well today marks 3 days past our baby’s due date (not a huge deal right?!)…many friends have reached out and offered encouragement because they know how tough this waiting game can be (thank you sweet friends!) 
. but i sit here wishing i could articulate well, what God has been stirring in my heart. particularly these last few days, his grace in this time has been overwhelming. i don’t feel discouraged, if anything i feel compelled to praise him because of the sweet time he’s given me. i’ve taken the time to press into him reflecting on his goodness and what he’s calling me to. he’s called me to this natural birth outside of the hospital for his glory, and my redemption. my redemption from fear and anxiety. he’s asked me to trust him, to trust his will for my life, and our baby’s life. he’s asked me to trust his strength and not my own. i would be big fibber if i said there weren’t moments when i get a little nervous about the pain. it’s a whole ‘nother story when you’re the one that’s about to enter the pain! . but for some reason i feel like this will be a different kind of pain. i know that he can take the pain and give me the grace to focus on him and his goodness. i’m so excited to see him work through my labor. my prayer is that he would be worshiped throughout, that my mind and heart would praise him. i know this isn’t a courage i can conjure up for myself. i know he’s given me the grace to trust in him, because he’s called me to this. just knowing that makes me feel so humbled…
i hesitated to write this out because what if? what if things don’t go as planned and I end up delivering in the hospital for whatever reason? well my answer is that i’m not in control, i can trust in him, he is trustworthy. not because he has to answer to my plan, but because all he desires in me is obedience. what he does from here…is up to him. thank you Jesus for your peace.
and please let me add that this calling has been so very specific to me. i love pain medicine, and i love hospitals .
Isaiah 40:28-29
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Heather I am so happy for you to be doing a home natural birth. I would have loved to have a home birth and even a natural birth (no meds) in the hospital which was my plan. Things went the complete opposite way of my birth plan once they put me in the hospital which was very discouraging but once you meet that precious blessing, it’s all put behind you. I hope and pray that your natural labor goes as you have planned and that you have the best experience you could imagine.
Best wishes to you and Jim on this joyous occasion.
AMEN. love you sweet friend. Is 40 was our “battle cry” through much of our preparation and labor. Also, phil 4, rom 8 and heb 12:1-3. fixing my eyes on Jesus with you in these days…
It’s hard to be patient in a culture of right-now but the experience of the natural labor is well worth it. Of course, the baby will ALWAYS be worth anything BUT your labor & delivery is just as important. Its SO amazing (that I really don’t have the words) and God is so incredibly woven within this journey.
Try to release the what ifs….sure, there are what ifs our entire lives. Labor is no different but it feels so since we are bombarded with the images of drama & extreme circumstances as if it was the norm. Its not the norm! But YOU are so you get the privilege of a natural, normal healthy birth!!!!
How about letting your body do the work and enjoy the ride??? Every contraction will bring you closer to your baby! Make them all count!!! Honestly, its not true “pain”…. Its more like working out or running a marathon or lifting weights!!! You just breathe or moan and rock to whatever your rhythm is. Your support team of experts know exactly how to make you comfortable too!!!! Whatever twists and turns you take on your path, they will be there! Of course, YOU can do this! And HE is with you. And its AWESOME. Praise the Lord!
Meredith
(friend of Audrey/linked your post)
2 natural births – first hospital & second @ birth center
I cannot wait to read your birth story!!!!!
Girly girl, you will be great! Rock it and show that pain who’s boss; Him not you
I will be there to capture your strength, courage, love, and a truly miraculous moment.
Love you!
[...] can read HERE about why i chose to deliver at the birth center without pain [...]