ended at 31 weeks, living for 5.5hours because she was “incompatible with life.” I now have 5 beautiful, healthy children. Four out of those five were unmedicated births. My last birth was induced. We tried all the least-invasive ways first but ultimately used Pitocin. No pain medication was given. That was the only birth where I immediately had the thought of wanting to give birth again because it went so wonderful. I have faith in God. In fact I wrote a whole book about it. This comment is to simply share my experience with the Supernatural Childbirth book and childbirth in general. 🫶🏼
The comments are missing the point. Some of us are lucky enough not to have painful pregnancies/birth, some of us are helped by certain techniques, and some of us unfortunately will have a painful experience-one woman isn’t more holy or godly depending on the outcome of her birthing experience.
I have not had a pain free birth nor a symptom-less pregnancy (ugh ... nausea, fatigue & body heat! )... but I do believe it's possible. What I have experienced is quicker & easier labors & births. I'm still believing God will give me smooth no nausea, fatigue, &/or increased body heat 🙏🏽
@@OrangeMonkey2112 I agree, I think they must be reframing their pain as pressure or at least just not scary or unwanted-that’s the only way I can understand it not being a complete false claim. But it is beside the point. Even if they want to claim they had a pain free birth-that’s fine, it just can’t be a feature of being more holy or a better believer than another.
Someone gave me this book 24 years ago when we were trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. I read a couple pages and said nope. I never got pregnant, not because I didn't have enough faith, but because God had two boys for me to adopt. I'm so glad I didn't fall into that trap. Trusting God is about seeking His will and knowing whatever He does is for His glory and my good.
Thank you for sharing this. I am 30 and have been trying to get pregnant with my husband for 8 years unsuccessfully. I love hearing other people's experiences with infertility because sometimes God has other plans for us women.
@awesomeninja9433 I'm so sorry you're going through that. It is so hard. After 7 years I finally handed it over to God. I thought I had been for so long, but I finally got to the point where I decided I wanted what God had for me no matter what it was. My heart finally let go and wanted God's will. I figure God said "there we go...thats what Ive been waiting for." A month later a friend told me she knew of someone looking to adopt her baby. Four months later our first son was born. When he was 11 months his birth mom called and asked us to adopt her baby that was due in a month! So our second son was born 5 days before our first turned one. They will be 19 and 18 in October and God's plan was so much better than anything I was asking for. And I learned wanting what God wants is so much more important than making sure my plans happen. Not saying it's easy to get to that point and I still forget it! But faith is about aligning our will with His, not having enough to get what we want.
You refused to finish reading it and based on uninformed opinion calls it a trap 🙄🤦♀️ what an uneducated comment. You are what’s wrong, not the author’s testimony. It works for me and other women.
I read this book or something similar in 1995. The one I read made it sound like witchcraft....that I must pray the right words throughout pregnancy to make it work. It felt off.
I just had an unmedicated, athome free birth 6 weeks ago. I experienced zero pain the whole time except for pressure. Pain free birth is definitely possible.
Yes, intense pressure that I’m sure some women might interpret as pain. There is no “pressure free” “pain free” “wave free” add any adjective “free” birth, and it’s okay because it’s just the process that we as women have to contend with.
@@dejagreen2246 lol pressure and pain are not the same thing, and who do you think you are to tell me that I didn't experience a pain free birth? You weren't there. Just cuz you don't comprehend it means nothing to me. My birth was painless. I was well prepared, very toned, and gave birth in water. If you haven't been able to achieve a painless birth, I am sorry. That's not my fault. Don't go bringing your misfortunes and misunderstandings to me.
I unexpectedly experienced pain free labour. It is 100% possible for everyone but it’s not ever certain. The more you can relax and surrender the less pain happens, so much easier said than done. Has to do with biological response’s, fight and flight equals more pain and a longer slower labour. Fear slows labour and culture of traumatic births especially in hospitals spreads this fear.
I understand what you are saying, and I am glad that you experienced a pain-free labor. I had done all the preparation and felt completely surrendered to God in the process of my birth, but I have to tell you that I had back labor and it was terribly painful despite the joy and the peace that I had. I breathed, I prayed, i worshiped. Honestly though, that’s OK that it was not pain free. Not experiencing pain is not the most important thing in the world. My healthy baby, my relationship with Jesus, and even the chance to show the peace I had in God through the process to the medical staff is all I would ever ask for.
This is a topic I’m passionate about. Yes, what she is “preaching” is completely false. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a “pain free” birth. With my first I had no idea what I was doing, had to be induced, got an epidural. Now I’ve had 2 home births and am pregnant again. I simply learned techniques to handle the contractions all of the information you can find free online. It is all about your mentality while in labor.. as far as being pain-free also depends on the child’s position, but I never experienced what I would call pain just lots of pressure which is a very odd feeling, for sure! 😂 with my last baby it was not painful at all and I did not push, he came in two hours. I prayed to God during the “pushing phase” (not very calmly) lol and he was born! It is very much possible to have enjoyable births!
I am a very string woman who a day after my hysterectomy I was mowing my lawn. I was 18 years old when I had my first baby. I wasn't anticipating pain, no pain... it hurt. My mom walked to the hospital, the strongest woman I ever knew who walked through her pain to the hospital stopping each time she had a contraction... it was excruciating pain..
I'd like to share my story with this because maybe it could help someone. In March of this year, I found out I was expecting my second child. I was so excited and it just so happened that the due date for this child would be the week before my son's second birthday. I felt like it was perfectly timed. I stumbled uponthe supernatural childbirth book and decided to give it a read. The comments about preventing miscarriage with faith seemed iffy as well as a part where she talks about choosing your child's features from gender down to hair & eye color by using faith. I finished the book and didn't think too much of it except that maybe God would allow me to have that as well. Well, at around 8 or 9 weeks I found out my baby didn't have a heartbeat and was measuring small. I didn't know what to think, But i remembered the book and tried earnestly praying with family and friends that I wouldn't lose my baby. This went on for almost a week. Then the bleeding started and I kept trying to hold on. To tell God that his word promises that I won't miscarry because I am his child and I have faith. I kept this up until I got to the end of whatever strength I thought I had and I told God "Forgive me. Not my will but yours." and not even 20 minutes later I knew the answer. I was going to lose my baby. I come from a Mormon background so alot of these man centered gospels can slip me up, but I realized then as much as I do now that nothing I do can change the will of God. But I will say that even on that worst night of my life, he never left me. I felt his love and peace through every second. God can do anything. He can heal the sick, raise the dead, give the barren woman a child, part the sea, calm the weather, give sight to the blind and so much more than we could ever imagine, but even if he doesn't, he's still good, worthy, and holy above all. And he loves each of us. ❤ If we keep our eyes on him, he will help us weather life's storms.
I’m glad I came to the comments. I am having my first baby and have been strongly considering unmedicated birth due to all the side effects of the common interventions used. I’m not against appropriate interventions in urgent and emergent situations but I want to do what is best for my baby and myself. I’m not expecting “pain free” and none of the information I have found has ever promised me that but do say you have to really prepare. Glad to see women in here that have had real experiences to share about it.
I am so glad I went unmedicated with my 2nd. It was absolutely intense and the pushing part was excruciating for me, but, I didn't tear and the recovery was so much better than with my 1st, getting an epideral at 8.5 cm.
Please be careful to measure and have things to measure the babies' oxygen, heart rate, respiration, and a plan to get to the hospital quickly. Know what symptoms of respiratory distress to look for and other symptoms that can be concering. My son would have died if I had had a home birth and not had any equipment to measure his oxygen levels and get him the oxygenand surgeryhe needed, for instance. I'm by no means saying you shouldn't have a home birth, but please be prepared and not take for granted that your sweet babe will be healthy. ❤️
Allie I am soooo glad you covered this topic! This book was recommended to me during my first pregnancy and I definitely took a lot of it to heart and really started praying and believing that I could have this incredible birth without pain or even with pain just one that would go smoothly. And my experience was so far from that. I ended up with a 32 hour labor and 2 and 1/2 hours pushing. Shoulder dystocia. Extremely traumatic birth and post partum period. Thank the Lord my daughter and I were both okay but the concepts I learned in this book were so harmful to me and I felt woefully unprepared when labor came along and was incredibly difficult and painful. And it left me feeling angry at God afterwards and feeling like I didn’t do enough or have enough faith. I came to realize within a couple of months, and after much thought and prayer, that this book was the culprit of a lot of my misled thinking and expectations about birth. Thank you so much for covering this topic! I know you’re by no means a birthing podcast but would you consider doing an episode on pregnancy and giving birth after having a traumatic birth in the past? I know you yourself have experienced this and I’m curious to know how you prepared mentally, physically, spiritually.
I’m excited for this! I am pregnant with my first and I’ve been pretty disappointed with the promises so many make about birth online. I cannot expect a painless, easy birth. God’s Word describes it as work for me. Will it be the worst? Probably not. But it is LABOR. Work. Which is difficult to a degree and may be painful since we’re in a post-fall world. I and my body will work for hours for a beautiful baby to come. That is OKAY. Good doesn’t have to equal painless or easy. Especially when so many methods draw a woman away from truth she should be thinking on- God is good, He is in control, He will give me the strength and grace whatever the situation (even when my birth swerves wildly away from what I’d prefer). I could do everything right to prep and God could have a plan for me to face some really hard things in birth so that I am conformed into the image of Christ and glorify Him. I’m excited. I’m hopeful. We’ll see what it’s like! Maybe I’ll make other decisions to prep for the next one. But one thing is for sure, God will be glorified and He will take care of me, even if it’s hard and even if it hurts.
I love this comment. My first birth did swerve wildly from what I had hoped for, but God was glorified and he did take care of me and get me through it. I am still struggling a bit to process it and just found out I’m pregnant again. This is the exact mindset I need going into this next birth experience! I will be saving this comment. I hope your birth is perfectly with God’s will ❤️
Girl, you’ve got the exact right mindset! I had my first baby 11 months ago at home, unmedicated. 22 hours total, she was posterior (sunny-side up). It wasn’t easy but it was the single most incredible experience I have ever had and I would do it again tomorrow!! You got this.
My doula told me that the pain and struggle we go through during pregnancy and labor prepares us for what we need to become as mothers on the other side of that journey. ❤
Loved this video so much. I had a difficult labor and delivery, and it can get into my head sometimes of “if I had just done this, or this, I could’ve changed how it went”. When that was not the case, the Lord designed my labor and delivery perfectly how He wanted. Birth just like many ministries shouldn’t just focus on serving ourselves, but serving others and lifting up the Lord no matter the circumstance. “He causes ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!” This was a great reminder of what I needed to hear.
I’m currently pregnant and have read the book on the cover of the video, and just want to say that that particular book apart from the movement doesn’t promise that every one will have a pain free birth, and she even says that trying to do it naturally without medication while in pain isn’t impressing anyone. The whole point of the book is to increase faith that you and the baby will come out healthy
Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” This is the consequence of sin. There's no escaping it, ladies.
Myself and a friend of mine have both experienced not feeling any pain until we were just about 10 centimeters and ready to push. Makes me wonder if that's what people are talking about. But the pushing part was still uncomfortable.
This was so good Allie. Just for me. I wanted a VBAC so bad I did all the right things, it ended up being another c section. I wanted a natural birth so bad. I was so disappointed in myself believing I did not do enough and mad at God. I finally understood that this was not in my control but God’s. He knows all things, He’s sovereign, He gives and takes away. This really touched my heart and confirmed many things I’ve been meditating on. Thank you for letting God use you to reach people in need.
I'm due with my second in a few days. My first experience was my nightmare, ended in a c section and a hard recovery. This time I have no plan, no expectations, just a knowing that it wont be easy or pain free however she comes out, but looking ahead to having her in my arms. Birth is birth, not a picnic. We were not promised an easy time, but it is temporary and our bodies are designed to heal.
This episode was so good! I watched it right after your other episode about new age the 2 go hand in hand!! I was raised Christian in the Bay Area of CA and in a non denomination church, they preached the gospel but as the years went on and the word of faith & more mainstream charismatic churches kept popping up in our area we left my childhood church for other reasons but that movement of casting out everything really entered my life and when my husband and I were 1st married he had horrible experiences in the church and it shook his faith because he was hit with an autoimmune disease among other childhood trauma & abuse and the church/ his faith was so stuck on walk in the healing and Christ has made you whole and we went to SO many healing groups and for us the healing has not come and it’s even gotten worse he is now disabled due to his past medical and a work injury. Having a background in more traditional bible believing theology I’ve been trying to get us back to a solid foundation of Christ alone! We have both been so disappointed and hurt that God has not healed my husband and that we are living below the poverty line, but just this past year I can finally see that ALL along God wanted us to sift through and find Him again!! I’ve been SO encouraged watching all your videos and it has really solidified my core beliefs and helped me to put words into my beliefs and it has also helped my husband to refocus and truly live under the gospel!! We are starting to get connected in a gospel believing church and I am praying that God uses it to rewire my husbands faith to come back to Christ alone even though the healing hasn’t come! The name it claim it movement really did ruin our lives and our faith in a lot of ways! It also made us feel like failures and horrible Christians because we are still in poverty & not healed even though we have tried so many things! It made us put our hope in others and ourselves and gave us unnecessary wounds from hurt and disappointment when Gods plan all along is for us to be on this difficult path because it has refined our faith back to Him and back to a faith that is unshakable! We are still on a journey but by Gods grace we finally feel like we arnt fighting God so much!
Pain free births are possible! I had one as a first time mom and I actually read this book. It doesn’t promise a supernatural birth it just gives scripture on what the Lord has said concerning birth. It doesn’t have to be traumatic and you can certainly believe for a beautiful birth experience that’s enjoyable! I meditated on scripture and constantly listened to worship and praise. I declared God’s Word and I can honestly say it hurt more to get my eyebrows threaded than it was to birth my daughter! And even if I would have ended up needing to go to the hospital for an epidural or have a c section, I would have praised God regardless!! I would never look down on another mom if their experience wasn’t like mine but I would also certainly not tell them that it’s not possible to have a pain free birth and to never believe for that. Also, I will say when you activate your faith it pleases God! Take Him at His Word because His Word is HIS WILL!
