Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast Podcast By Natalie Portman | Christian Doula Virtual Birth Coach & Childbirth Educator cover art

Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

By: Natalie Portman | Christian Doula Virtual Birth Coach & Childbirth Educator
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🎙️ Ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally (via Listen Notes)


Hi there, I’m Natalie Portman! I’m a Christian birth doula, virtual birth coach, childbirth educator, wife, and mama—and I created this podcast just for you.


If you’re preparing for birth, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to those early days of motherhood, you’re in the right place. On the podcast I share a mix of powerful Christian birth stories, Scripture-based encouragement, and practical tips to help you walk through this season with peace and purpose.


Around here, I do things a little differently. While the world encourages you to control every detail and rely on your own strength, I’ll gently point you back to the freedom of surrender and the beauty of God’s design for birth. Because I believe birth isn’t about showcasing your strength—it’s about revealing the Lord's. And when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can choose faith over fear.


I’d love for you to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re looking for more support, grab my free Christian Mama Birth Prep Library at faithoverfearbirth.com. It’s packed with birth prep guides, faith-filled tools, and other resources to help you invite God into your birth space.


You don’t have to walk this path alone. Let’s journey together—with faith, not fear.

© 2026 Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast
Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Parenting & Families Relationships Spirituality
Episodes
  • 40. The 4 Emotional Stages of Labor & Why Your Support Team Needs to Know Them
    Mar 31 2026

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    In this episode, I'm walking you through the emotional stages of labor—not just what happens physically, but the powerful emotional signposts that help you and your birth team know exactly where you are in the process and how to respond with confidence instead of fear.

    This framework, inspired by Penny Simkin's incredible work, has transformed how I support families as a doula and childbirth educator. Understanding these emotional patterns can bring so much peace and clarity to what might otherwise feel scary or confusing—whether you're the one giving birth or supporting someone you love through labor.

    Whether you're pregnant and preparing for birth, planning to support your spouse/sister/friend through labor, or simply want to understand the beautiful design of the birth process, this episode will equip you with practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead.

    In this episode, I share:

    🌸 How to recognize the emotional signposts of early labor (and why ignoring it might be your best strategy!)

    💭 What happens emotionally during active labor and why silence doesn't mean something's wrong

    🙏 Understanding transition—when "I can't do this" actually means you're almost there

    ✨ How the pushing stage brings renewed purpose (even through exhaustion)

    💛 Practical tips for birth partners at each stage—from encouraging rest to avoiding too many questions

    📖 Why wisdom for labor comes from both preparation AND prayer

    Scripture Shared:

    "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." – James 1:5 (ESV)

    Mentioned in this episode:

    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more

    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call

    ✝️ Online Christian Childbirth Education - Explore my complete birth preparation self-paced course

    🎧 Episode 26: Learn more about virtual birth support with me

    🎴 NEW Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: You can now purchase them here

    📚 The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

    🥤 LMNT electrolyte drinks for hydration

    🎧 Episode 5: Learn how to fill out the Birth Preferences Checklist

    If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a pregnant friend or someone preparing to support a laboring mama.

    Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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    19 mins
  • 39. Your Baby's Position Matters: When to Check, Ways to Help Baby Turn, & Surrendering the Outcome to God
    Mar 17 2026

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    In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Marrow, a board-certified OBGYN and VBAC mom from Full Circle Women's Care, to discuss a topic that can feel overwhelming for many moms: what to do when your baby is breech, transverse, or in another challenging position for birth.

    Together we explore the timeline of when baby's position truly matters (hint: not at your 20-week scan!), natural techniques to encourage optimal positioning, and what actually happens during an ECV—the medical procedure to turn a breech baby. Dr. Marrow shares from both her professional expertise and her personal journey from a fear-filled cesarean to a redemptive VBAC, offering wisdom that blends evidence-based care with faith-centered encouragement.

    Whether you're currently navigating a breech presentation, curious about your options if baby isn't head-down, or simply want to be prepared with knowledge before you reach the third trimester—this conversation offers practical tools, medical insight, and the reminder that birth is beautiful regardless of the route.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    🤰 When to actually start paying attention to baby's position (32-36 weeks)

    💫 Natural techniques like Spinning Babies, the Miles Circuit, and chiropractic care

    🏥 What an ECV really involves and the 50-60% success rate

    ✨ The rise of gentle cesareans and creating a beautiful birth experience

    🙏 How to steward what you can control while surrendering outcomes to God

    Mentioned in this episode:

    📋 Miles Circuit handout for optimal positioning

    👶 Spinning Babies Technique - A program designed to help create room for a breech baby to find a more optimal position

    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more

    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call

    ✝️ Online Christian Childbirth Education - Explore my complete birth preparation self-paced course

    📞 Free 15-Minute Discovery Call: Schedule your no-obligation consultation with me today! I would LOVE to connect with you.

    🎴 NEW Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: You can now purchase them here

    If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

    Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one decision at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned

    Support the show

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    30 mins
  • 38. Stop Consuming Endless Content, Start Building Confidence: The Truth About Birth Preparation
    Mar 3 2026

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    In this episode I'm addressing something I see over and over again with expecting parents—the difference between consuming birth content and actually being prepared for birth. While we have more birth information available than ever before through podcasts, social media, and online resources, so many parents still approach birth feeling anxious and unprepared.

    This conversation has been on my heart because I see thoughtful, intentional parents doing their best to prepare by listening to podcasts and following birth accounts on social media, yet still missing something foundational. They know a little about a lot of things, but not enough to feel truly confident when it matters most. True childbirth education builds understanding from the ground up in a way that fragmented content simply can't.

    Whether you're trying to decide if you need childbirth education, feeling overwhelmed by all the birth content out there, or wondering why you still feel unprepared despite consuming lots of information—this episode will bring clarity, wisdom, and practical next steps for your birth preparation journey.

    In this episode, I share:

    📚 Why podcasts and social media alone can't replace comprehensive childbirth education

    👁️ The importance of visual learning for understanding birth mechanics and positioning

    🏠 How proper education creates a strong foundation vs. fragmented information

    ✨ Why childbirth education matters for ALL types of births (medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, VBAC)

    💪 The difference between being informed and being truly prepared for birth

    Scripture Shared:

    "A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge, its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." – Proverbs 24:3-4

    Mentioned in this episode:

    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more

    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call

    ✝️ Online Christian Childbirth Education - Explore my complete birth preparation self-paced course

    📞 Free 15-Minute Discovery Call: Schedule your no-obligation consultation with me today! I would LOVE to connect with you.

    🎧 Episode 26: Learn more about virtual birth support with me

    🎴 NEW Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: You can now purchase them here

    If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

    Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one decision at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

    Support the show

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    18 mins
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