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In writing this blog, I speak from wisdom and past experience. Our youngest Evelynne was a planned homebirth. Planning a homebirth can be intimidating and fearsome, BUT it doesn’t have to be. Knowledge is power. Evelynne’s birth was the most incredible life experience I’ve ever had. Our oldest children, Elizabeth and Easton were both born in the hospital. Both labors were inductions and I had epidurals with each of them. So, the idea of homebirth was very intimidating, knowing I’d feel everything and be aware of it all made me nervous. However, I knew without a doubt it’s what I wanted.
Many people have beautiful hospital births but there are also those who carry trauma from their birth. I carried trauma, so I knew with Evelynne’s birth I wanted to experience something different and healing.
Evelynne’s Homebirth Story
Planning and Preparing for a Homebirth with God at the Center
The journey of welcoming a new life into the world is filled with anticipation, excitement, and often, a sense of vulnerability. For many expectant parents, choosing a homebirth is an empowering and personal decision. It’s about creating a peaceful, familiar environment for labor, free from the clinical atmosphere of a hospital. Yet, when planning for a homebirth, it’s important to consider not only the logistics but also the spiritual side of the process. Many parents know that inviting God into their homebirth experience can provide peace, strength, and guidance.
Here’s a look at how you can plan and prepare for a homebirth while keeping God at the center of it all:
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
The first step in preparing for a homebirth is prayer. Seeking God’s guidance in this significant decision is vital. Ask for wisdom as you choose the best care providers, create your birth plan, and prepare your home for the arrival of your baby. The Bible reminds us in James 1:5 that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.” Trusting in God’s direction and timing will give you peace of mind throughout your preparation.
Take time with your partner to pray together, both for a healthy birth and for strength and peace during the experience. This practice not only helps you feel more connected spiritually but also strengthens your relationship as you move forward into this new chapter of your life.
Choose Your Care Providers with Care
Choosing the right midwife or doula is crucial for a successful and safe homebirth. Many people rely on midwives who are trained to provide comprehensive care for expectant mothers outside of a hospital setting. As you search for a midwife or care team, take time to pray for guidance, looking for someone who shares your values, understands your birth plan, and is aligned with your desire for a peaceful, natural birth.
> Be aware of how naturally minded you want your birth to be. There are midwives who tend to be more medical in their policies and procedures. I like to call them “medwives”. Then there are midwives who are more natural minded but have the medical side IF needed.
It’s important to also discuss your faith beliefs with your midwife or doula, as this helps establish a support system that honors both your physical and spiritual needs. Ask if they are comfortable with the faith aspect of your birth, such as prayer or the presence of spiritual things. This ensures that everyone involved in your homebirth is on the same page, creating a harmonious environment. From personal experience, I’ve found that it is really important to have a birth team that believes in the same manner that you do. Having your midwife or doula lay hands on you to lift you up in prayer is so encouraging and empowering.
Create a Peaceful and Sacred Space
Your home should be a place of comfort, and when preparing for a homebirth, you can transform it into a sanctuary where you feel safe and supported. As you prepare your birthing space, invite God into your home through prayer, worship, and quiet moments of reflection.
Set up a cozy and calming space: Think about what makes you feel calm and relaxed during labor. Soft lighting, calming music, and scented candles (such as lavender or chamomile) can help create a serene environment. Consider incorporating scripture or inspirational quotes in your space. Verses like Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of peace that surpasses understanding, or Psalm 23, which reassures you of God’s comfort, can be placed on walls or in areas where you’ll have easy access to them.
Have spiritual items nearby: You might want to keep your Bible, a prayer journal, or religious symbols like crosses or anointing oils nearby. You could even ask family and friends to pray for you before the birth, creating a community of prayer warriors who will hold you in their thoughts and prayers.
Prepare Spiritually and Emotionally
In addition to the physical preparations, it’s essential to prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for the birth. Birth is a natural process, but it can also be unpredictable and intense. The emotional journey of a homebirth requires strength and trust in God.
Take time to meditate on scriptures that bring you comfort, like Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” These words can help you focus on the presence of God throughout your labor.
