Redeeming Childbirth

February 19, 2013 38 Comments

It’s about your intentions, your motives, your heart
attitudes and your relationships. In this very special season in a woman’s
life when she is with child and preparing for motherhood, there are many
opportunities for growth—in relationships as well as spiritually.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Where your heart is, there your
treasure will be“? In childbirth your atttitudes, convictions, and beliefs will
be tested.”

We have ten beautiful children here on this earth, and seven at home with the Lord. If I were to ask any one of you that have a child if you remember the birth or moment of receiving your children – there would be no delay in your response.

“I remember every….single…. birth …as if it were yesterday.”

Most moms will say the same thing - But, the tone, memory or story you might hear could be not so positive or joyful.

We all walk different paths in bearing children, pregnancy and delivery, and it is not always an easy path or as smooth as we would like it to be. This book helps us to focus on redeeming those moments and bringing our focus back to God.

This book will leave you with a new, refreshing message that is rarely heard today. I am inspired!

I met the author of Redeeming Childbirth – Angie Tolpin, last October. It was a providential meeting, and a friendship forged from the beginning. As we talked and shared our stories, her message -her book – overflowed from her life, and I knew a true testament of living was right before my eyes – and was being transformed into a book.

The birth of Redeeming Childbirth has been an amazing testament to the need for this message in today’s society and the lives of women. This book share HOPE in so many areas of a woman’s life.

Here is a glimpse:

Pregnancy is the time God has gifted us with to prepare us for birth
and motherhood. Our labor of love begins in pregnancy; through the
intensity of childbirth we can become better prepared for a lifetime of
laboring in love for our children.

It is the beginning of a journey for a woman growing into motherhood. Redeeming Childbirth is the outcry for Christian women to stand up and purposefully choose to give God Redeeming Childbirth their pregnancies and birth experiences in whatever form they see it as.

Invite Him to be involved; embrace the beautiful design of womanhood
God has created and believe He is enough and has designed your body
to bring forth life.

I have been reading this book, and cannot put it down! Here are a few of my favorite chapter titles:

Preparing Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Body for Birth
Lies and the Fears that Bind Us
Deliverance from Fears
Deceitful Propaganda
Fruitful Surrender
What about an Emergency?
Experiencing His Presence
Pushing while Praying
Crowning Him in Worship
Ultra-Sound of Worship
Birth Can Bless Your Marriage

… and that is only HALF of the chapters included!!!

This beautiful book is full of wisdom, doctrine, truth, birth stories, testimonies, and so many practical steps and encouragements for women! In my opinion, it is THE best book written on this topic for women, and I would share it with any women – expecting or not.

What a beautiful book, written with such vision and virtue - You will want to share with other moms like yourself!

I would love to give a copy of Redeeming Childbirth this week. Be sure to enter below, and spread the word!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Motherhood, Uncategorized Tagged With: Pregnancy and Birth

Jennifer Lavallee

I’m a mom of 7 and I do have a positive birth story. All 7 deliveries were different but I believe it’s how you look at each one. We have a choice to see the “good” in everything. There is nothing like the power of giving birth. It’s one of God’s miracles.
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Amen Jennifer! Thank you for your comment. I sense a like-minded view here. That is one of the messages today’s church needs to hear and spread to the younger women. God Bless
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001885339633 Valerie Godin

After 5 birth that includes 2 preemies, an emergency c-section, unwanted interventions and the use of forceps I unfortunately can’t say that I have a positive birth story.
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Valerie, I am so sorry your experiences have been so traumatic, but what a blessing you have 5 gifts from God! You obviously have a strong conviction that children are a gift to have five. I truly believe that regardless of our birth experiences, we need to have a biblical view of pregnancy and childbirth so we can pass down a legacy of trust in God’s design and not fear to our daughters and sons… If you do not win this book here, would you contact me? I would like to make sure you read it for your children and those you will no doubt mentor. angie@redeemingchildbirth.com
Kelly

All three of my babes births have been positive. I’m so thankful!
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  I’m so thankful to hear you’ve had 3 good experiences. What would say was “positive” about them?
http://twitter.com/stephmommybrain Stephanie Kay