I have a friend with eight children. After she had her seventh she said she'd had a "supernaturally pain free birth." She is a name it-claim it Christian, and now I know what she meant by those words. That being said, she recently had her eighth baby, and that birth was traumatic for her and she ended up getting an epidural. She believes God humbled her in that experience. If she had to learn humility, what does that mean for the "pain free birth" mindset? I think it's just true that some births are easier than others. Having had five babies myself with no medication, I know this to be true. There are physiological ways of explaining this that don't require us to elevate ourselves to a godlike status. Word of faith Christianity is dangerous.
@@letfreedomring7330 It’s only dangerous when someone is putting the pressure on themselves and relying on their own strength to achieve what they want, however, when you put the pressure on God’s Word and just trust Him and what He’s already said theres a peace that He gives you! You simply just put the situation in His hands and speak His Word over it…not your words or thoughts but HIS from HIS WORD. I understand we live in a fallen world and things happen but as Christians we should believe and trust the Lord till the end…if the outcome isn’t what we thought then we should continue to praise God regardless!! I know strong Christian’s who have delivered stillborn babies…it’s incredibly sad and terrible but I never saw those people say “well I guess God wanted to take our son or..we shouldn’t believe for anything anymore because it doesn’t work….” If anything I have seen them go harder after the things of God to stick it to the devil and make him regret he ever touched their family. We aren’t going to have perfect lives on earth but the Lord has given us His Holy Spirit an His Word which we can cling to and stand on in times of trouble. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
@@letfreedomring7330 it’s only dangerous when you’re relying on your self and your own ability and thoughts, however when you put the pressure on God’s Word and not yourself it actually pleases God and he gives you that peace that surpasses all understanding…We can certainly use our faith to believe Him and trust in His Word and we should praise Him regardless of the outcome or if it isn’t exactly how we wanted it. Faith isn’t to boast on ourselves but in Him! Maybe your friend was relying on herself a little bit in her other births or thought it was her own strength or thoughts that caused them? I’m not sure but I faith is simply trusting God wholeheartedly and taking Him at His Word. Nothing to do with self but a complete reliance on HIM! ❤️ Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
I can tell you as a lifelong Christian, and as a church worker who fully trusted Jesus, and was at peace, praying, listening to worship music, and enjoying my births both times, it was certainly not pain-free. I followed the techniques, and I do believe they helped me get through without medication, but clearly God did not have a pain-free birth in store for me. The presence of pain does not negate the presence of God or my trust in him. Rather, I believe I was able to show medical staff the peace that I had in Jesus even during those times. I was in pain, and still laughing between contractions while pushing. I am glad that you had pain-free birth, and I believe faith certainly helps us cope with birth, but I think it is so dangerous to say that enough faith will get you pain free birth.
Allie stepping into the controversial topics I so appreciate it. I almost skipped this episode because I’m not planning on having more babies; but it was very encouraging and informative. I had 3 hospital births; 2 unnecessary inductions and 1 “spontaneous birth” in the hospital with no meds and no epidural. I agree with the comments that childbirth is painful but in my experience the less traumatic and more peaceful birth was the one with the least medical intervention, which was the spontaneous birth. I think the more us mothers lean on God, his Word, and the truth that when we are weak He is made strong in us; the less likely we are to be drawn to unbiblical or deceitful trends that can be so appealing. I agree that there are good sources of information out there about having a better understanding and a more holistic approach to child birth, that I wish I knew when I had my babies, we just have to examine it in the light of scripture and put our trust and faith in God that as his word says causes all thing to work for good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose; and that even trials help us to draw closer to him and produce perseverance in us.
Thank you, Allie, for your willingness to speak out against these harmful theologies. I was a part of the Word of Faith movement and witnessed firsthand the damage it caused to people I deeply care about. I have also witnessed family and friends who read this book and the harm it caused. This is coming from a mom of five all-natural, non-medicated childbirths. I am very interested in reading your book. I have also noticed the connection between the prosperity gospel, Word of Faith, and progressive Christianity.
Thank you Allie for this video! It gave me a lot of peace about my own birth. I had a traumatic birth last July with my first baby. I went to therapy to help with the PTSD I experienced postpartum. I see many videos about pain free birth and it makes me feel like I did something wrong in my birth. I definitely think all birth experiences are different and you can’t expect what may happen during that experience. Some people have great births! But to promise that your birth will absolutely be pain free is not right. Anything can happen. I think having a plan and understanding that things can change is the best mindset. Trusting God through whatever experience you have is best! God will give us the strength to endure and He promised to never leave us, but He doesn’t always take away pain. He doesn’t promise us a struggle free life.
You are asking me to believe you before God (Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbirth very severe; with labor pains you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you").
That's your choice to disbelieve. I'm just stating the truth in my experience. The years our children were born were 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. All wonderful, precious blessings. Each time I had my mom and a Christian Science practitioner praying for us. God is Love, therefore why would he want his children to suffer? But, if you want to believe that you will suffer, that is your choice, and therefore that will be your experience.
@@PaolaSanchez-hc5my Amen and you are absolutely right, and remember in the New Testament when Jesus spoke of how a woman goes through pain in labour, and afterwards when the baby is born she has joy. Consider even that when God says He would multiply the woman's pain in childbirth in Genesis 3:16, (keyword "multiply") it means that the pain of childbirth was already in place and created by God in the PRE-fallen state. If the pre-fallen woman has pain in labour, certainly the fallen woman will not escape it. Everyone only wants to escape pain and suffering, instead of pondering of the beauty that a woman would give up comfort to bring her child forth, or that a man would suffer persecution and physical torture for the name of Christ, and most of all that Christ Himself suffered pain and death to save us. Self-sacrifice is an amazing and beautiful expression of love in the image and likeness of who God is, and sacrifice requires giving something up. Nobody likes to suffer, but being willing to suffer for love glorifies God and is part of who God is.
When I gave birth 10 months ago, I meditated on worship music and Scripture. I definitely did NOT have a pain-free birth. It was the worst pain I ever experienced. But looking back, it was so blessed. The fact that it was painful and I could endure that pain by the God-given body and strength, is what makes it amazing. I think having a painful birth and surviving and thriving afterwards could be a bigger testimony than having a pain-free birth.
Yes I agree! Big hug and congrats on your successful pregnancy and birth!! My second was like that! Much shorter and I was in way more control over it all and sang praise songs n danced til my water popped and baby was coming out. But near the end it was still extremely painful (all three of mine were extremely painful.) no epidural etc. but looking back I can see God saving us and holding us.
Even when you understand the physiological mind/body connection, you have no control over how birth happens from baby to baby and woman to woman. My first was a 38 hour labor, 4 hours of pushing. Awful back to back contractions with no break between, despite all of my preparation of things like hypo, “pain free”, etc. It was not at all what I wanted or expected. My second was a 5 hour start to finish, 3 pushes, out. So grateful I was in a hospital setting for both in the event of any problems. Wonderful teams who followed my lead and were so helpful and supportive. My first had meconium in her lungs and would’ve had an infection if I had her at home. What a lot of women of this holistic method don’t often admit is that every woman/baby is different. I have heard so much more judgement from my friends who had a “pain free” birth when I tell them my stories. Girl, you do you, I’ll do me. 😎
This podcast was in perfect timing for me as I just found out I am pregnant with my second and trying to decide what route of care to go with. My first was an attempted homebirth where I fell for the “Christian Hypnobirthing” and that if I listened to this every night and if I prayed enough and made the right birthing space… etc I would have the birth experience I hoped for. Welp, I labored for 72+ hours with very painful back labor, sometimes 5 minute contractions, and very little progress when my midwife finally sent me to the hospital for exhaustion. The epidural was truly a gift of rest from God. And then I ended up having an emergency c-section. My birth experience went exactly opposite of what I hoped and prayed for. I still struggle to process it all but in retrospect I know God was present the whole time and he had me. I feel it was a lesson in letting go and trusting. I am hoping to go into this next birth surrendered to God’s will and knowing I am not in control, but God’s got it! Just struggling to decide on another homebirth or hospital this time. I do love midwifery care.
As soon as I saw the picture of that book in the thumbnail, I had to click on this video! Someone gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first. Love, love, love how you broke all this down with truth and grace. I have left the charismatic movement, and this is just one of many teachings that left so many of us shamed and defeated. I'm saving this in case I need it for future mamas in my new church ❤
I started the podcast: Supernatural childbirth Mamas. I love this! And I love you. Even though I don’t agree with everything that you’re saying here, I so value you and how you share such GOOD topics! In this case, I think that this topic requires further discussion between two individuals who have different theologies or interpretations of the scripture. I’m happy to be that person. After experiencing what I would term two pain free Supernatural Childbirths, the Lord prompted me to start the podcast called Supernatural Childbirth Mamas. On the podcast I literally interview women who have experienced these types of births. In many ways, supernatural doesn’t always mean pain-free. There’s so much nuance here. But I hate to throw the baby out with the bathwater! Pun intended. I think the nuance comes in where science and the Bible merge. I do believe that there is a connection between what we believe and what we speak and what we think in our minds and that is actually a biblical concept. I think the other thing that comes into play here is the power of our mind over our body. A man I greatly respect wrote a book called “think this not that” -Dr. Josh Axe. In this case, I believe that science is catching up to what the Bible has proven to be true in that our mind has so much power over our body and that’s the way God created it. Like I said, I think it’s a topic that has a lot of nuance… and it deserves a little more flushing out then just saying it’s dangerous.
Angela Scafidi (Ucci), had a pain free birth. She did an interview with Michael Knowles telling about her testimony from new age to Jesus. She has a page called Heaven and Healing. She basically said that she was in the spirit most of her labor and has an amazing video about it. It CAN happen, but it just depends i guess 🤷🏻♀️
This conversation reminds me of people who followed all the covid rules: masks, vaccines, distancing and still got covid. You didn’t wear the masks tight enough! You got the bivalent vaccine too late in the season! Going out to lunch with your sister for her birthday exposed you! You, it’s your fault, you didn’t try hard enough…
Thank you sincerely for this episode Allie. We have been running a healthcare clinic for over 40 years and this heretical theology has harmed so many people. It sets them up to expect healings of all sorts and if they do not receive it, then they are left often, misunderstanding God, and leaving the faith if they even had it in the first place.
I agree with this entire episode Allie! I don’t always agree on your viewpoints but most of the time I do and you hit the nail on the head with this topic. Thank you for talking about this.
As a Christian mom who read this book and birthed 4 babies unmedicated and 3 of those without pain, I'm here to say that it is possible. I understand why you're saying about new age, however God is a loving father. Just as I would answer my child of this prayer request (if I had that kind of power) I'm not surprised at all that father God would honor us in believing for a supernatural childbirth. We live above the curse thanks to the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf 🥰
This is yet another reason why I’m grateful to be a Catholic. We have a very well-developed, official theology on suffering and its necessity for sanctification. We also view the inescapable suffering of life (illness, pain, loss, disasters etc) as an opportunity to unite yourself to the suffering of Christ crucified as a powerful form of prayer. As Catholics we are encouraged to “offer up” any pain we are going through for any special prayer intentions, knowing that if God Himself used suffering and death as the way to save mankind, it’s good enough for us, too. I know a few Catholic women who used their labor pains to “offer up” specific prayer intentions. I found it heroic.
I DO NOT believe that suffering is necessary for sanctification. Absolutely NOT. And I ask you to point out scriptures that support your ridiculous notion.
@@katesjanice ridiculous notion? What do you think Christ meant by pick up your cross and follow me? Do you think that if He led by His example and asked us to follow Him we would somehow be exempt from the pains of our own individual cross? No, we must carry our cross all the way to Calvary. Maybe do some research, the Catholic Faith is the fullness of Truth.
As an expectant mother with my 3rd, I am very grateful for how my labor and deliveries went. They were painful and the first one had some crazy postpartum experiences. I am so glad that you’re talking about this because about 15 years ago when I was in junior high, I was attending a Rhema church (WOF/NAR) and learned a lot about how they think. Thankfully, God has used some experiences in a church like this and another in a liberal church that has shaped me to be the reformed/Calvinistic theology that I know and believe today. Having been in a WOF church, it’s taught me a compassion for people who are stuck in this movement and thinking. I am so thankful that you are bold enough to touch on hard subjects like this. Thank you!
I read this book and did not have a pain free birth. However, I am fully aware that just because it didn’t happen for me doesn’t mean it is not possible… because with God anything is possible. I think we need to be open minded and realize that we can’t put the Lord in a box. He will do as He pleases and if other women have had this type of pain free birth then I believe it!
Allie, you are BLOWING MY MIND with this episode. I was saved out of the new age/new thought a few years ago, and while immersed in that way of thinking I gave birth naturally, at home. I had the book “Orgasmic Birth” on my bedside table during that time. I read all of Ina May’s books, I got very deep into the new age, yoga teaching, priestess retreat facilitator, menses rituals, etc. Since being saved I have been blessed by Gods Grace to see Truth and have managed to unwind the vast majority of wrong thinking I previously subscribed to, but this is an area I sort of compartmentalized. I never fully bought into the idea that an orgasmic or pain free birth could be possible for anyone and everyone- my mom is a career nurse & I grew up learning well that each person perceives pain differently, thereby making a pain free birth something that is relatively, and subjectively, undefinable. Anyhow, the Kenneth Copeland connection is WILDDD, and while I have noticed the link between “your thoughts create your reality” and the trans movement, I never ventured into this birthing realm with the lens of Christ and Biblical truth, until today. This is big for me!! I even visited “The Farm” that Ina May Gaskin started in Tennessee, looking for a place to give birth before I settled into the idea of a home birth- and I live in NC!! I was SO sold into this world of creating my reality and living in some “new” kind of way. I just appreciate your willingness to tackle a topic like this through the lens of new thought vs. Biblical worldview. It’s so important. And for the record, my birth was extremely long and difficult and scary, but none of the pain or suffering involved remained tangible in my memory after the joy of holding and nursing my baby took over!!! Thank you for talking about this 🤍
I have several friends who have had a pain-free birth, still very intense, but not painful childbirths. That wasn't the case for me. However, I absolutely do think that some women experience much less intense/painful contractions than others. Some women push their baby out in 2 pushes, and others like me still pushed for 45 minutes even with a 2nd baby, with no pain intervention but definitely yelling like Tarzan during that pushing part. ❤ 🙏
Neither of my births were pain free, but I would say my second birth was actually very enjoyable. It was only painful at the very end and was not traumatic whatsoever like my first was.
I do not think you need to read a book or take a course for a “pain free” birth. You need to prepare mentally and physically, don’t let fear consume you. Have mentors if possible to help you prepare and be realistic on what to expect in the places you choose to have babies. Then there is just the way your body is and how it was formed throughout the years. We alter our body in different ways from driving to wearing high heels. It doesn’t have to be suffering in most births but yes it may be uncomfortable and difficult.
