Since this is the week leading up to my due date (oh my goodness!), I thought it would be fitting to spend it posting a few thoughts on preparing for labor and birth.. one of my favorite subjects. If you aren't interested in that sort of thing, rest assured that I have some yummy recipe posts coming and more gut health FAQ's waiting in the wings. So hang in there! Also, as you guys can probably guess, when the baby arrives, I will be posting sporadically and keeping things very short and sweet while I hang out, heal, and nurse the newest little person in our house.
A while ago, I received a great email question from a reader:
I know that when you prepared for Hadley's arrival, you meditated on a lot of scripture. Would you be willing to share what verses you used? As I prepare for my first birth, I would love to have some insight from another mom who has used this strategy.
My answer: Yes! 1,000 times yes. Birth is something that sends my mind reeling. If I didn't keep my thoughts under control with the Word, I would be lost to fear, worry, doubt, and dread. During my pregnancies I've relied heavily on some hand-written notecards with bible verses, hymn lyrics, and favorite quotes as I mentally prepared for labor. Spending the weeks leading up to Hadley's birth dwelling on these truths made such a difference when I was actually in labor. I drew snippets from my memory each time a contraction would start. It was my coping mechanism, and Jesus sustained me with His truth and strength. "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy." -C.H. Spurgeon
Here's a list of verses that I used (and am still using to prepare for this birth), as well as some more quotes from Spurgeon that are near and dear to my heart. Most of these verses have to do with fear, burdens, peace, and the promise of His help, strength, and power in times of need.
I'm reminding myself, and encouraging you, if you are looking forward to a birth or any big undertaking soon, to read these promises, take them back to the Great Promiser, and ask Him to fulfill His word. Plead His written promises and He will perform them.
7 comments:
thank you! I'm 6 weeks from my due date (with my first) and starting to think about how to prepare for labor. Eager to hear what else you have to say on the subject!
yes! love this. i've been praying for an awesome birth experience for you! can't wait to hear about it.
Love this! I still cherish the verses and quotes on notecards I have from our second birth. Do you have any favorite songs you used with Hadley's birth or are using with this time?
This is so good Summer. I love your heart for the Lord.
I would add that having something to smell (a flower, lavender, or any essential oil that helps you stay calm and focused) is a good idea.
Also to remember that we are under the blessing now, not under the curse.
And one last thing - do you practice motor-boating? I think that's what it's called. It's blowing air through your lips to relax the cervix. I know it sounds strange but something about relaxing the jaw helps with labor and delivery! A friend gave me this tip before I had Malachi, and I do think it helped things progress. (motor-boating while visualizing your baby moving down).
Praying for you.
L.
This is so beautiful!! I had some awesome birth experiences where I felt God so very near to me - and moments when I felt He have me just the wisdom I needed to let my labor and delivery go quickly, and others that were less-than-awesome. I love everything about your attitude towards this birth - as someone with five kids - and a case of the baby bug ever so badly - this just warms me through and through. :) I'll be praying for you!
Hi Summer! I'm excited for your posts this week - pregnancy and childbirth are a favorite topic of mine too! I also wanted to let you know that I used your 50 promises cards as one of my labor tools during my recent labor with my second baby (this past November). It was great mental preparation to go through and select a subset of verses to.refer to during labor and they turned out to be so helpful to me during my actual labor. I had a successful VBAC and truly feel the 50 promises verses helped me achieve this. Thank you! And all the best to you with your second baby - can't wait to hear news of his/her arrival!
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