After 4 c-sections I wouldn’t say my births were positive experiences. It’s hard to be positive when you have no feeling and are so numbed by drugs afterward that you are afraid to hold your baby. I’m currently pregnant and hoping that this birth is different. A more accommodating doctor and a different hospital are a good place to start.
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Oh Stephanie, I want to pray for you. Lord, I pray that Stephanie would be built up and encouraged in you during this time. That she would not live in fear, but in a deep confidence in you. Go before her and guide her steps as she plans her birth, but help her to surrender her plan to your will for her life. Amen
  Stephanie, I would encourage you to take advantage of the free content on the Redeeming Childbirth website. There is a bunch of FREE downloads and even a 2.5 hr playlist of worship music called the “Ultra-Sound of Worship.” If you do win the book, make sure you go download the FREE Growth & Study Guide out of the Reader-only download section. The code is at the end of the Letter From the Author. God Bless Sister.
  - http://twitter.com/stephmommybrain Stephanie Kay
    
    Thanks, Angie!
Susan

My first two babies were born via c-section, and I was disappointed in that. But a very kind and supportive doctor encouraged me to try a VBAC with my third baby. One of the midwives she worked with spent the day with me in labor, and encouraged me every time I wanted to give up. My doctor came in on her day off when it was time to deliver. In fact, I’d given up again, and begged for a section. Before she came in, her phone orders were to by no means prep me for surgery. She came in, helped me through the following hours of labor, and the delivery. Because she believed in me/my body’s ability to birth vaginally, I’ve been able to have two subsequent VBAC deliveries, including the child who made her entrance after only 45 mins. of good labor!
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Wow Susan! What a story! I am so glad you got to experience a VBAC. It sounds like quite a refining experience. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=161400305 Stephanie Hanes

After two traumatic birth experiences, I struggled with PPD and post traumatic stress that led to horrible anxiety and I honestly thought my child bearing days were over. When I found out we were expecting #3, though I had been given victory over PPD, I still struggled with anxiety about what could or would happen this time around and the memories of my first two experiences haunted me throughout my pregnancy. It was a constant trust walk with God, remembering that He knew my tomorrows and already had this little one’s story written. His birth was more wonderful and perfect than I could have imagined in so many ways and was so very healing. I’m excited that there is a book like this and would love to read it.
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Stephanie- you do have quite the testimony friend. What would you say turned your experience with the last birth around so drastically? If you would like to share you birth testimony on Redeeming Childbirth’s blog we are looking fir more God Glorifying testimonies. You can contact me at angie@redeemingchildbirth.com
Lisa Jacobson

This is the best book I’ve read on the subject! I’ve had a wide range of childbirth experiences – from natural to emergency C-section – but the Lord was doing something special through each one. Thanks for sharing, September!
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Lisa, Thank you for taking the time to read RC! I am truly honored! I noticed yesterday in a comment thread that you are from Redmond, Or? We are from Damascus… if you still live there, we should attempt to get together sometime in person. Either when you come north or when we drive down south for another RV trip {we go through Redmond at least once a year}. God Bless
Michelle G

My first two babies were c-sections, baby #3 was a home delivery (super fast labor – daddy delivered him), #4 was at home with a midwife, #5 was a water birth, #6 was a waterbirth in the privacy of our back yard and well – now we are blessed to be awaiting #7 due 7/4/13. This looks like a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing!
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  God Bless you Michelle. We have six children and I am always in awe of how different each birth can be. Just as God has a unique plan for each of our children, He also has a unique plan for our birth experiences… May you discover knew attributes about God through this journey. What a precious gift to be chosen as the earthly mother of another one of God’s children~ I count you blessed!
http://twitter.com/RedeemingBirth Redeeming Childbirth

Thank you September, for such a thoughtful review and for your friendship. You know my heart and why I wrote RC. Thank you for honoring that. I hope I can connect with your friends here and encourage them today. God Bless
Lisa K.