For anyone who wants to truly dig into the history of the Word of Faith/prosperity gospel/NAR movements, the Cessationist documentary is really helpful.
There are many verses that talk about how painful giving birth is. We are also in an era that we seem to be disconnected on how dangerous giving birth actually is. Women died all the time throughout history giving birth. We are in a time where medical assistance has helped avoid so many deaths. I believe we should empower women to give birth as naturally as you can, embrace a healthy labor but to not deny medical intervention if they are in danger. C sections have saved so many of my friends. My friends would not have made it in mid evil times. Why do so many countries put so much into healing a new mom if it is not extreme to your body? Perhaps there are some women out there who can have “pain free”. I have not met a single woman who has had a natural labor without pain. Not saying they don’t exist. And if they do, that’s amazing. But those women must not put down the women who have pain as if they aren’t “tough” or they are over reacting. I am proud to be a woman who popped my kids out in seconds. Sweating warrior crying and no contraction breaks.
I personally LOVED all three of my epidurals. I just had my third baby this past Sunday and man, I had forgotten just how difficult labor is for me. Felt like a hot knife dragged along my uterus. Anyone who has a pain free experience is so blessed because it is truly painful for me. I was very interested in all the “pain free” instagram accounts but when it came down to it, I was more than happy to get my pain meds and it made my labors so much more peaceful and happy.
Actually, I don't believe women can give birth "without pain." I think they are lying, point blank. Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
You should do research on why epidurals are not good and getting induced is not good either it’s like aborting your baby And I recommend watching the pain free birth testimony by Heaven and healing 👍🏼
@@JesusLovesyou..1John3.6 I didn’t get induced, but to compare it to an abortion is ridiculous lol. You’re still having the baby and they’re alive. I had complication free vaginal births all three times without any further interventions. I tried hyponobirthing this past time, but it still felt like razor wire digging into my uterus. All I know is all my kids are healthy and happy and I got deliveries that weren’t terrifying or painful 🤷🏻♀️
My first labor was long and difficult but my second is where I felt like I had a "supernatural" birth, if you will. I was in labor and intentionally relaxing my body as each contraction came and focusing on a scripture I had a memorized to keep my mind on the Lord and not on the contractions. Then suddenly I saw a really clear vision in my mind I wasnt expecting. I saw Jesus on the cross and behind Him was pain, sin, darkness, suffering... All the things he paid for with His own body and blood. Then as I was seeing this, the intensity of my contactions went down like 50%! My first thought was i was regeresssing but it continued on like that much less intense or "painful." Then suddenly I got one big contaction and baby was practically shooting out on his own and he was born. Afterwards the nurse commened 3 times how calm I was and how shes been doing this for ten years and has never seen someone in such peace while in labor.
Ha! Thank you for talking about this!! I’ve always scratched my head at this! I have eight kids and although my labors gotten easier with each one (mostly because I know the drill and fear the pain less) but I have NEVER had a pain free birth! I wonder if these women just make themselves believe it’s pain free?
My first birth was pain free. It was still uncomfortable and there was a lot of pressure but it was not painful. People can argue all they like but no one can take my experience away from me.
I saw the thumbnail and my jaw dropped. I had this book (didn’t really adhere to it). I’ve told others about this book. My circle of association is very much the “name it and claim it” crowd and they believe this book. This is a topic I’ve wrestled with. Although we differ denominationally, I’m glad you covered this
Oh my gosh, I remember that book! I read that when I was pregnant with my son 26 years ago. I prayed and confessed everyday that I would have a pain free natural birth but when it came down to it and that pain came I caved and got that epidural, no regrets!🤷♀️🎉
I used to be terrified of birth- my third was the best experience of my life, unmedicated and pain free. I spent the entire time in mediation and deep prayer and I worshiped God through the contractions, I felt the intensity but not the pain and it was out of this world. Super natural. Thanks be to God.
I love that Allie is speaking out about this! I am trying to have a natural birth for my third and all of the “Christian” resources I come across are about these sort of new age beliefs put to scripture or “Christian hypnobirthing” and it’s really frustrating! I am not one of those ladies who wants to feel the pain of birth as described in scripture just to understand the value of my child’s life, I’m not brave enough for that lol but I am trying this time to have a natural birth because they are putting fentanyl in epidurals now! It’s even testing positive in the babies blood after birth! For the sake of my children, I ask God to give me strength, but I wish there were more resources and supports for someone who chooses the natural route and refuses to negotiate between scripture and our own desires. My kids are worth the pain, but God is also worth the pain! rather than risking my salvation through my involvement in these things, I’ll choose painful obedience or another epidural 😆 but hopefully for my kids I can woman up and choose painful obedience!
I had an unmediated birth, it was definitely not pain free but I had a doula and her and my husband helped to massage my back while I had contractions. I moved around into different positions and the tub was my biggest helper lol.
I would read Holy Labor! I found it to be so helpful. Biblically based info for supporting a positive birth experience. My labor & delivery was certainly not pain free, but 100% manageable and this book helped prep for a natural/holistic homebirth without all the new age garbage!
I've had 2 unmedicated births, one in a birth center and one at home. You can do it! I'd recommend checking out the Bradley Method and just doing a lot of education. Hiring an experienced doula is also a great option as they are trained in different comfort measures. I did water births with both my children and it definitely helped with the pain! You will do great!
You aren’t risking your salvation by getting an epidural. That’s ludicrous. If that’s your logic then you shouldn’t ever take any medication or pain relief measures.
wow i really loved this episode Allie! Thanks for really digging into the theological roots of this movement and sticking to the truth of scripture! Birth is often such a controversial subject, but I thought you really did this episode so well without getting too much into the controversial weeds of conscience issues. :)
I read Supernatural Childbirth and Hypnobirthing, and I found them very helpful for reframing my mind and ridding myself from fear. Have had two home births. Prayed and worshipped Jesus during each. My first was not completely pain free (ring of fire 😅) but my second was! Labor is intense, and it’s hard work, but God has a good design for us, and we can glorify him ❤️
I have been a part of what is called the 'faith movement ' for many years. Not everyone in that group puts Kenneth Copeland on a pedestal as some may think. The Word of Faith that I believe in, is about Jesus, His Word, the Holy Bible, His Blood that was shed on the cross for us, and His Name, the name that is above all names. It is not about us, but having real, true faith in every promise in the Word if God, the Holy Bible. We can cling to these promises when all the storms of life come against us, etc. Faith in the Word is my hope and on this rock I stand. We are not crazy, but we are steadfast in Him.
It is possible! I’ve had a pain free birth (was still intense just not painful), but I did not think I was going to get one if I had enough faith. I asked and was okay with whatever God had planned for me. I just wanted him there. I learned about how fear impacts pain and really was mindful of where I let my thoughts go. I liked this book but didn’t agree with the idea “if you have enough faith it will be painless”.
I wouldnt call my birth painful. It was uncomfortable and intese and hard but not painful. I actually enjoyed pushing and it felt good to deliver my baby. I played worship misic, prayed, and recited scripture to myself while in labor. I leaned on God for strength and He provided. I know people recite the verse in Genesis about the woman having pain in childbareing but thats the same word translated as toil or hardwork for the man a few verses later. I changed my mindset from 'this is pain' to 'this is hard work' a d it completely chnsged the experience for me
Instead of looking for ways to avoid the pain, it is much more empowering to draw near to God through it. When God showed me how I was mirroring the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus through my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, that encouraged me to draw near to God in my time of suffering rather than trying to avoid it.
My birth was excruciating.....to be fair, my son was stuck and his neck was bending so his head was moving towards his back....and my placenta abrupted. I was calling out to Jesus and i thought I was dying...We were dying. If it were not for the hospital and Dr’s who saved us in the last moments. Women say they forget how painful it was, but I could never forget how it felt. When i say excruciating - it was literally like dying in slow motion. I totally regret buying into the whole “pain free birth” movement leading up to my experience. I was COMPLETELY unprepared for the reality. My course just taught me to “breathe” through the contractions 😂😂😂 If it weren’t so horrible i would have laughed. I think this way of thinking is actually dangerous to women who are new to birth and just think it wont be bad if they “prepare” enough. All the preparation in the world will not dictate how your birth will go. ....
I’m so happy for all of you gals here in the comments who had pain-free births! Praise God! I want to encourage women who had pain during childbirth that there is nothing wrong with them. I had a 35-hour labor, including 2+ hours of pushing. I began having incredibly painful back-labor contractions about 4 hours in. After ~17 hours of back labor (and still at only 4 cm) I could not bear the immense pain anymore. I decided to have an epidural and I am so glad I did! I believe that epidural was God’s provision in helping me through the pain for the rest of my labor. If you’ve had an epidural or used other pain meds during labor, you are not less of a Christian nor less of a mom. Thank God that we live in a day and age where these medical interventions are available! He chooses to grace some women with quick, minimal pain labors and births and He allows other women to have long and/or painful labors and births. Through it all, He is our source of strength ❤ We can glorify God no matter the duration of labor, level of pain, and whether vaginal or c-section birth ❤
In Genesis 3:16 the word “issabon” is used in both the woman’s consequence for sin (multiplied ‘issabon’ in birth) and the man’s consequence for sin (multiplied ‘issabon’ in working the ground) It can be translated: work, pain, sorrow, toil, or labor. Make of that what you will :)
I used an app called Christian hypnobirthing. Honestly, it helped tremendously with baby #2 (although it turned into cesarean and similar to your #1, very traumatic), and baby #3 labor and delivery was soooo easy. Painful, but minimal pain. I was hesitant because hyno anything does not sound Christian at all and as someone who got neck deep into the evils of new age, I'm very aware of the evils that can come with these things. This was relaxing sounds, prayer, guided breathing, scripture. I do credit God & prayer of course. I wasn't given good chances of having a successful VBAC by my perinatologist, but I did (10% chance)- thank you, God!! ❤
I own a Christian prolife doula training agency and I've taught on this very book and the dangers of the false doctrine prosperity gospel! Thank you for this video! It's sad there are women being harmed by this book and it's even more sad there are "Christian" doula trainings that have fallen to this heretical practice and are teaching this to their students! 😢
I really wanted this to work and be as natural as possible but like you, I gave up close to the end. Back still feels pain with my third epidural. He’s 6 months. Thanks for doing this episode.
Mama of 2 here. Both were unmedicated births. My first was a planned homebirth and very fast labor (2 hours) and I tore really badly and had an awful postpartum (lots of pain + family drama). My second was an unmedicated unplanned hospital birth because we found out my baby was breech. The second birth hurt more but I didn't tear much, but I had a 7 hour labor. My postpartum was a lot better. I pushed both my babies out in 3 pushes, that was the only thing about my births that was the same lol. I did read a really helpful book called "Redeeming Childbirth" and that helped with some of the family drama this postpartum. I always feel like I have been hit by a train after giving birth and that just goes with the territory. Birth prepares you for motherhood, you can't escape birth and you can't escape the challenges that come with motherhood. God is sovereign over all and will give each one of us grace. I'm 4 months postpartum with my second and feel better (spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and physically) than I did the entire first year with my first.
God has really worked in my heart through my difficult birth experiences. I’ve learned so much about surrender and sacrifice. And also about compassion and not judging other’s experiences. I had a lot of difficulty coming to terms with my births and I think the “Supernatural birth” book and other natural birth influences contributed. I tossed that book in the garbage after my first birth. I had this image in my head of going into labor naturally around my due date and having an unmedicated vaginal birth. I tried twice. I did everything “right.” I drank the tea, ate the dates, did spinning babies exercises. I even hired a doula. It didn’t happen. Both babies went overdue and then stopped meeting kick counts. They both required medical induction of labor and eventual emergency c-section for fetal distress. I chose no pain meds during the first induction until the c-section was called. Opted for an epidural 30 hours into the second labor and that was definitely the right choice for me. I made the choice because I had a bad feeling about that birth and I have no regrets because when the second baby went into distress, it was a much smoother transition to surgery than the first time. I’m grateful for the difficult births I experienced. They weren’t pain free, but they helped me give up the illusion of control I thought I had. I can’t always get the outcome I want, but if I’m walking with the Lord, he can hold me through any circumstance. I have two beautiful baby boys and hope to have more in the future. I’m considering scheduled c-section from now on and I’m discovering peace with however my babies make it earthside.
I think it depends on your birth I had very fast rapid births that were extremely painful and unmedicated. There was no breathing technique that could have helped and I did all the classes, books, meditations, prayer etc. Maybe slower births are less painful or its positioning? I loved having natural births but also feel like NOTHING could have prepared me for the insane pain I went through. I have ptsd just thinking about it
So glad you are talking about this. I feel like this "belief" is so damaging to women! I've heard this from Christian's and it was damaging as a first time mom who had a very painful and traumatic birth.
Pain is subjective so every woman will have VASTLY different experiences. In my experience, birth simply feels exactly like what it is- your body contracting and expanding to bring a baby into the world!
Its not a scam, i had 6 pain free births. I felt my stomach contracting by feeling like a hard ball but i was not in pain, i would say stubbing my toe is more painful. No it didnt require meditation, no it didnt require me lying to myself and renaming pain under names like "waves" and etc. I literally was not in pain.
I want to thank you for putting this out there. Just having a christian perspective from another mom and scripture is really encouraging for me. I had a pretty traumatizing birth myself that ended in a c-section and everything that I did not want to do kind of happened. I had already been in the mindset to embrace whatever the birth would be like and I was prepared with knowledge for those outcomes, that was a grace of God. Its still nice to hear from someone else that it's okay if it doesn't "go your way". Even though it was hard for me God showed me that I am strong enough to get through that and I have a precious little baby on the other side. I have felt pangs of, as if I was a failure for having such a hard labor. That's one reason I think there might be too much focus on this painless labor thing, or less pain labor. Though I know that giving birth in a more natural environment is much more helpful than "traditional" methods which have only been around for like, 70-100 years. I do love the un-medicated experience still, even if its painful its empowering and focused or something, hard to describe. God is good and He carries you through.
