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In this bonus episode, I'm stepping away from our regular programming to celebrate something that has me completely in awe — one full year of the Faith Over Fear podcast. I didn't want to let this milestone pass without pausing to acknowledge what God has done, say a genuine thank you to this community, and share something special to mark the occasion.

I started this podcast with nothing but obedience and a whole lot of trust that the Lord would fill in the gaps. What He has done since that first episode — the mamas He has reached, the messages I never expected to receive — is more than I could have imagined. This anniversary is not a celebration of me. It is a celebration of His faithfulness.

Whether you've been here since episode one or just found this podcast recently — this episode is my thank you to you.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ One-Year Anniversary Giveaway — Enter to win a free deck of Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: ENTER HERE!

💛 Shop the Christian Birth Affirmation Cards — for yourself, as a baby shower gift, or for the birth worker in your life: SHOP HERE!

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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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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

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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!

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In this episode, I welcome Lindsay Carter who shares her powerful first birth story—one that took unexpected turns and ultimately deepened her faith in ways she never imagined. From meticulous planning for an unmedicated birth to facing an infection, needing an epidural, and those heart-stopping moments when baby Kate wasn't breathing, Lindsay's journey beautifully illustrates what it means to surrender control to God.

Lindsay came to this pregnancy armed with research, determination, and a deep desire to honor God through an unmedicated birth. But after 41.5 weeks, a slow water leak, chorioamnionitis, and contractions that came in powerful waves, she found herself surrendering her carefully laid plans. What followed was a birth experience that, while different from her vision, became a profound lesson in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Whether you're a first-time mom wrestling with birth anxiety, someone whose birth didn't go according to plan, or you simply need encouragement that God is present even in the scariest moments—Lindsay's testimony will strengthen your faith and remind you that His plans are always good.

In this episode, Lindsay shares:

🙏 How tracking temperatures and preparing extensively couldn't prepare her heart for surrender

💧 Navigating a slow water leak, infection, and the decision to get an epidural

👶 The terrifying moments when Kate wasn't responsive and how prayer carried them through

✝️ How this experience transformed her postpartum journey and deepened her gratitude

🤱 Real talk about breastfeeding struggles and the importance of support

Scripture Shared:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" – Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

Mentioned in this episode:

📖 Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - A powerful book to help prepare mentally

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

✝️ 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 birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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Send a text

In this episode, I'm sharing something that might sound contradictory at first—but it's become one of the most freeing truths I've learned: it takes work to rest. Using John Mark Comer's simple Sabbath framework from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I'm walking you through how to prepare for biblical rest in the midst of pregnancy, motherhood, and postpartum—even when it feels impossible.

This conversation has been stirring in my heart for months as I've navigated my own pregnancy with two littles at home. Sabbath used to feel out of reach—like something only people without constantly needy littles could experience. But what I've discovered is that God designed Sabbath not as perfection, but as preparation. Just like Adam and Eve rested before they ever worked, we're invited to receive from Him first so we can pour out from a full cup, not an empty one.

Whether you're in the thick of pregnancy exhaustion, preparing for postpartum, or just trying to figure out what rest even looks like with little ones underfoot—this episode is full of encouragement, practical wisdom, and a gentle invitation to stop striving and start receiving.

In this episode, I share:

🕊️ The two simple questions that help you determine what belongs in your Sabbath (and what doesn't)

📝 How to create a personalized Sabbath list that actually fits your season of life

👶 Why Sabbath with little kids looks completely different—and why that's okay

🛁 My own Sabbath rhythms right now (including Epsom salt baths, worship music, and family picnics in the backyard)

🤰 How to prepare for postpartum rest—and the mistakes I made with Daniel that I'm determined not to repeat

✝️ What Scripture teaches about the postpartum period as a God-designed seasonal Sabbath

💛 Why postpartum rest isn't pampering—it's stewardship

Scripture Shared:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

Mentioned in this episode:

📕 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

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

✝️ 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—and rest over striving—one intentional Sabbath at a time.

Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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In this episode, I'm chatting with Kayla, a mama of two under two, who shares how God used her two unplanned cesareans to deepen her trust in Him as a good Father—transforming what could have been crushing disappointment into a powerful testimony of His faithfulness.

Kayla's story is proof that when we trust ourselves less and trust the Lord more, He can work through any circumstance for His glory. After planning for a home birth with her first baby and ending up with 36+ hours of unmedicated labor followed by a cesarean, she found herself wrestling with grief, embarrassment, and anger. But God met her in that dark place and began teaching her what it really means to surrender control.

Whether you're processing an unexpected cesarean, preparing for a VBAC attempt, or simply need encouragement that God is sovereign over your birth story—even when it doesn't go according to plan—this episode will minister deeply to your heart.

In this episode, Kayla shares:

🌸 How she prepared meticulously for a home birth, only to transfer to the hospital at 41 weeks

✝️ Why she chose Scripture over hypnobirthing to prepare her heart for labor

👶 The emotional journey of grieving her "ideal" birth while celebrating a healthy baby

🙏 How her prayer shifted from "give me a VBAC" to "Lord, I want You to be glorified"

💪 What it was like attempting a VBAC after two car accidents and debilitating SI joint pain

✨ The profound spiritual growth that came through two births that "failed" by worldly standards

Scripture Shared:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." – Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

Mentioned in this episode:

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

✝️ 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 birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

Support the show

Send a text

In this episode I'm sharing my go-to natural remedies for healing from colds and flu during pregnancy and breastfeeding—practical solutions that have helped me and countless clients navigate sickness without relying on medication.

This cold and flu season has been particularly challenging for so many mamas in my community. When you're already pouring everything into growing or nursing a baby, getting sick can feel overwhelming—especially when you're unsure what's safe to take. After my own battle with a severe respiratory infection during my pregnancy with Daniel, I learned firsthand how important it is to have gentle, effective remedies ready.

Whether you're currently fighting a cold, want to be prepared for flu season, or simply prefer natural healing methods that honor how God designed our bodies—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for your recovery journey.

In this episode, I share:

💧 My hydration strategy that goes beyond "just drink water" (including my favorite electrolyte recommendation)

😴 How to actually rest when you have little ones to care for (guilt-free!)

🫖 The golden milk latte recipe my daughter now requests when she's sick

🌿 Grandma's remedies that are backed by science for sore throat relief

🙏 When to trust your mama instincts and call your provider

Scripture Shared:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." – Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 LMNT Electrolytes – My favorite natural electrolyte powder

🍲 Bare Bones Bone Broth – Individual packets perfect for quick healing

📸 Golden Milk Latte Recipe – Find the recipe on my Instagram @faithoverfearbirthdoula

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

✝️ 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 pregnant or nursing friend who needs these remedies.

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