I had a doula with my second birth, and though both of my son’s labors were induced (one to preeclampsia and one due to “protocol” that all type 1 diabetic moms delivery by 38 weeks) the memories with the second were a lot different. Went on to become a doula myself, and am now in midwifery school. Striving to help moms have positive memories and healthy babies:)
- http://twitter.com/Angietolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Lisa, I can tell you have a special story… good for you sister. You are doing such an important service to women. Thank You! I would love to connect more with you. Here is my email: angie@redeemingchildbirth.com
  One reason I wrote RC was so women like you would have a tool to minister to your clients hearts.
  Love
Sara B.

This book looks so good, even though I don’t yet have a birth experience to reflect on. But I’m less that four weeks out from my due date, and eagerly anticipating meeting our little one! We are planning a homebirth, Lord willing, and have wonderful midwives, but I want to remain flexible to whatever happens.
- http://twitter.com/Angietolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Sarah, this is the book for you my dear! I do hope you win!make sure you stop by and say hi at http://redeemingchildbirth.com and access the free 2.5 hour playlist of worship music available for labor and delivery. It is titled “The Ultra-Sound of Worship” + there are a bunch other free resources there too honey.
Sharon T.

I have never been a Mom by childbirth, but I have the most beautiful adopted daughter, and she allowed me to see the miracle of childbirth when my 3rd granddaughter was born last March by being in the room with her when she was born. That is a precious moment I will treasure always
If I win this book – I will pass it on to her!
- http://twitter.com/Angietolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Sharon- what a blessing! Our last testimonial on the blog was about an adoption story! I am so glad you stopped by and have the vision to mentor your daughter in strengthening her view of childbirth biblically. God Bless
Sara G.

I have not read the book, but these comments make me sad. I have two beautiful children, two and a half and eight months old. Both were born by scheduled c-section; the first as a precautionary measure(and I was glad we did; the cord was so knotted around his neck that we probably would have wound up in an emergency c-section, and he struggled to breathe as it was for the first several minutes), the second because I refused the VBAC the doctor was pushing me towards and requested a second c-section(again, glad I did. I actually went into labor several hours before I was scheduled for the c-section, and so was at the hospital already when I had a partial uterine rupture and so was able to be rushed right in, instead of being an hour away at home when it happened. This most likely saved the life of my daughter). I could never say that I was disappointed or saddened or that my deliveries were anything less than exactly what I was looking for–my c-sections gave me my babies in my arms, and to be honest, I did not care HOW they got there, just that they did. The doctor has recently given us the green light to start considering another child, and if I do conceive, that baby will be delivered early by c-section in order to avoid another uterine rupture. And I cannot fathom being disappointed or saddened by that at all, or consider the experience of holding my brand new baby in my arms–regardless of how he or she got there–anything less than a positive experience.
- http://twitter.com/Angietolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Sara, I am sorry the comments discourage you. I actually agree with you that having a healthy baby is the most important goal… above all “techniques.” Redeeming Childbirth is NOT about having a baby a certain way or using a particular technique or even just about a vaginal birth… it is about preparing your heart for motherhood during pregnancy and seeking God so you are prepared whatever the circumstances or outcome of your experience. My heart is that women would grow in a biblical understanding of what scripture says about childbirth because there is a lot on the topic. And further more that we would begin to talk about and encourage one another in the Lord, leaving a legacy of not sharing trauma stories that only discourage but having a perspective on those experiences that actually glorify our Father. I think there is MUCH value in sharing the stories of hardship… as long as they are done from a place of healing and a heart that seeks to Glorify the Father. Women in the church allow this topic to bring sooooo much division… which I believe grieves the Father’s Heart. Redeeming Childbirth is attempting to bring wholeness and to create a movement among women to create unity and choose love vs. judgmentalism. Sara, I am sorry you have felt hurt and pressure in your life in making the choices you had to make… they are never easy decisions. I pray you would be able to rejoice in the good things the Lord is teaching your sisters in Christ through this journey as they DO experience Him in a new way through birth. We all have different experiences… and we all need to be able to revell in the unique and different things God does in each of our life stories… That unity is what shines bright to the World and it is worth standing up for! God Bless Sister. I pray you will hear my heart here and know their is NO judgement at all. If you would like to email me feel free to angie@redeemingchildbirth.com.
Brittney