I actually really enjoyed her book 😅 ..obviously, I took note of the Kenneth Copeland mention and talked to my husband throughout reading, which helped me from slipping into bad theology. I definitely had a very different takeaway than what was represented here. I didn't see fertility/easy birth as a guarantee, but a possibility that some should explore. Some people do have a tendency toward fear and this is one approach that can sometimes dislodge that anxiety. I think we all can agree that such miracles are worth celebrating and giving glory to God. The temporary peace free from any pain I experienced momentarily with my first caught me off-guard, especially with all the doom/gloom messaging around birth. I'm about to have our 5th, and while each birth is different, being joyful in labor is totally possible and beautiful and something I continue to strive for, in seeking Christ foremost.
Ugh I hate that book, thanks for calling it out. I bought it while I was pregnant with my first and did my best to follow it. Not only was my labor at 40 weeks extremely painful, when I got to the hospital we were told she was gone. I didn't even get to take home a baby for all the pain. It's a good thing my faith isn't based on getting what I want. "It Is Well with My Soul" was written by a father after he lost his wife and children in a transatlantic voyage. Bad things happen no matter how much faith you have.
Definitely possible. Has never been my experience and I've had 3 homebirths. I did Karen Welton's course and found it helpful but definitely not pain free. There is a certain element of toxic positivity in her work, where if you trust enough, release fear enough your birth will be pain free. And if your birth isn't then there's a subtle blaming that you must have done it wrong. I think we should be honest with women. Rachel Reed's last book talked about this beautifully - Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage. It does have some very anti-Christian sentiments, which I skimmed past ❤❤❤❤
WOW! Yes! Thank you for speaking on this! I absolutely fell into this trap and came out (both times) knowing this is a SCAM! I absolutely thought I did birth wrong the first time and it made me very fearful to do it again. I am grateful for my second birth because it helped me heal that trauma and trust my body and God deeper. 🙌 Amen, sista!
That book encouraged me sooooo much!!!! I had an incredible experience with my last two births and I can’t thank that woman enough for writing the book 🥹
The Supernatural Childbirth book helped ease my fears and I had wonderful experiences with all three of my children’s births. Was it pain free? No, but it helped make my faith strong to rely on Christ as the focus.
Having had 5 hospital births, including twins, and 2 homebirths (all vaginal)... I can tell you mindset is everything. And when you're birthing at home, you have to prepare and manage more than relying on the docs and nurses. I'll say my two homebirths were the most peaceful, enjoyable, and pain free than all my hospital births and they were 10lbs and 11lbs!
I read that book and fell for it. I had a 72 hour painful labour, an emergency C-section and a 3 month recovery. I read my Bible during my 2nd pregnancy. Still needed a C but at least I knew God was taking care of me.
Anyone pedaling the idea that something like childbirth can be *guaranteed* painless, is selling either a scam or a dangerous lie. In this instance- it’s both while also being spiritual deception.
Did so much prep for an unmedicated home birth and NO. it was NOT a pain free labor, even with so much research, information, positive affirmations, prayer, techniques, birthing pool, etc- it was the worst incremental pain i ever felt in my life. Transfered to hospital after 20 hours of labor with sunny side up baby.... don't regret getting an epidural either....every birth story is different, everyone's pain experience is different due to how God created each of us! All i know is women are amazing!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you for making this video, I believe you hit it head on. You are not in full control of your birth or the pain of childbirth, just as you are not in full control of the things your body does. You age, you get sick, etc. Both of my births, I prepped so much and the first time around, the idea that I should be able to make things pain free or simpler actually made things worse, because when things didn’t go as planned I blamed myself and a “lack” of faith or preparation. Also, the second time I gave up on that need for controlling every detail including the pain, and that was much better. I prayed so much, I trusted God, I listened to worship music, and I had back labor both times 😂 Guess what ladies…. Back labor hurts. It just does. I’d done the stretches and all of that and guess what! I still wasn’t in full control. God was. We are not God, and the presence of pain does not negate the presence of Jesus. The second birth was quicker and the pushing was so so much quicker, which I am so thankful for. I also believe it was better because birth can get a little easier with each kid (generally speaking). At times, people claimed that they had a terrible first birth but the next birth was easier and pain free as a result of this kind of preparation. The truth is that every birth is different but generally the first is the most uncomfortable.
Back labor is insane. I literally have ptsd about that Feels like someone is stabbing you with a knife until it’s finally relieved by the baby moving thru the ring of fire I had very fast and furious births with crazy back labor and nothing could have taken that pain away. I did allll the prep and literally laughed afterwards at what a joke it all was!!
Amen to everything you said!!! It’s wild to me that people have the audacity to say you can stop morning sickness or other pregnancy struggles…? I have been struggling through my first 11 weeks of pregnancy, but I have never felt closer and more dependent on God. God can do anything, but I want His will over my own, or my own worldly comfort.
As someone who had very easy labors and babies came out in two pushes I would not call any of my births “pain free” some may describe it as intense pressure or discomfort to others that’s exactly what pain is. Even ladies who have received an epidural feel the pressure when baby is coming out so I simply cannot believe pushing a baby out of your vagina is painless 🤷♀️
I had a baby in 2021 without medication or intervention, I wouldn't say it was painfree because it definitely hurt but - when I stopped trying to have control over my body and what was happening, when I fully let go, it stopped hurting and I was able to breathe and push and do it. Let go...allow your body to do what it does. It is so hard to be out of control but it's the only way. I felt the hands of my female ancestors upon me in those moments, I felt like the veil was VERY thin and every single one was with me in this time, ushering in a new life, a new descendant of theirs. It was a wild and beautiful experience. I have never felt more not alone in my life to be honest.
Ally I love listening to your podcast but I respectfully disagree on this subject. I listened to the audio book before even getting pregnant and it honestly just helped me understand my body and how fear really can cause your body to seize up during childbirth making it more painful. Now I do believe people can take things to the extreme and the enemy can certainly use a bad experience to deceive believers into thinking 'well i just didn't have enough faith'. That's where it can be dangerous and cause people to lose hope. The book however does help us see that ALL pain is under the curse and we can believe for supernatural childbirth. But that can look different for each individual. My two experiences with childbirth were not free of discomfort but I'm telling you they were as smooth as silk. I told myself beforehand that if I decided to get an epidural or had to have a c-section that it wouldn't mean that I didn't have enough faith. I knew holy spirit would give direction for my specific needs. I did end up having an epidural with both babies but I was only in labor 8 hours with my first baby and 4 with my second and I can tell you I was peaceful through both from start to finish. I attribute this to the truths in that book and I believe it is a great tool and just gives a different perspective. Takes you from a Worldly view to a Biblical mindset on childbirth. Ladies give it a chance and then just let Holy Spirit reveal HIS perfect plan for your story. :)
This was such a wonderful video. I have been reading Charles Capps as a way to deal with pain in general. Something just felt off about it. I believe the Holy Spirit led me to hearing you tonight.
My first baby was a c-section, and i had no choice. The second was a v-back because I pushed for it, and it wasn't terribly painful, but the baby had issues coming out, so they helped him out. The third was an epidural, and i literally didn't feel anything at all. I was woken up and told it was time to push. My fourth was so fast I couldn't even get into the labor and delivery room quickly enough he came out like a flash. That was also without any medication for pain. I thought i was going to die and told everyone I was. 😂 The fifth child i managed to get to the hospital and the epidural didn't take at all! That one hurt the worst of all and had lots of after bleeding. All of my children are worth the pain! ❤
11 months post-partum Christian woman here. I had a home, unmedicated birth and absolutely loved it. The birth course that I took was literally titled "Pain Free Birth" with doula Karen Weldon (who I first saw on the christian-conservative podcast The Spillover.) What I got out of her course was that when you approach labor with a complete understanding of how physiological birth works especially in regards to the natural hormones of oxytocin and cortisol (the two major players in labor) and create for yourself an environment in which you feel most safe with a birth team that you trust, ect, that it makes it easier to lean into those natural oxytocin surges which work to natural block the pain-receptors in your brain. This is science.
We see in nature how other mammals give birth and it is completely opposite of the environment being modeled in hospitals. Many in the "holistic" birth world (as Allie called it) agree that the modern-day hospital approach to giving birth is not using evidence-based practices and has led women to be completely TERRIFIED of the labor experience because it capitalizes on FEAR and the idea that giving birth is some kind of medical emergency rather than a perfectly designed, natural process that God designed a woman's body to intuitively know how to do.
Karen, in her course, does not promise you a "pain free birth" but she explains that when you understand how the body works during labor and if you can lean into the natural hormones that God purposely and incredibly designed into the natural birth experience, and you approach birth with the confidence instead of fear, that it is POSSIBLE actually ENJOY giving birth. The way that labor is described is that it's the single most painful experience that you can ever possibly imagine - and it doesn't actually have to be like that - it's just that women today are completely naive to the natural birth process and instead "trust the professionals" and it's leading women to have these traumatizing birth experiences.
I appreciate Allie's deep dive into the history of the pain free birth movement and obviously ANYTHING that has to do the "prosperity gospel" "name it claim it" "evangelical" "new age" type of practices should be AVOIDED and are based in lies. I have never read or heard of the book that she was talking about so I cannot speak to that "wing" of the pain free birth movement. I agree that there are certain practices such as hypno-birthing, mantras, referring to birth as "sacred", ect. that should send up some major red- flags to Christians so you do have to be careful and use discernment not to go down any misleading paths. HOWEVER, I do hope that this episode does not deter any women from exploring and learning more about physiological birth because I speak from experience when I say that a natural, unmedicated birth was THE most incredible experience that I've ever had, yes it was uncomfortable, yes it was hard, but it was NOT the unbearable pain that you see depicted in the movies. If you're praying to God, worshiping God, thanking God, praising God, turning to God for strength when you get to the end of yourself and feel like you can't do it anymore in labor it is quite a beautiful experience.
Thank you for sharing ❤ I am currently 9 months pregnant with my second, ready any day now! My first was completely natural and at home but I went into it without Christ and with a lot of fear. I braced against every contraction. And although it was fairly smooth and only 7 hours, it was incredibly painful. This time around I have been delving into all these different Christian birth philosophies and perspectives. While, as an ex-new ager, I wholeheartedly reject the prosperity gospel, I do believe a pain-free birth is completely possible. I feel a lot more hopeful and prepared than last time and this time I get to have Jesus by my side!! ❤ (although I'm pretty sure he was there last time too, I just didn't know it!) I know whether I have a painful experience or a painless experience, or somewhere in between, birth will bring me closer to the Lord and He will use my experience to teach me, just like He did last time!
Totally agree with this comment! I have had very comfortable, fear-free births and about to have my third home birth and this hits it all on the head! I haven’t had “pain-free” births but honestly very doable births and I think this is 100% possible for every low intervention momma.
So well said! Thank you for sharing this. I pray that more women experience birth from a place of knowledge and peace and not a place of fear!.
Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️
Hi .. That was beautifully written and absolutely spot on! Thank you so much for sharing and I hope ladies read it!!
I’ve had four home births. They all involved pain, but it was SO much more manageable to the point I wouldn’t say it “hurt” when I was mentally in the right place, calm, prepared, and unafraid.
Marathons are painful too but you also have the runners high!
@@racheln4309 this is the perfect analogy!
There’s a difference between claiming something and having confidence in God based on what his will is.
We don’t claim or tell God what is Good for us. We pray and ask, and we can have confidence that he heard us and he will answer us according to his will and what is best for us.
Agree!
@@AllieBethStuckeysuper happy you agree with this because I asked Our Heavenly Father for a supernatural birth from the examples of the book you discuss here and I got exactly that! 🙌✝️ All Glory be to God!
I wanted a home birth but the midwife detected a heart arrhythmia so I had to have my healthy son at hospital and I was encouraged many times to get induced cause I was 41weeks &5days pregnant then at 41weeks and 6days pregnant I accepted to have cervadil inserted least type of induction in my opinion, then next morning at home woke up and my water was broke then went to hospital around 10am and they took it out and they again encouraged me to be induced with Pitocin , I denied and said I have 18hrs before risk of infection and I’d like to wait 17hrs since they wanted a plan I gave them a rough plan saying at 17hrs if I haven’t spontaneously begun active labour I’ll do the Pitocin.
Well 11pm I was 4cm & that was active labour then I had my baby Moses at 4:58Am on March 27th 2024! I only pushed for an exact hour! I was fully dilated at 3:58Am and Moses entered this world at 4:58am
I only felt mild cramping nothing that was unbearable just some discomfort and I STRONGLY believe God gifted me what I asked for & believed for by faith. It truly is a biblical principle that we shall ask and we will receive in His name according to His will; 🙏🙌✝️💯❤️
This book does increase one’s faith if they believe in the Word of God being alive and active and sharper then and double edged sword it is a weapon against the enemy and his schemes (like fear of childbearing) I trusted God through it all
It’s absolutely possible! Birth can be intense, challenging, and difficult but isn’t always painful. Each birth is different ❤
I used to think pain free birth was not possible and was so unrealistic! I had two home births and my first birth was so painful, 8 hours long and I had my son in a birth pool. The pushing stage was alittle traumatic but I did it! My second one however.. was way different. 2 hours from start to finish I only felt pressure never pain. I never even pushed my baby litterally was just falling out. it was the weirdest craziest experience.. I never believed the women who preached a pain free birth but here I was living it. Definitely keep an open mind! I would have never agreed with a pain free birth but then I had one..
I do believe this is possible (pain free birth/ delivery). But there could be different factors as to why one mom has the long painful labor vs a quick, painless, or effortless delivery. Just curious, in your 2nd delivery, were you doing anything to try and have pain free birth (like stretches, prayers, relaxation techniques)? Or did it just turn out to be much easier than your first labor?
I have birthed a number of babies. There was pain with all, but in varying degrees and at different times. Baby two was intense during contractions but easily, smoothly, and without pain pushed out in two contractions. The labor for baby three was not painful until maybe the last two contractions. But pushing her out was painful. So if I had labor of baby 3 and pushing of baby 2, it would have almost been pain free. ;)
I do have a friend who did say she had pain free births. I was skeptical until baby three's easy contractions.
In case anyone is curious, I used Bradley Method and naturally delivered a baby who was almost 11 pounds. The hospital staff were popping in to see the "toddler" who was birthed naturally. :)
Jesus took all the curses and pain on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️
In her 2nd delivery her pelvic floor was a broken trampoline.@cristidormiendo5743
@@cristidormiendo5743 I did nothing different honestly… my pregnancy was probably 3 time more painful then my pregnancy with my first child any belly my pain the pelvic pain was terrible. With my first I had very minimal pregnancy discomfort so I was definitely expecting a painful and maybe even more painful second birth.. but I knew what to do and I knew how to surrender to the birth process for the first contraction so it was blissful fast and painless
The Lord allowed me to have 3 pain-free, natural, un-medicated, empowering home births. There were moments of intensity, but I wouldn't describe it as painful. I don't think I am an exception, as I know other women with similar experiences.