Some women find it helpful to have a specific birth verse or mantra that they can repeat during contractions, allowing them to center themselves and keep their faith strong. Knowing that God is with you every step of the way helps release anxiety and brings peace in the unknowns of the birthing process.
Involve Your Support System
Whether it’s your partner, family, or close friends, involving your support system is an integral part of homebirth planning. God created us to live in community, and having a strong, loving, and supportive group around you can make all the difference in your experience. Ask for prayers from your loved ones leading up to the birth and during labor.
You may also want to designate a prayer team that can pray during your labor, whether physically with you or remotely, supporting you from home or another place. This can include asking your church community or close friends to pray specifically for your safety and for God’s presence throughout the process.
Trust in God’s Plan
Ultimately, a homebirth is a choice to trust God with the process of bringing new life into the world. Birth is a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery of God’s creation. Though you can plan and prepare, remember that the outcome of any birth may not go exactly as expected. In moments of uncertainty, remind yourself that God’s plan is perfect, and He is with you, regardless of how your homebirth unfolds. Trust in His ability to carry you through each moment, no matter the challenges or surprises.
Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Embrace each moment of the birth with an open heart, trusting that God will guide you and bring you through this miraculous event.
Postpartum Support and Gratitude
After your baby arrives, take time to reflect and express gratitude for the experience. Having a homebirth is a significant spiritual and emotional journey, and it is important to continue nurturing your mind, body, and spirit as you enter the postpartum phase.
Take time for prayer and thanksgiving for the safe arrival of your baby. You may also want to reach out to your support system for prayer and assistance as you rest and recover. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Gather Your Birth Essentials
Gathering home birth supplies is an important step in preparing for a smooth and safe delivery in the comfort of your own home. Essential items include clean towels, a birthing pool (if planning a water birth), and waterproof sheets to protect your furniture. You’ll also need sanitary pads, sterile gloves, and a birth kit that may contain items like a bulb syringe, umbilical cord clamps, and antiseptic wipes. It’s also wise to have comfortable clothing, snacks, and drinks for yourself and your support team, as well as lighting that creates a calming atmosphere. Don’t forget to prepare a birth space that is clean, organized, and ready for labor, with extra pillows and blankets for comfort. Some families choose to include personal items, such as music, essential oils, or candles, to help set a peaceful mood. By carefully gathering these supplies in advance, you can ensure that your homebirth environment is well-prepared, allowing you to focus on the birth itself with confidence and peace of mind.
Most midwives will provide a birth supply check list or online website link to order from. Below is a printable check list that I used for my home births.
Research & Understand Birth
Researching and understanding birth and medical terms is an essential part of preparing for childbirth. Knowledge of key terms and medical practices allows expectant parents to make informed decisions about their care and feel more confident in the process. Understanding the meaning of terms like “episiotomy,” “dilation,” “perineum,” and “oxytocin” can help demystify medical procedures and interventions that may be part of the birth experience. It’s also important to understand common medications, such as pain relief options like epidurals or Pitocin, and knowing when they may be used. Understanding the positives and the risks ensures that parents can advocate for their preferences and ask important questions during prenatal visits.
Additionally, educating oneself about different birth scenarios and potential complications, as well as alternative options like natural remedies or midwifery care, empowers parents to approach childbirth with a clearer understanding, reducing fear and fostering a sense of control in what is often an unpredictable experience.
I highly recommend watching documentaries, reading books, listening to birth podcasts, watching birth videos and above all taking each topic to God to pray over.
Affiliate Links to Help Expand Your Knowledge about Birth & Get Supplies
Planning a homebirth is a profound way to embrace the natural beauty of childbirth. By keeping God at the center of your preparation, you invite His presence into your experience and create a peaceful environment in which you can trust Him completely. Whether through prayer, scripture, worship or spiritual rituals, you can strengthen your faith as you prepare to welcome your child into the world. May your homebirth be a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness, love, and the gift of new life.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out via comment or email.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…”
– Jeremiah 1:5
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