When I asked why it was so important to her, she explained that labor pains are described throughout scripture and it was a natural part of a mother’s life. Also, Christ suffered for us, and she wanted to identify with His selfless sufferings in this way. Her thoughts really stuck with me and I mulled them over for four whole years.
In the meantime, I learned that two of my close friends also chose natural childbirth. I looked to them as strong women – spiritually and idealistically – and knew if they could do it, it was worth considering.
Once I got pregnant, I was pretty much sold on the natural idea. I reasoned that if women gave birth for centuries without painkillers, it was completely possible. Even if one of the consequences for the fall listed in Genesis 3:16 was pain in childbirth – “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children” – I was willing to experience it.
In fact, I wanted to feel what it was like to give birth. And after pondering how God created a woman’s body to conceive and nurture a baby, then supply the ability to give birth, I wanted to fully know and feel the entire progression. The thought of laboring through the process with my child amazed me.
Even though my obstetrician told me pain medications would make everything manageable, I was undeterred and continued praying that God would allow me to experience childbirth without drugs. As my belly grew bigger and bigger, the only thing I feared was giving in to something I knew I didn’t want. I prayed for strength and resolve, as I knew I would experience aspects of the labor process that are mentioned in scripture:
Pain
- “At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seized me, like those of a woman in labor.” – Isaiah 21:3
- “Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.” – Jeremiah 6:24
- “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:3
- “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.” – Isaiah 42:14
- “I hear a cry as of a woman in labor, a groan as of one bearing her first child.” – Jeremiah 4:31
- “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” – Romans 8:22
- “Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame.” – Isaiah 13:8
- “As a woman with child and about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, O Lord.” – Isaiah 26:17
- “Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale?” – Jeremiah 30:6
The decision to pursue an unmedicated birth seemed to honor God. Instead of resorting to the conveniences of modern science, I trusted the Lord would walk me through the birthing process. (Please understand that I am not at all saying that epidurals are sinful. I don’t think they are.)Ideally, an unmedicated birth could become an unforgettable lesson in God’s faithfulness. I looked forward to the entire picture of labor mentioned in John 16:21:“Whenever a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she remembers the anguish no more, for joy that a child has been born into the world.”
In “Raising Your Children for Christ,” classic Christian author Andrew Murray wrote, “Just as labor by the sweat of his brow was given to man in his fallen state, so the labor of childbearing was given to the woman. Through it and its blessed discipline, the life of Christ can more effectually be accomplished in her whole character. Childbearing helps produce in the mother that blessed life of faith, trust, love, gentleness, motherly kindness, holiness, and self control. It helps to form that perfect womanly character which is one of God’s most beautiful gifts on earth.” 1
While I can’t say that my focus was solely on Christ throughout my unmedicated laboring processes with both of my children – to get through contractions, I really had to focus on relaxing – I definitely prayed a lot. Especially during crucial moments.
However, after experiencing labor and delivery without pain medication (I’ll write more about my birth experiences this coming week) I definitely can vividly relate to scripture now. When I read biblical descriptions of women in labor, I understand completely. And that’s pretty cool.
Talk back
How have your childbirth experiences brought you closer to the Lord?
Source
1. “Raising Your Children for Christ.” Andrew Murray. Whitaker House, 1984, p. 209.
Photo credit
Nutdanai/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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“Just as labor by the sweat of his brow was given to man in his fallen state, so the labor of childbearing was given to the woman.” Yeah, but I’ve never heard anyone preach against combines, or computers, or any of the numerous other technologies that drastically reduce the labor involved in men’s (or women’s) work.
True, but how often do you hear people preaching in favor of exercise? It’s only in the past couple of generations, and only in “civilized” countries, that people have to exercise as an intentional activity, and the reason it’s become necessary is that our daily labors no longer use our muscles enough to keep them healthy.
I completely agree that our culture and a lack of exercise has everything to do with a woman’s untoned/unhealthy muscles!
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.