There are a lot of strategies that are very useful in allowing birth to be easeful. The biggest thing for me was reframing view on childbirth being inherently horrible and painful, but normal and physiologally possible.
I also prayed A LOT over my birth experiences. We didn't tell many people our plans for our first one because we didn't want to deal with other's opinions. I focused on positive birth stories (I love the Happy Homebirth Podcast!), meditated on scripture throughout my pregancy, maintained a healthy lifestyle, and read Mize's book (for baby #1). Preparing for an easeful, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth takes work!
Other practical strategies: breathing my babies out, physical back/hip support from my husband and doula, and nipple stimulation from my husband (what gets baby in, gets baby out 😉).
I do think there is a moment that you have to push past what you think you are capable of. At the moment, you will know that you will meet your baby so soon!
Praise God 😊❤❤❤❤
Jesus took all the curses pain and sicknesses on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️❤️
I also had the same experience of it being very different experience to what the movies show us of such extreme pain and trauma.
My second childbirth was very different after reading the same book.
I did a lot of research on what childbirth is and I didn't let fear into it the second time round. Fear is amazing at what it does to hormones and our perception of pain. I approach birth as natural and what my body was designed to do. It wasn't easy, it was labor indeed, but it is possible to not be a traumatic experience like my first childbirth was.
@@billionairegeniusAmen 🙏🏾
@Kwildcat13we all have different experiences. I wouldn't think any less of how amazing God is and what he has done if my future births weren't like the ones I had experienced. I am 100% in agreement that afterbirth contractions were HORRENDOUS. They got worse after each additional baby. The time that I take a ton of ibuprofen lol
Sorry, you're asking me to believe you versus God (Genesis 3:16). I choose to believe the Scriptures. Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
My first birth was so easy, smooth and fast, and although not pain free, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! My second birth almost killed me, literally. I was whisked away in an emergency situation leaving my husband holding our newborn son, thinking he might be left a single parent. Each birth is different and all we can do is pray that God protects us through it. 🙏
Wow! I’m so sorry that it turned out to be a stressful situation with your 2nd. Praise God that you made it through and your loved ones still have you here today. Amen ❤
Oh Allie! I am SO, SO GLAD you are talking about this! Thank you! When I was pregnant with my first, this book was popular, and I followed EVERYTHING it said! I read all the testimonies and knew it would "work" for me too. When I went into labor, it was NOT pain-free and I ended up with a c-section anyway. For about 10-15 years after that my faith was very shook, because people would say I must not have had enough faith. But the thing was, I KNEW I did! There wasn't anything I didn't believe about that process. It's not that my faith in God was shook, I knew He could do it, it was me. I didn't know how to have faith. I mean, I must not even understand what it was if I couldn't 'do it right'. Looking back I can see I was looking at it all wrong, but it did some damage because I will never forget how I felt back then. Like I said,it took me so many years to realize that the "word of faith" lifestyle was not Biblical. I realized I was right that God could do anything, but it's not up to me to manipulate Him into doing what I want and just "claiming" it! There's more I could say. This hits deep for me. I was so shocked you are speaking about this. I have felt very alone in the past.
Don't take this the wrong way, but if the Bible says all things are possible if we believe, then if it doesn't happen, what does that mean? My labor was painful but I believe it could have been worse. I'm not dejected by that, but full of hope and faith that I can grow and really see this happen. I've witnessed actual births that were pain free, they do happen! Allie is a Calvinist so unfortunately she doesn't believe in healing. I love her stuff but definitely disagree with her theology.
Anyway, don't let your experience determine your faith. Let Jesus and his finished work on the cross do that. If your faith is moved by experience, it means your faith wasn't in the Unshakeable, Unmovable Word of God.
@briellejacobs1045 The Bible does say that in God, all things are possible, and He certainly can heal or eliminatesufferingif it is His will. That doesn't mean that what we want or believe he will do for us means it's His will. He will not be manipulated into doing our will instead of His own. His will is perfect, and ours is not. Just this last month, my neighbor, who was a wonderful God-loving man, passed away from pancreatic cancer a week before his 40th birth day. Leaving behind a his wife and 4 children all 9 or younger. He fought it for a little over a year and a half. They prayed. We all did. Without ceasing, we prayed for his healing, but it wasn't God's will to heal him. It wasn't because they didn't have enough faith. It was because it was God's perfect plan for Andy to be with Him.
We share the same sentiments. Here’s what I posted on Allie’s fb post on the same topic:
I read Supernatural Childbirth and prayed the prayers shared in that book multiple times a day with my first two pregnancies. The first one ended in a still birth at 29 weeks and the 2 ended at 31 weeks, living for 5.5hours because she was “incompatible with life.”
I now have 5 beautiful, healthy children. Four out of those five were unmedicated births.
My last birth was induced. We tried all the least-invasive ways first but ultimately used Pitocin. No pain medication was given. That was the only birth where I immediately had the thought of wanting to give birth again because it went so wonderful.
I have faith in God. In fact I wrote a whole book about it. This comment is to simply share my experience with the Supernatural Childbirth book and childbirth in general. 🫶🏼
The comments are missing the point. Some of us are lucky enough not to have painful pregnancies/birth, some of us are helped by certain techniques, and some of us unfortunately will have a painful experience-one woman isn’t more holy or godly depending on the outcome of her birthing experience.
100% ❤️
I have not had a pain free birth nor a symptom-less pregnancy (ugh ... nausea, fatigue & body heat! )... but I do believe it's possible. What I have experienced is quicker & easier labors & births. I'm still believing God will give me smooth no nausea, fatigue, &/or increased body heat 🙏🏽
@@opinionbytriz that’s fine. Again the point though was that it’s not a sign of how spiritual or connected to God you are as a person.
There IS ALWAYS some pain. Pain free IS NOT real. No matter what techniques or how much drugs are given
@@OrangeMonkey2112 I agree, I think they must be reframing their pain as pressure or at least just not scary or unwanted-that’s the only way I can understand it not being a complete false claim. But it is beside the point. Even if they want to claim they had a pain free birth-that’s fine, it just can’t be a feature of being more holy or a better believer than another.
Someone gave me this book 24 years ago when we were trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. I read a couple pages and said nope. I never got pregnant, not because I didn't have enough faith, but because God had two boys for me to adopt. I'm so glad I didn't fall into that trap. Trusting God is about seeking His will and knowing whatever He does is for His glory and my good.
Thank you for sharing this. I am 30 and have been trying to get pregnant with my husband for 8 years unsuccessfully. I love hearing other people's experiences with infertility because sometimes God has other plans for us women.
@awesomeninja9433 I'm so sorry you're going through that. It is so hard. After 7 years I finally handed it over to God. I thought I had been for so long, but I finally got to the point where I decided I wanted what God had for me no matter what it was. My heart finally let go and wanted God's will. I figure God said "there we go...thats what Ive been waiting for." A month later a friend told me she knew of someone looking to adopt her baby. Four months later our first son was born. When he was 11 months his birth mom called and asked us to adopt her baby that was due in a month! So our second son was born 5 days before our first turned one. They will be 19 and 18 in October and God's plan was so much better than anything I was asking for. And I learned wanting what God wants is so much more important than making sure my plans happen. Not saying it's easy to get to that point and I still forget it! But faith is about aligning our will with His, not having enough to get what we want.
You refused to finish reading it and based on uninformed opinion calls it a trap 🙄🤦♀️ what an uneducated comment. You are what’s wrong, not the author’s testimony. It works for me and other women.
I read this book or something similar in 1995. The one I read made it sound like witchcraft....that I must pray the right words throughout pregnancy to make it work. It felt off.
I just had an unmedicated, athome free birth 6 weeks ago. I experienced zero pain the whole time except for pressure. Pain free birth is definitely possible.
Yes, intense pressure that I’m sure some women might interpret as pain.
There is no “pressure free” “pain free” “wave free” add any adjective “free” birth, and it’s okay because it’s just the process that we as women have to contend with.
@@dejagreen2246 lol pressure and pain are not the same thing, and who do you think you are to tell me that I didn't experience a pain free birth? You weren't there. Just cuz you don't comprehend it means nothing to me. My birth was painless. I was well prepared, very toned, and gave birth in water. If you haven't been able to achieve a painless birth, I am sorry. That's not my fault. Don't go bringing your misfortunes and misunderstandings to me.
@@NyssaOwens okay 👍🏽
I unexpectedly experienced pain free labour. It is 100% possible for everyone but it’s not ever certain. The more you can relax and surrender the less pain happens, so much easier said than done. Has to do with biological response’s, fight and flight equals more pain and a longer slower labour. Fear slows labour and culture of traumatic births especially in hospitals spreads this fear.
I understand what you are saying, and I am glad that you experienced a pain-free labor. I had done all the preparation and felt completely surrendered to God in the process of my birth, but I have to tell you that I had back labor and it was terribly painful despite the joy and the peace that I had. I breathed, I prayed, i worshiped. Honestly though, that’s OK that it was not pain free. Not experiencing pain is not the most important thing in the world. My healthy baby, my relationship with Jesus, and even the chance to show the peace I had in God through the process to the medical staff is all I would ever ask for.
This is a topic I’m passionate about. Yes, what she is “preaching” is completely false. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a “pain free” birth. With my first I had no idea what I was doing, had to be induced, got an epidural. Now I’ve had 2 home births and am pregnant again. I simply learned techniques to handle the contractions all of the information you can find free online. It is all about your mentality while in labor.. as far as being pain-free also depends on the child’s position, but I never experienced what I would call pain just lots of pressure which is a very odd feeling, for sure! 😂 with my last baby it was not painful at all and I did not push, he came in two hours. I prayed to God during the “pushing phase” (not very calmly) lol and he was born! It is very much possible to have enjoyable births!
I am a very string woman who a day after my hysterectomy I was mowing my lawn. I was 18 years old when I had my first baby. I wasn't anticipating pain, no pain... it hurt. My mom walked to the hospital, the strongest woman I ever knew who walked through her pain to the hospital stopping each time she had a contraction... it was excruciating pain..
I'd like to share my story with this because maybe it could help someone. In March of this year, I found out I was expecting my second child. I was so excited and it just so happened that the due date for this child would be the week before my son's second birthday. I felt like it was perfectly timed. I stumbled uponthe supernatural childbirth book and decided to give it a read. The comments about preventing miscarriage with faith seemed iffy as well as a part where she talks about choosing your child's features from gender down to hair & eye color by using faith. I finished the book and didn't think too much of it except that maybe God would allow me to have that as well. Well, at around 8 or 9 weeks I found out my baby didn't have a heartbeat and was measuring small. I didn't know what to think, But i remembered the book and tried earnestly praying with family and friends that I wouldn't lose my baby. This went on for almost a week. Then the bleeding started and I kept trying to hold on. To tell God that his word promises that I won't miscarry because I am his child and I have faith. I kept this up until I got to the end of whatever strength I thought I had and I told God "Forgive me. Not my will but yours." and not even 20 minutes later I knew the answer. I was going to lose my baby. I come from a Mormon background so alot of these man centered gospels can slip me up, but I realized then as much as I do now that nothing I do can change the will of God. But I will say that even on that worst night of my life, he never left me. I felt his love and peace through every second. God can do anything. He can heal the sick, raise the dead, give the barren woman a child, part the sea, calm the weather, give sight to the blind and so much more than we could ever imagine, but even if he doesn't, he's still good, worthy, and holy above all. And he loves each of us. ❤ If we keep our eyes on him, he will help us weather life's storms.
I’m glad I came to the comments. I am having my first baby and have been strongly considering unmedicated birth due to all the side effects of the common interventions used. I’m not against appropriate interventions in urgent and emergent situations but I want to do what is best for my baby and myself. I’m not expecting “pain free” and none of the information I have found has ever promised me that but do say you have to really prepare. Glad to see women in here that have had real experiences to share about it.
I agree! Love the encouragement in the comments
I am so glad I went unmedicated with my 2nd. It was absolutely intense and the pushing part was excruciating for me, but, I didn't tear and the recovery was so much better than with my 1st, getting an epideral at 8.5 cm.
Please be careful to measure and have things to measure the babies' oxygen, heart rate, respiration, and a plan to get to the hospital quickly. Know what symptoms of respiratory distress to look for and other symptoms that can be concering. My son would have died if I had had a home birth and not had any equipment to measure his oxygen levels and get him the oxygenand surgeryhe needed, for instance. I'm by no means saying you shouldn't have a home birth, but please be prepared and not take for granted that your sweet babe will be healthy. ❤️
@@jamieallen1150 Birth Centet Birth was a wonderful experience for us. All natural. Much better experience than the hospital with my 1st.
You will do great! Check out the Bradley Method and the book Husband-Coached Childbirth.
Allie I am soooo glad you covered this topic! This book was recommended to me during my first pregnancy and I definitely took a lot of it to heart and really started praying and believing that I could have this incredible birth without pain or even with pain just one that would go smoothly. And my experience was so far from that. I ended up with a 32 hour labor and 2 and 1/2 hours pushing. Shoulder dystocia. Extremely traumatic birth and post partum period. Thank the Lord my daughter and I were both okay but the concepts I learned in this book were so harmful to me and I felt woefully unprepared when labor came along and was incredibly difficult and painful. And it left me feeling angry at God afterwards and feeling like I didn’t do enough or have enough faith.
I came to realize within a couple of months, and after much thought and prayer, that this book was the culprit of a lot of my misled thinking and expectations about birth.
Thank you so much for covering this topic!
I know you’re by no means a birthing podcast but would you consider doing an episode on pregnancy and giving birth after having a traumatic birth in the past? I know you yourself have experienced this and I’m curious to know how you prepared mentally, physically, spiritually.
I’m excited for this! I am pregnant with my first and I’ve been pretty disappointed with the promises so many make about birth online. I cannot expect a painless, easy birth. God’s Word describes it as work for me. Will it be the worst? Probably not. But it is LABOR. Work. Which is difficult to a degree and may be painful since we’re in a post-fall world. I and my body will work for hours for a beautiful baby to come. That is OKAY. Good doesn’t have to equal painless or easy. Especially when so many methods draw a woman away from truth she should be thinking on- God is good, He is in control, He will give me the strength and grace whatever the situation (even when my birth swerves wildly away from what I’d prefer). I could do everything right to prep and God could have a plan for me to face some really hard things in birth so that I am conformed into the image of Christ and glorify Him. I’m excited. I’m hopeful. We’ll see what it’s like! Maybe I’ll make other decisions to prep for the next one. But one thing is for sure, God will be glorified and He will take care of me, even if it’s hard and even if it hurts.