my first was a hospital transfer. second, amazing homebirth!
Jennifer

I am not a mom yet but i will be on/ around July 22. This is my first baby and I am so happy that God has given him to me. My husband and I are naming him Liam Avery. When I was 15, I was told by 5 different doctors that I would never get pregnant. When I was 18 I developed a thyroid condition and was told that i would need to take fertility drugs in order for me to conceive. Starting last September, I began to beg God throughout the day to give us a child. In the back of my mind I kept pushing back the fact I had been told it would not happen because I knew that my God and Father was bigger than any doctor and any test result. I began to think that I may be pregnant when my body felt different, but after 5 home tests, they all came back negative. I continued to have faith that if God felt we were ready to be parents and that it was on His time, He would give us a baby. One night my husband and I were in Walmart walking past the pregnancy tests, and my husband looked at me and said, “why don’t we get another test and you take it tomorrow just for old times sake.” I said okay but I really believed it would be negative again. At 5am the next morning on November 30, I got a positive test result. This happened without the help of fertility drugs or doctors and it also happened one week after we stopped birth control. We thank God every day for the gift that He has given us.
- http://www.facebook.com/AngieTolpin Angie Tolpin
  
  Beautiful Story Jennifer. Thank you for sharing
Tawny

I have had 3 beautiful birth experiences, and 4 miscarriages, and am currently 15 weeks pregnant. We were so incredibly blessed to have 3 natural births in the same hospital. Each one was unique: one with nearly dry birth, the 2nd was to a 10 pounder with a HUGE head, and the last was immediately placed on top of me (even before being cleaned off!); but each one was surrounded by the grace of God, walking us through the fears and pain.
Meg

Both of my daughters were born at home. The first birth I struggled a lot with fear. The second I tried to be more intentional in surrendering to God. When I finally did, my little girl was in my arms just a couple hours later. It happened so fast the midwives missed the birth. It was just me and my husband and the Lord
http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com/ Miranda @ A ThankFULL Heart

i’ve had one birth. my daughter was born healthy. i am so happy with the outcome, even if some of the little details didn’t go according to my plans i’m so happy my daughter was born healthy.
Rosanna R

I have 3 beautiful children born within 3 years – and I love reliving all three of their births! Painful, yes, but the lovely memory of the brand newborn baby is the memory the way overpowers the pain of birth. So much beauty in that blessing from The Lord!
MaryBeth

My first was an unneccessarian which led me to seek a VBAC for my second. After a very difficult labor over 67 hours, I accomplished it! From being the last to hold my baby (first) to the first to touch my second baby (I pulled him up to my chest myself), I definitely was changed the moment I heard “You did it!” from my OB/doula/and nurse. This journey led me down a path that has become my ministry – I’m a childbirth doula and Lamaze certified childbirth educator. I am now expecting number 3 in 6 weeks, and I’m asking everyone for prayers! Through a series of difficult to explain circumstances, I have just been denied any assistance (if I should want any) by the anesthesia team at my hospital because I am “too high risk”. My Christian OB is behind me and is going to push hard… I am the first official VBAC (although I’ve already accomplished one elsewhere) at this hospital. My birth could be an open door for many more to come. I have to say the epidural, although unwanted, was what saved me from another c-section on day 3, having had no rest for those days and stuck at 5cm… I went to fully and pushing in less than 2 hours following the epidural. I want very much to do this without it this time, but I need your prayers!!! Never experienced labor without pit… history of long labors, thyroid disease, and other issues. Just asking for your prayers and for God’s presence to be very real in this birth and that He will use my birth to change the birth culture where i live!!!!!!
Jen Mc

Yes, I have 6 positive stories 2 went a bit different then I had planned or anticipated but they are all good!
Alexandra B.

As a young woman training to be a midwife, positive stories like this especially written with a biblical perspective are so encouraging and great to store away for future clients! Thanks!
Amanda

I have a very positive birth story with my son. My husband and I had prayed for an uncomplicated birth, and we were blessed to have our son come after a couple days of labor. The nursing staff was so wonderful to have helping us! I know many of my friends had difficult labor and childbirth, but I am thankful that at the end of it, we can still look to Jesus and be thankful for his good gifts to us.
Monica

oh, I’ve had 3 positive birth experiences, and would love to have more!