Jesus took all the curses pain and sicknesses on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️❤️
I hope your delivery is the best experience. Congratulations 🎉
I love this comment. My first birth did swerve wildly from what I had hoped for, but God was glorified and he did take care of me and get me through it. I am still struggling a bit to process it and just found out I’m pregnant again. This is the exact mindset I need going into this next birth experience! I will be saving this comment.
I hope your birth is perfectly with God’s will ❤️
Girl, you’ve got the exact right mindset! I had my first baby 11 months ago at home, unmedicated. 22 hours total, she was posterior (sunny-side up). It wasn’t easy but it was the single most incredible experience I have ever had and I would do it again tomorrow!! You got this.
My doula told me that the pain and struggle we go through during pregnancy and labor prepares us for what we need to become as mothers on the other side of that journey. ❤
Loved this video so much. I had a difficult labor and delivery, and it can get into my head sometimes of “if I had just done this, or this, I could’ve changed how it went”. When that was not the case, the Lord designed my labor and delivery perfectly how He wanted. Birth just like many ministries shouldn’t just focus on serving ourselves, but serving others and lifting up the Lord no matter the circumstance. “He causes ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!” This was a great reminder of what I needed to hear.
I’m currently pregnant and have read the book on the cover of the video, and just want to say that that particular book apart from the movement doesn’t promise that every one will have a pain free birth, and she even says that trying to do it naturally without medication while in pain isn’t impressing anyone. The whole point of the book is to increase faith that you and the baby will come out healthy
Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” This is the consequence of sin. There's no escaping it, ladies.
Good point. Because of sin, we must have pain. God will help us get through it.
@@wanderervii Absolutely.
C-section 😊
Myself and a friend of mine have both experienced not feeling any pain until we were just about 10 centimeters and ready to push. Makes me wonder if that's what people are talking about. But the pushing part was still uncomfortable.
@@rebeccayoung235 ??
This was so good Allie. Just for me. I wanted a VBAC so bad I did all the right things, it ended up being another c section. I wanted a natural birth so bad. I was so disappointed in myself believing I did not do enough and mad at God. I finally understood that this was not in my control but God’s. He knows all things, He’s sovereign, He gives and takes away. This really touched my heart and confirmed many things I’ve been meditating on. Thank you for letting God use you to reach people in need.
I'm due with my second in a few days. My first experience was my nightmare, ended in a c section and a hard recovery. This time I have no plan, no expectations, just a knowing that it wont be easy or pain free however she comes out, but looking ahead to having her in my arms. Birth is birth, not a picnic. We were not promised an easy time, but it is temporary and our bodies are designed to heal.
This episode was so good! I watched it right after your other episode about new age the 2 go hand in hand!!
I was raised Christian in the Bay Area of CA and in a non denomination church, they preached the gospel but as the years went on and the word of faith & more mainstream charismatic churches kept popping up in our area we left my childhood church for other reasons but that movement of casting out everything really entered my life and when my husband and I were 1st married he had horrible experiences in the church and it shook his faith because he was hit with an autoimmune disease among other childhood trauma & abuse and the church/ his faith was so stuck on walk in the healing and Christ has made you whole and we went to SO many healing groups and for us the healing has not come and it’s even gotten worse he is now disabled due to his past medical and a work injury.
Having a background in more traditional bible believing theology I’ve been trying to get us back to a solid foundation of Christ alone! We have both been so disappointed and hurt that God has not healed my husband and that we are living below the poverty line, but just this past year I can finally see that ALL along God wanted us to sift through and find Him again!!
I’ve been SO encouraged watching all your videos and it has really solidified my core beliefs and helped me to put words into my beliefs and it has also helped my husband to refocus and truly live under the gospel!!
We are starting to get connected in a gospel believing church and I am praying that God uses it to rewire my husbands faith to come back to Christ alone even though the healing hasn’t come!
The name it claim it movement really did ruin our lives and our faith in a lot of ways! It also made us feel like failures and horrible Christians because we are still in poverty & not healed even though we have tried so many things! It made us put our hope in others and ourselves and gave us unnecessary wounds from hurt and disappointment when Gods plan all along is for us to be on this difficult path because it has refined our faith back to Him and back to a faith that is unshakable! We are still on a journey but by Gods grace we finally feel like we arnt fighting God so much!
One of my favorite C.S Lewis quotes: “Christianity is not freedom from difficulties but rather peace within difficulties.”
Pain free births are possible! I had one as a first time mom and I actually read this book. It doesn’t promise a supernatural birth it just gives scripture on what the Lord has said concerning birth. It doesn’t have to be traumatic and you can certainly believe for a beautiful birth experience that’s enjoyable! I meditated on scripture and constantly listened to worship and praise. I declared God’s Word and I can honestly say it hurt more to get my eyebrows threaded than it was to birth my daughter!
And even if I would have ended up needing to go to the hospital for an epidural or have a c section, I would have praised God regardless!! I would never look down on another mom if their experience wasn’t like mine but I would also certainly not tell them that it’s not possible to have a pain free birth and to never believe for that. Also, I will say when you activate your faith it pleases God! Take Him at His Word because His Word is HIS WILL!
I have a friend with eight children. After she had her seventh she said she'd had a "supernaturally pain free birth." She is a name it-claim it Christian, and now I know what she meant by those words. That being said, she recently had her eighth baby, and that birth was traumatic for her and she ended up getting an epidural. She believes God humbled her in that experience. If she had to learn humility, what does that mean for the "pain free birth" mindset?
I think it's just true that some births are easier than others. Having had five babies myself with no medication, I know this to be true. There are physiological ways of explaining this that don't require us to elevate ourselves to a godlike status. Word of faith Christianity is dangerous.
@@letfreedomring7330 It’s only dangerous when someone is putting the pressure on themselves and relying on their own strength to achieve what they want, however, when you put the pressure on God’s Word and just trust Him and what He’s already said theres a peace that He gives you! You simply just put the situation in His hands and speak His Word over it…not your words or thoughts but HIS from HIS WORD. I understand we live in a fallen world and things happen but as Christians we should believe and trust the Lord till the end…if the outcome isn’t what we thought then we should continue to praise God regardless!! I know strong Christian’s who have delivered stillborn babies…it’s incredibly sad and terrible but I never saw those people say “well I guess God wanted to take our son or..we shouldn’t believe for anything anymore because it doesn’t work….” If anything I have seen them go harder after the things of God to stick it to the devil and make him regret he ever touched their family. We aren’t going to have perfect lives on earth but the Lord has given us His Holy Spirit an His Word which we can cling to and stand on in times of trouble.
Hebrews 11:6,
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
@@letfreedomring7330 it’s only dangerous when you’re relying on your self and your own ability and thoughts, however when you put the pressure on God’s Word and not yourself it actually pleases God and he gives you that peace that surpasses all understanding…We can certainly use our faith to believe Him and trust in His Word and we should praise Him regardless of the outcome or if it isn’t exactly how we wanted it. Faith isn’t to boast on ourselves but in Him! Maybe your friend was relying on herself a little bit in her other births or thought it was her own strength or thoughts that caused them? I’m not sure but I faith is simply trusting God wholeheartedly and taking Him at His Word. Nothing to do with self but a complete reliance on HIM! ❤️
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
I can tell you as a lifelong Christian, and as a church worker who fully trusted Jesus, and was at peace, praying, listening to worship music, and enjoying my births both times, it was certainly not pain-free. I followed the techniques, and I do believe they helped me get through without medication, but clearly God did not have a pain-free birth in store for me. The presence of pain does not negate the presence of God or my trust in him. Rather, I believe I was able to show medical staff the peace that I had in Jesus even during those times. I was in pain, and still laughing between contractions while pushing. I am glad that you had pain-free birth, and I believe faith certainly helps us cope with birth, but I think it is so dangerous to say that enough faith will get you pain free birth.
Allie stepping into the controversial topics I so appreciate it. I almost skipped this episode because I’m not planning on having more babies; but it was very encouraging and informative. I had 3 hospital births; 2 unnecessary inductions and 1 “spontaneous birth” in the hospital with no meds and no epidural. I agree with the comments that childbirth is painful but in my experience the less traumatic and more peaceful birth was the one with the least medical intervention, which was the spontaneous birth. I think the more us mothers lean on God, his Word, and the truth that when we are weak He is made strong in us; the less likely we are to be drawn to unbiblical or deceitful trends that can be so appealing.
I agree that there are good sources of information out there about having a better understanding and a more holistic approach to child birth, that I wish I knew when I had my babies, we just have to examine it in the light of scripture and put our trust and faith in God that as his word says causes all thing to work for good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose; and that even trials help us to draw closer to him and produce perseverance in us.
Thank you, Allie, for your willingness to speak out against these harmful theologies.
I was a part of the Word of Faith movement and witnessed firsthand the damage it caused to people I deeply care about. I have also witnessed family and friends who read this book and the harm it caused. This is coming from a mom of five all-natural, non-medicated childbirths.
I am very interested in reading your book. I have also noticed the connection between the prosperity gospel, Word of Faith, and progressive Christianity.
Thank you Allie for this video! It gave me a lot of peace about my own birth. I had a traumatic birth last July with my first baby. I went to therapy to help with the PTSD I experienced postpartum. I see many videos about pain free birth and it makes me feel like I did something wrong in my birth. I definitely think all birth experiences are different and you can’t expect what may happen during that experience. Some people have great births! But to promise that your birth will absolutely be pain free is not right. Anything can happen. I think having a plan and understanding that things can change is the best mindset. Trusting God through whatever experience you have is best! God will give us the strength to endure and He promised to never leave us, but He doesn’t always take away pain. He doesn’t promise us a struggle free life.
I had 4 quick pain free births, without medication or anything, all healthy babies, 2 girls and 2 boys, 7lbs11oz to 8lbs
Jesus took all the curses pain and sicknesses on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️❤️
Praise God 😊❤❤❤❤❤
You are asking me to believe you before God (Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbirth very severe; with labor pains you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you").
That's your choice to disbelieve. I'm just stating the truth in my experience. The years our children were born were 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. All wonderful, precious blessings. Each time I had my mom and a Christian Science practitioner praying for us. God is Love, therefore why would he want his children to suffer? But, if you want to believe that you will suffer, that is your choice, and therefore that will be your experience.
We are no longer under the curse. Why don't you read and believe the New Testament?
@@PaolaSanchez-hc5my Amen and you are absolutely right, and remember in the New Testament when Jesus spoke of how a woman goes through pain in labour, and afterwards when the baby is born she has joy. Consider even that when God says He would multiply the woman's pain in childbirth in Genesis 3:16, (keyword "multiply") it means that the pain of childbirth was already in place and created by God in the PRE-fallen state.
If the pre-fallen woman has pain in labour, certainly the fallen woman will not escape it. Everyone only wants to escape pain and suffering, instead of pondering of the beauty that a woman would give up comfort to bring her child forth, or that a man would suffer persecution and physical torture for the name of Christ, and most of all that Christ Himself suffered pain and death to save us. Self-sacrifice is an amazing and beautiful expression of love in the image and likeness of who God is, and sacrifice requires giving something up. Nobody likes to suffer, but being willing to suffer for love glorifies God and is part of who God is.
We have no control over this plan or no plan, prayers and faith in the Lord yet still we have no control over what our birth experiences will be.
When I gave birth 10 months ago, I meditated on worship music and Scripture. I definitely did NOT have a pain-free birth. It was the worst pain I ever experienced. But looking back, it was so blessed. The fact that it was painful and I could endure that pain by the God-given body and strength, is what makes it amazing. I think having a painful birth and surviving and thriving afterwards could be a bigger testimony than having a pain-free birth.
Yes I agree! Big hug and congrats on your successful pregnancy and birth!!
My second was like that! Much shorter and I was in way more control over it all and sang praise songs n danced til my water popped and baby was coming out. But near the end it was still extremely painful (all three of mine were extremely painful.) no epidural etc. but looking back I can see God saving us and holding us.
Even when you understand the physiological mind/body connection, you have no control over how birth happens from baby to baby and woman to woman.
My first was a 38 hour labor, 4 hours of pushing. Awful back to back contractions with no break between, despite all of my preparation of things like hypo, “pain free”, etc. It was not at all what I wanted or expected.
My second was a 5 hour start to finish, 3 pushes, out.
So grateful I was in a hospital setting for both in the event of any problems. Wonderful teams who followed my lead and were so helpful and supportive. My first had meconium in her lungs and would’ve had an infection if I had her at home.
What a lot of women of this holistic method don’t often admit is that every woman/baby is different. I have heard so much more judgement from my friends who had a “pain free” birth when I tell them my stories. Girl, you do you, I’ll do me. 😎
George Washington was definitely correct:
" It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
[US founder, George Washington]
This podcast was in perfect timing for me as I just found out I am pregnant with my second and trying to decide what route of care to go with. My first was an attempted homebirth where I fell for the “Christian Hypnobirthing” and that if I listened to this every night and if I prayed enough and made the right birthing space… etc I would have the birth experience I hoped for. Welp, I labored for 72+ hours with very painful back labor, sometimes 5 minute contractions, and very little progress when my midwife finally sent me to the hospital for exhaustion. The epidural was truly a gift of rest from God. And then I ended up having an emergency c-section. My birth experience went exactly opposite of what I hoped and prayed for. I still struggle to process it all but in retrospect I know God was present the whole time and he had me. I feel it was a lesson in letting go and trusting. I am hoping to go into this next birth surrendered to God’s will and knowing I am not in control, but God’s got it! Just struggling to decide on another homebirth or hospital this time. I do love midwifery care.
As soon as I saw the picture of that book in the thumbnail, I had to click on this video! Someone gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first. Love, love, love how you broke all this down with truth and grace. I have left the charismatic movement, and this is just one of many teachings that left so many of us shamed and defeated. I'm saving this in case I need it for future mamas in my new church ❤
I started the podcast: Supernatural childbirth Mamas. I love this! And I love you.
Even though I don’t agree with everything that you’re saying here, I so value you and how you share such GOOD topics!
In this case, I think that this topic requires further discussion between two individuals who have different theologies or interpretations of the scripture. I’m happy to be that person.
After experiencing what I would term two pain free Supernatural Childbirths, the Lord prompted me to start the podcast called Supernatural Childbirth Mamas.
On the podcast I literally interview women who have experienced these types of births. In many ways, supernatural doesn’t always mean pain-free. There’s so much nuance here. But I hate to throw the baby out with the bathwater! Pun intended.
I think the nuance comes in where science and the Bible merge.
I do believe that there is a connection between what we believe and what we speak and what we think in our minds and that is actually a biblical concept.
I think the other thing that comes into play here is the power of our mind over our body.
A man I greatly respect wrote a book called “think this not that” -Dr. Josh Axe.
In this case, I believe that science is catching up to what the Bible has proven to be true in that our mind has so much power over our body and that’s the way God created it. Like I said, I think it’s a topic that has a lot of nuance… and it deserves a little more flushing out then just saying it’s dangerous.
Angela Scafidi (Ucci), had a pain free birth. She did an interview with Michael Knowles telling about her testimony from new age to Jesus. She has a page called Heaven and Healing. She basically said that she was in the spirit most of her labor and has an amazing video about it. It CAN happen, but it just depends i guess 🤷🏻♀️
This conversation reminds me of people who followed all the covid rules: masks, vaccines, distancing and still got covid. You didn’t wear the masks tight enough! You got the bivalent vaccine too late in the season! Going out to lunch with your sister for her birthday exposed you!
You, it’s your fault, you didn’t try hard enough…
Thank you sincerely for this episode Allie. We have been running a healthcare clinic for over 40 years and this heretical theology has harmed so many people. It sets them up to expect healings of all sorts and if they do not receive it, then they are left often, misunderstanding God, and leaving the faith if they even had it in the first place.
I agree with this entire episode Allie! I don’t always agree on your viewpoints but most of the time I do and you hit the nail on the head with this topic. Thank you for talking about this.
As a Christian mom who read this book and birthed 4 babies unmedicated and 3 of those without pain, I'm here to say that it is possible.
I understand why you're saying about new age, however God is a loving father. Just as I would answer my child of this prayer request (if I had that kind of power) I'm not surprised at all that father God would honor us in believing for a supernatural childbirth. We live above the curse thanks to the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf 🥰
This is yet another reason why I’m grateful to be a Catholic. We have a very well-developed, official theology on suffering and its necessity for sanctification. We also view the inescapable suffering of life (illness, pain, loss, disasters etc) as an opportunity to unite yourself to the suffering of Christ crucified as a powerful form of prayer. As Catholics we are encouraged to “offer up” any pain we are going through for any special prayer intentions, knowing that if God Himself used suffering and death as the way to save mankind, it’s good enough for us, too.
I know a few Catholic women who used their labor pains to “offer up” specific prayer intentions. I found it heroic.
This!!! Im a Catholic doula we work heavily with the Holy Spirit
Same here! Finding joy in the midst of suffering. It will give you peace.
Yup!! Contraction prayer lists.
I DO NOT believe that suffering is necessary for sanctification. Absolutely NOT. And I ask you to point out scriptures that support your ridiculous notion.
@@katesjanice ridiculous notion? What do you think Christ meant by pick up your cross and follow me? Do you think that if He led by His example and asked us to follow Him we would somehow be exempt from the pains of our own individual cross? No, we must carry our cross all the way to Calvary.
Maybe do some research, the Catholic Faith is the fullness of Truth.
As an expectant mother with my 3rd, I am very grateful for how my labor and deliveries went. They were painful and the first one had some crazy postpartum experiences. I am so glad that you’re talking about this because about 15 years ago when I was in junior high, I was attending a Rhema church (WOF/NAR) and learned a lot about how they think. Thankfully, God has used some experiences in a church like this and another in a liberal church that has shaped me to be the reformed/Calvinistic theology that I know and believe today. Having been in a WOF church, it’s taught me a compassion for people who are stuck in this movement and thinking. I am so thankful that you are bold enough to touch on hard subjects like this. Thank you!
I read this book and did not have a pain free birth. However, I am fully aware that just because it didn’t happen for me doesn’t mean it is not possible… because with God anything is possible. I think we need to be open minded and realize that we can’t put the Lord in a box. He will do as He pleases and if other women have had this type of pain free birth then I believe it!
Allie, you are BLOWING MY MIND with this episode. I was saved out of the new age/new thought a few years ago, and while immersed in that way of thinking I gave birth naturally, at home. I had the book “Orgasmic Birth” on my bedside table during that time. I read all of Ina May’s books, I got very deep into the new age, yoga teaching, priestess retreat facilitator, menses rituals, etc. Since being saved I have been blessed by Gods Grace to see Truth and have managed to unwind the vast majority of wrong thinking I previously subscribed to, but this is an area I sort of compartmentalized. I never fully bought into the idea that an orgasmic or pain free birth could be possible for anyone and everyone- my mom is a career nurse & I grew up learning well that each person perceives pain differently, thereby making a pain free birth something that is relatively, and subjectively, undefinable. Anyhow, the Kenneth Copeland connection is WILDDD, and while I have noticed the link between “your thoughts create your reality” and the trans movement, I never ventured into this birthing realm with the lens of Christ and Biblical truth, until today. This is big for me!! I even visited “The Farm” that Ina May Gaskin started in Tennessee, looking for a place to give birth before I settled into the idea of a home birth- and I live in NC!! I was SO sold into this world of creating my reality and living in some “new” kind of way. I just appreciate your willingness to tackle a topic like this through the lens of new thought vs. Biblical worldview. It’s so important. And for the record, my birth was extremely long and difficult and scary, but none of the pain or suffering involved remained tangible in my memory after the joy of holding and nursing my baby took over!!! Thank you for talking about this 🤍
I have several friends who have had a pain-free birth, still very intense, but not painful childbirths. That wasn't the case for me. However, I absolutely do think that some women experience much less intense/painful contractions than others. Some women push their baby out in 2 pushes, and others like me still pushed for 45 minutes even with a 2nd baby, with no pain intervention but definitely yelling like Tarzan during that pushing part. ❤ 🙏
Neither of my births were pain free, but I would say my second birth was actually very enjoyable. It was only painful at the very end and was not traumatic whatsoever like my first was.
I do not think you need to read a book or take a course for a “pain free” birth.
You need to prepare mentally and physically, don’t let fear consume you.
Have mentors if possible to help you prepare and be realistic on what to expect in the places you choose to have babies.
Then there is just the way your body is and how it was formed throughout the years.
We alter our body in different ways from driving to wearing high heels.
It doesn’t have to be suffering in most births but yes it may be uncomfortable and difficult.
For anyone who wants to truly dig into the history of the Word of Faith/prosperity gospel/NAR movements, the Cessationist documentary is really helpful.
There are many verses that talk about how painful giving birth is. We are also in an era that we seem to be disconnected on how dangerous giving birth actually is. Women died all the time throughout history giving birth. We are in a time where medical assistance has helped avoid so many deaths.
I believe we should empower women to give birth as naturally as you can, embrace a healthy labor but to not deny medical intervention if they are in danger. C sections have saved so many of my friends. My friends would not have made it in mid evil times.
Why do so many countries put so much into healing a new mom if it is not extreme to your body?
Perhaps there are some women out there who can have “pain free”. I have not met a single woman who has had a natural labor without pain. Not saying they don’t exist. And if they do, that’s amazing. But those women must not put down the women who have pain as if they aren’t “tough” or they are over reacting. I am proud to be a woman who popped my kids out in seconds. Sweating warrior crying and no contraction breaks.
I personally LOVED all three of my epidurals. I just had my third baby this past Sunday and man, I had forgotten just how difficult labor is for me. Felt like a hot knife dragged along my uterus. Anyone who has a pain free experience is so blessed because it is truly painful for me. I was very interested in all the “pain free” instagram accounts but when it came down to it, I was more than happy to get my pain meds and it made my labors so much more peaceful and happy.
Jesus took all the curses pain and sicknesses on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️❤️
Actually, I don't believe women can give birth "without pain." I think they are lying, point blank. Genesis 3:16, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
@@PaolaSanchez-hc5my their way around it is making it like “toiling” less like pain. But it DOES hurt lol
You should do research on why epidurals are not good and getting induced is not good either it’s like aborting your baby
And I recommend watching the pain free birth testimony by Heaven and healing 👍🏼
@@JesusLovesyou..1John3.6 I didn’t get induced, but to compare it to an abortion is ridiculous lol. You’re still having the baby and they’re alive. I had complication free vaginal births all three times without any further interventions. I tried hyponobirthing this past time, but it still felt like razor wire digging into my uterus. All I know is all my kids are healthy and happy and I got deliveries that weren’t terrifying or painful 🤷🏻♀️
Yes it is. I just delivered my 4th 5 days ago. No epidural. Lots of pain. But my beautiful baby girl was the outcome. So worth it.❤
My first labor was long and difficult but my second is where I felt like I had a "supernatural" birth, if you will. I was in labor and intentionally relaxing my body as each contraction came and focusing on a scripture I had a memorized to keep my mind on the Lord and not on the contractions. Then suddenly I saw a really clear vision in my mind I wasnt expecting. I saw Jesus on the cross and behind Him was pain, sin, darkness, suffering... All the things he paid for with His own body and blood. Then as I was seeing this, the intensity of my contactions went down like 50%! My first thought was i was regeresssing but it continued on like that much less intense or "painful." Then suddenly I got one big contaction and baby was practically shooting out on his own and he was born. Afterwards the nurse commened 3 times how calm I was and how shes been doing this for ten years and has never seen someone in such peace while in labor.
The poorest person is not the one without money it is the one without God praying for Everyone everyday God bless you all
Ha! Thank you for talking about this!! I’ve always scratched my head at this! I have eight kids and although my labors gotten easier with each one (mostly because I know the drill and fear the pain less) but I have NEVER had a pain free birth! I wonder if these women just make themselves believe it’s pain free?
My first birth was pain free. It was still uncomfortable and there was a lot of pressure but it was not painful. People can argue all they like but no one can take my experience away from me.
I saw the thumbnail and my jaw dropped. I had this book (didn’t really adhere to it). I’ve told others about this book. My circle of association is very much the “name it and claim it” crowd and they believe this book. This is a topic I’ve wrestled with. Although we differ denominationally, I’m glad you covered this
Oh my gosh, I remember that book! I read that when I was pregnant with my son 26 years ago. I prayed and confessed everyday that I would have a pain free natural birth but when it came down to it and that pain came I caved and got that epidural, no regrets!🤷♀️🎉
I used to be terrified of birth- my third was the best experience of my life, unmedicated and pain free. I spent the entire time in mediation and deep prayer and I worshiped God through the contractions, I felt the intensity but not the pain and it was out of this world. Super natural. Thanks be to God.
I love that Allie is speaking out about this! I am trying to have a natural birth for my third and all of the “Christian” resources I come across are about these sort of new age beliefs put to scripture or “Christian hypnobirthing” and it’s really frustrating! I am not one of those ladies who wants to feel the pain of birth as described in scripture just to understand the value of my child’s life, I’m not brave enough for that lol but I am trying this time to have a natural birth because they are putting fentanyl in epidurals now! It’s even testing positive in the babies blood after birth! For the sake of my children, I ask God to give me strength, but I wish there were more resources and supports for someone who chooses the natural route and refuses to negotiate between scripture and our own desires. My kids are worth the pain, but God is also worth the pain! rather than risking my salvation through my involvement in these things, I’ll choose painful obedience or another epidural 😆 but hopefully for my kids I can woman up and choose painful obedience!
I had an unmediated birth, it was definitely not pain free but I had a doula and her and my husband helped to massage my back while I had contractions. I moved around into different positions and the tub was my biggest helper lol.
I would read Holy Labor! I found it to be so helpful. Biblically based info for supporting a positive birth experience. My labor & delivery was certainly not pain free, but 100% manageable and this book helped prep for a natural/holistic homebirth without all the new age garbage!
I've had 2 unmedicated births, one in a birth center and one at home. You can do it! I'd recommend checking out the Bradley Method and just doing a lot of education. Hiring an experienced doula is also a great option as they are trained in different comfort measures. I did water births with both my children and it definitely helped with the pain! You will do great!
hypnobirth is not good new agey witchcraft
But Jesus did take all the curses and pain on the cross out of Love for us 😊❤️
You aren’t risking your salvation by getting an epidural. That’s ludicrous. If that’s your logic then you shouldn’t ever take any medication or pain relief measures.
wow i really loved this episode Allie! Thanks for really digging into the theological roots of this movement and sticking to the truth of scripture! Birth is often such a controversial subject, but I thought you really did this episode so well without getting too much into the controversial weeds of conscience issues. :)
I read Supernatural Childbirth and Hypnobirthing, and I found them very helpful for reframing my mind and ridding myself from fear. Have had two home births. Prayed and worshipped Jesus during each. My first was not completely pain free (ring of fire 😅) but my second was! Labor is intense, and it’s hard work, but God has a good design for us, and we can glorify him ❤️
I have been a part of what is called the 'faith movement ' for many years. Not everyone in that group puts Kenneth Copeland on a pedestal as some may think. The Word of Faith that I believe in, is about Jesus, His Word, the Holy Bible, His Blood that was shed on the cross for us, and His Name, the name that is above all names. It is not about us, but having real, true faith in every promise in the Word if God, the Holy Bible. We can cling to these promises when all the storms of life come against us, etc. Faith in the Word is my hope and on this rock I stand. We are not crazy, but we are steadfast in Him.
It is possible! I’ve had a pain free birth (was still intense just not painful), but I did not think I was going to get one if I had enough faith. I asked and was okay with whatever God had planned for me. I just wanted him there. I learned about how fear impacts pain and really was mindful of where I let my thoughts go. I liked this book but didn’t agree with the idea “if you have enough faith it will be painless”.
Thank you, Allie! You are always refreshing and encouraging even when you cover difficult topics. Praise God for His grace!
I wouldnt call my birth painful. It was uncomfortable and intese and hard but not painful. I actually enjoyed pushing and it felt good to deliver my baby. I played worship misic, prayed, and recited scripture to myself while in labor. I leaned on God for strength and He provided. I know people recite the verse in Genesis about the woman having pain in childbareing but thats the same word translated as toil or hardwork for the man a few verses later. I changed my mindset from 'this is pain' to 'this is hard work' a d it completely chnsged the experience for me
Instead of looking for ways to avoid the pain, it is much more empowering to draw near to God through it. When God showed me how I was mirroring the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus through my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, that encouraged me to draw near to God in my time of suffering rather than trying to avoid it.
My birth was excruciating.....to be fair, my son was stuck and his neck was bending so his head was moving towards his back....and my placenta abrupted. I was calling out to Jesus and i thought I was dying...We were dying. If it were not for the hospital and Dr’s who saved us in the last moments. Women say they forget how painful it was, but I could never forget how it felt. When i say excruciating - it was literally like dying in slow motion.
I totally regret buying into the whole “pain free birth” movement leading up to my experience. I was COMPLETELY unprepared for the reality. My course just taught me to “breathe” through the contractions 😂😂😂 If it weren’t so horrible i would have laughed. I think this way of thinking is actually dangerous to women who are new to birth and just think it wont be bad if they “prepare” enough. All the preparation in the world will not dictate how your birth will go. ....
100% agree with you!
Jesus saves we always have to be completely dependent on Him 😊❤️
Oh boy I was just recommended this book last week. Perfect timing Allie!
I’m so happy for all of you gals here in the comments who had pain-free births! Praise God! I want to encourage women who had pain during childbirth that there is nothing wrong with them. I had a 35-hour labor, including 2+ hours of pushing. I began having incredibly painful back-labor contractions about 4 hours in. After ~17 hours of back labor (and still at only 4 cm) I could not bear the immense pain anymore. I decided to have an epidural and I am so glad I did! I believe that epidural was God’s provision in helping me through the pain for the rest of my labor.
If you’ve had an epidural or used other pain meds during labor, you are not less of a Christian nor less of a mom. Thank God that we live in a day and age where these medical interventions are available! He chooses to grace some women with quick, minimal pain labors and births and He allows other women to have long and/or painful labors and births. Through it all, He is our source of strength ❤ We can glorify God no matter the duration of labor, level of pain, and whether vaginal or c-section birth ❤
In Genesis 3:16 the word “issabon” is used in both the woman’s consequence for sin (multiplied ‘issabon’ in birth) and the man’s consequence for sin (multiplied ‘issabon’ in working the ground) It can be translated: work, pain, sorrow, toil, or labor. Make of that what you will :)
I used an app called Christian hypnobirthing. Honestly, it helped tremendously with baby #2 (although it turned into cesarean and similar to your #1, very traumatic), and baby #3 labor and delivery was soooo easy. Painful, but minimal pain. I was hesitant because hyno anything does not sound Christian at all and as someone who got neck deep into the evils of new age, I'm very aware of the evils that can come with these things. This was relaxing sounds, prayer, guided breathing, scripture. I do credit God & prayer of course. I wasn't given good chances of having a successful VBAC by my perinatologist, but I did (10% chance)- thank you, God!! ❤
A THOUSAND TIMES YES. Literally just commented. Used her for my last two births.
I own a Christian prolife doula training agency and I've taught on this very book and the dangers of the false doctrine prosperity gospel! Thank you for this video! It's sad there are women being harmed by this book and it's even more sad there are "Christian" doula trainings that have fallen to this heretical practice and are teaching this to their students! 😢
I really wanted this to work and be as natural as possible but like you, I gave up close to the end. Back still feels pain with my third epidural. He’s 6 months. Thanks for doing this episode.
Mama of 2 here. Both were unmedicated births. My first was a planned homebirth and very fast labor (2 hours) and I tore really badly and had an awful postpartum (lots of pain + family drama). My second was an unmedicated unplanned hospital birth because we found out my baby was breech. The second birth hurt more but I didn't tear much, but I had a 7 hour labor. My postpartum was a lot better. I pushed both my babies out in 3 pushes, that was the only thing about my births that was the same lol. I did read a really helpful book called "Redeeming Childbirth" and that helped with some of the family drama this postpartum. I always feel like I have been hit by a train after giving birth and that just goes with the territory. Birth prepares you for motherhood, you can't escape birth and you can't escape the challenges that come with motherhood. God is sovereign over all and will give each one of us grace. I'm 4 months postpartum with my second and feel better (spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and physically) than I did the entire first year with my first.
God has really worked in my heart through my difficult birth experiences. I’ve learned so much about surrender and sacrifice. And also about compassion and not judging other’s experiences.
I had a lot of difficulty coming to terms with my births and I think the “Supernatural birth” book and other natural birth influences contributed. I tossed that book in the garbage after my first birth.
I had this image in my head of going into labor naturally around my due date and having an unmedicated vaginal birth. I tried twice. I did everything “right.” I drank the tea, ate the dates, did spinning babies exercises. I even hired a doula. It didn’t happen.
Both babies went overdue and then stopped meeting kick counts. They both required medical induction of labor and eventual emergency c-section for fetal distress. I chose no pain meds during the first induction until the c-section was called. Opted for an epidural 30 hours into the second labor and that was definitely the right choice for me. I made the choice because I had a bad feeling about that birth and I have no regrets because when the second baby went into distress, it was a much smoother transition to surgery than the first time.
I’m grateful for the difficult births I experienced. They weren’t pain free, but they helped me give up the illusion of control I thought I had. I can’t always get the outcome I want, but if I’m walking with the Lord, he can hold me through any circumstance. I have two beautiful baby boys and hope to have more in the future. I’m considering scheduled c-section from now on and I’m discovering peace with however my babies make it earthside.
I think it depends on your birth
I had very fast rapid births that were extremely painful and unmedicated. There was no breathing technique that could have helped and I did all the classes, books, meditations, prayer etc.
Maybe slower births are less painful or its positioning? I loved having natural births but also feel like NOTHING could have prepared me for the insane pain I went through. I have ptsd just thinking about it
So glad you are talking about this. I feel like this "belief" is so damaging to women! I've heard this from Christian's and it was damaging as a first time mom who had a very painful and traumatic birth.
Pain is subjective so every woman will have VASTLY different experiences. In my experience, birth simply feels exactly like what it is- your body contracting and expanding to bring a baby into the world!
Its not a scam, i had 6 pain free births. I felt my stomach contracting by feeling like a hard ball but i was not in pain, i would say stubbing my toe is more painful. No it didnt require meditation, no it didnt require me lying to myself and renaming pain under names like "waves" and etc. I literally was not in pain.
I want to thank you for putting this out there. Just having a christian perspective from another mom and scripture is really encouraging for me. I had a pretty traumatizing birth myself that ended in a c-section and everything that I did not want to do kind of happened. I had already been in the mindset to embrace whatever the birth would be like and I was prepared with knowledge for those outcomes, that was a grace of God. Its still nice to hear from someone else that it's okay if it doesn't "go your way". Even though it was hard for me God showed me that I am strong enough to get through that and I have a precious little baby on the other side.
I have felt pangs of, as if I was a failure for having such a hard labor. That's one reason I think there might be too much focus on this painless labor thing, or less pain labor. Though I know that giving birth in a more natural environment is much more helpful than "traditional" methods which have only been around for like, 70-100 years. I do love the un-medicated experience still, even if its painful its empowering and focused or something, hard to describe. God is good and He carries you through.
I actually really enjoyed her book 😅 ..obviously, I took note of the Kenneth Copeland mention and talked to my husband throughout reading, which helped me from slipping into bad theology. I definitely had a very different takeaway than what was represented here. I didn't see fertility/easy birth as a guarantee, but a possibility that some should explore. Some people do have a tendency toward fear and this is one approach that can sometimes dislodge that anxiety. I think we all can agree that such miracles are worth celebrating and giving glory to God. The temporary peace free from any pain I experienced momentarily with my first caught me off-guard, especially with all the doom/gloom messaging around birth. I'm about to have our 5th, and while each birth is different, being joyful in labor is totally possible and beautiful and something I continue to strive for, in seeking Christ foremost.
Ugh I hate that book, thanks for calling it out. I bought it while I was pregnant with my first and did my best to follow it. Not only was my labor at 40 weeks extremely painful, when I got to the hospital we were told she was gone. I didn't even get to take home a baby for all the pain.
It's a good thing my faith isn't based on getting what I want. "It Is Well with My Soul" was written by a father after he lost his wife and children in a transatlantic voyage. Bad things happen no matter how much faith you have.
So sorry for your huge loss.
@@russellharris724 Thank you 💜
Definitely possible. Has never been my experience and I've had 3 homebirths. I did Karen Welton's course and found it helpful but definitely not pain free. There is a certain element of toxic positivity in her work, where if you trust enough, release fear enough your birth will be pain free. And if your birth isn't then there's a subtle blaming that you must have done it wrong. I think we should be honest with women.
Rachel Reed's last book talked about this beautifully - Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage. It does have some very anti-Christian sentiments, which I skimmed past ❤❤❤❤
WOW! Yes! Thank you for speaking on this! I absolutely fell into this trap and came out (both times) knowing this is a SCAM! I absolutely thought I did birth wrong the first time and it made me very fearful to do it again. I am grateful for my second birth because it helped me heal that trauma and trust my body and God deeper. 🙌 Amen, sista!
That book encouraged me sooooo much!!!! I had an incredible experience with my last two births and I can’t thank that woman enough for writing the book 🥹
The Supernatural Childbirth book helped ease my fears and I had wonderful experiences with all three of my children’s births. Was it pain free? No, but it helped make my faith strong to rely on Christ as the focus.
Having had 5 hospital births, including twins, and 2 homebirths (all vaginal)... I can tell you mindset is everything. And when you're birthing at home, you have to prepare and manage more than relying on the docs and nurses.
I'll say my two homebirths were the most peaceful, enjoyable, and pain free than all my hospital births and they were 10lbs and 11lbs!
I read that book and fell for it. I had a 72 hour painful labour, an emergency C-section and a 3 month recovery. I read my Bible during my 2nd pregnancy. Still needed a C but at least I knew God was taking care of me.
Anyone pedaling the idea that something like childbirth can be *guaranteed* painless, is selling either a scam or a dangerous lie. In this instance- it’s both while also being spiritual deception.
Did so much prep for an unmedicated home birth and NO. it was NOT a pain free labor, even with so much research, information, positive affirmations, prayer, techniques, birthing pool, etc- it was the worst incremental pain i ever felt in my life. Transfered to hospital after 20 hours of labor with sunny side up baby.... don't regret getting an epidural either....every birth story is different, everyone's pain experience is different due to how God created each of us! All i know is women are amazing!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you for making this video, I believe you hit it head on. You are not in full control of your birth or the pain of childbirth, just as you are not in full control of the things your body does. You age, you get sick, etc. Both of my births, I prepped so much and the first time around, the idea that I should be able to make things pain free or simpler actually made things worse, because when things didn’t go as planned I blamed myself and a “lack” of faith or preparation. Also, the second time I gave up on that need for controlling every detail including the pain, and that was much better. I prayed so much, I trusted God, I listened to worship music, and I had back labor both times 😂 Guess what ladies…. Back labor hurts. It just does. I’d done the stretches and all of that and guess what! I still wasn’t in full control. God was. We are not God, and the presence of pain does not negate the presence of Jesus. The second birth was quicker and the pushing was so so much quicker, which I am so thankful for. I also believe it was better because birth can get a little easier with each kid (generally speaking). At times, people claimed that they had a terrible first birth but the next birth was easier and pain free as a result of this kind of preparation. The truth is that every birth is different but generally the first is the most uncomfortable.
Back labor is insane. I literally have ptsd about that
Feels like someone is stabbing you with a knife until it’s finally relieved by the baby moving thru the ring of fire
I had very fast and furious births with crazy back labor and nothing could have taken that pain away. I did allll the prep and literally laughed afterwards at what a joke it all was!!
Amen to everything you said!!! It’s wild to me that people have the audacity to say you can stop morning sickness or other pregnancy struggles…? I have been struggling through my first 11 weeks of pregnancy, but I have never felt closer and more dependent on God. God can do anything, but I want His will over my own, or my own worldly comfort.
As someone who had very easy labors and babies came out in two pushes I would not call any of my births “pain free” some may describe it as intense pressure or discomfort to others that’s exactly what pain is. Even ladies who have received an epidural feel the pressure when baby is coming out so I simply cannot believe pushing a baby out of your vagina is painless 🤷♀️
I had a baby in 2021 without medication or intervention, I wouldn't say it was painfree because it definitely hurt but - when I stopped trying to have control over my body and what was happening, when I fully let go, it stopped hurting and I was able to breathe and push and do it. Let go...allow your body to do what it does. It is so hard to be out of control but it's the only way. I felt the hands of my female ancestors upon me in those moments, I felt like the veil was VERY thin and every single one was with me in this time, ushering in a new life, a new descendant of theirs. It was a wild and beautiful experience. I have never felt more not alone in my life to be honest.
So glad you're addressing this!
Ally I love listening to your podcast but I respectfully disagree on this subject. I listened to the audio book before even getting pregnant and it honestly just helped me understand my body and how fear really can cause your body to seize up during childbirth making it more painful. Now I do believe people can take things to the extreme and the enemy can certainly use a bad experience to deceive believers into thinking 'well i just didn't have enough faith'. That's where it can be dangerous and cause people to lose hope. The book however does help us see that ALL pain is under the curse and we can believe for supernatural childbirth. But that can look different for each individual. My two experiences with childbirth were not free of discomfort but I'm telling you they were as smooth as silk. I told myself beforehand that if I decided to get an epidural or had to have a c-section that it wouldn't mean that I didn't have enough faith. I knew holy spirit would give direction for my specific needs. I did end up having an epidural with both babies but I was only in labor 8 hours with my first baby and 4 with my second and I can tell you I was peaceful through both from start to finish. I attribute this to the truths in that book and I believe it is a great tool and just gives a different perspective. Takes you from a Worldly view to a Biblical mindset on childbirth. Ladies give it a chance and then just let Holy Spirit reveal HIS perfect plan for your story. :)
This was such a wonderful video. I have been reading Charles Capps as a way to deal with pain in general. Something just felt off about it. I believe the Holy Spirit led me to hearing you tonight.
My first baby was a c-section, and i had no choice. The second was a v-back because I pushed for it, and it wasn't terribly painful, but the baby had issues coming out, so they helped him out. The third was an epidural, and i literally didn't feel anything at all. I was woken up and told it was time to push. My fourth was so fast I couldn't even get into the labor and delivery room quickly enough he came out like a flash. That was also without any medication for pain. I thought i was going to die and told everyone I was. 😂 The fifth child i managed to get to the hospital and the epidural didn't take at all! That one hurt the worst of all and had lots of after bleeding. All of my children are worth the pain! ❤