Faithful Labor | Natural Birth, Pregnancy, Holistic, VBAC, Unmedicated

17. Suffering In Birth & Motherhood is NEVER Wasted: A Journey of Healing & Hope with Olivia Wilcox

📌 Episode Summary: Y'all you are IN for a treat with today's interview. I'm telling ya, you do not want to miss the encouragement & wisdom laced throughout this episode! Today you'll hear as my sweet friend Olivia (from @thenotsoangrymom [https://www.instagram.com/thenotsoangrymom/]over on Instagram) shares her powerful journey through motherhood—from navigating very different birth experiences, walking through postpartum struggles & experiencing God's redeeming work in healing her burn-out induced mom anger. While none of her four births were unmedicated, her story is deeply rooted in God's faithfulness and the way He brings beauty from ashes. This episode is a must-listen for any mom who finds herself in the trenches, wrestling with unmet expectations, anger, or the weight of motherhood. Olivia’s honest reflections and hope-filled encouragement will remind you that God redeems, restores, and walks with us every step of the way. 💡 What You'll Hear Discussed * Motherhood can be busy but doesn’t have to feel unbearable * How age gaps between children can be a beautiful blessing * Why birth plans are helpful—but flexibility is essential * How suffering can lead to healing and spiritual growth * The power of lament and speaking the hard things * The importance of surrounding yourself with a Christ-centered community * What it looks like to surrender anger, disappointment, and struggle to God * How God can transform “a nightmare” into something beyond a dream beautiful  📖 Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 126:5-6 – "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." 🔊 Sound Bites: * "It's not hard, it's busy." * "Suffering is never wasted." * "Speak the ugly." ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Background 05:00 – Motherhood and Family Dynamics 10:13 – Birth Experiences: The Journey Begins 14:51 – Navigating Birth Challenges and Expectations 20:08 – Mental Health and Motherhood 25:07 – Finding Support and Healing 28:09 – The Beauty of Ministry Born from Pain 31:45 – Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Faith 38:37 – Lessons from Birth Experiences 44:00 – Hope and Community in Motherhood 📚 Resources & Links: * Join the Natural Birth Prep for the Kinda Crunchy Christian Mom [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FSzDi9swj/] on Facebook * Subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter] -- NO SPAM. Promise.  * Follow on Instagram: @faithful.labor [https://www.instagram.com/faithful.labor] * Follow Olivia (NO SERIOUSLY DO IT!) on Instagram: @thenotsoangrymom [https://www.instagram.com/thenotsoangrymom/] May the peace of Christ dwell in you richly this week, sisters!  Keep seeking, following & surrendering to the Lord in ALL that lies ahead of you! And continue laboring faithfully with the One who is forever faithful!    Blessings,  Audrey

16. A Dad's Perspective Featuring My Husband: Transitioning From A Passive Bystander to An Active Birth Partner

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Hunter, to talk about his journey from being a passive observer to an active, faith-filled support partner in our birth experiences. Together, we share how his understanding of natural birth has evolved over the years, the ways he grew through education and experience, and why it’s so important for fathers to step into their God-given role in the birth space. From our early hospital births to our redemptive home births, Hunter opens up about how he came to trust God's design for birth, how doulas and preparation changed his confidence, and what it really means for a husband to support his wife in labor—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Whether you're a dad wondering where you fit into this process or a mama hoping your husband will be more engaged, this conversation is full of encouragement, real talk, and Christ-centered wisdom. What You’ll Learn: * How Hunter’s role shifted between our first births and our later home births. * Why education is powerful for dads, too. * How husbands can be true team players in the labor room. * Why doulas don’t replace husbands—but can help empower them. * What it looks like to trust God through birth decisions together. * The importance of not making birth choices out of fear. Free Resource: ✨ Download my Scripture-Based Birth Cards [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/faithful] to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during pregnancy and labor. Enjoy today’s episode? The best way to bless this podcast is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read every single one!), and by sharing this episode with a fellow mom—or dad—who needs some Christ-centered encouragement for their birth journey. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!   Join The Community! Natural Birth Prep for the Kinda Crunchy Christian Moms! [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B2FCbSo3u/] Join My Bi-Weekly Newsletter Here! [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter]   Want to connect with me directly? 📧 Email: @faithful.labor [https://www.instagram.com/faithfullabor] Blessings, Audrey

15. The Top 3 Nuggets I Share About MOST Often With Natural Birth - Curious Moms

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the top three things that seem to come up all the time when I chat with curious moms about natural birth. Whether you’re just starting to consider a natural birth or you’re already on board and looking for encouragement, I hope you enjoy these little must-know tidbits that I just can’t help but talk about! I'll cover: * Why your body is designed for birth—and how understanding that truth can change everything. * The importance of preparation—why birth is a marathon, not a sprint, and how training for it makes all the difference. * How stress impacts labor—and I'll give an example to help emphasize the importance of creating a peaceful, faith-filled environment for your birth. I’ll share what these truths have meant to me, how they’ve transformed my own birth experiences, and how you can confidently embrace God’s design for your body. Pray you leave encouraged, empowered, and ready to lean into God’s faithfulness as you prepare for the beautiful work of birth. Mentions: * Free Resource: Scripture-Based Birth Cards to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during pregnancy and labor. * Newsletter Sign-Up: https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/faithful [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/faithful] Enjoy today’s episode? The best way to let me know is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one & they seriously mean the world to me!) & by sharing this episode with a friend who could use some encouragement today. 🎧 Apple Podcasts For resources, future community updates, or birth encouragement, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and although I am mostly taking a step back from social media, you CAN also follow along on Instagram! Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 📧 Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com Until next time, keep laboring faithfully with & for the One who is Forever Faithful! Blessings, Audrey

14. Wanting A Natural Birth? Here Are The Top 5 Things You Can Do To Avoid An Epidural (Mini-Series Part 3B)

If you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth and want to avoid an epidural, this episode is for you! Whether you’re newly pregnant, preparing for your first natural birth, or looking for a different experience after a medicated birth, I’m walking you through five essential steps to help you labor naturally with confidence as you forgo using the most common labor intervention in the 21st century.  In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why education is KEY to overcoming fear and trusting God’s design for birth ✨ How your birth team can make or break your natural birth plan ✨ Practical pain management techniques to help you cope during labor ✨ The mindset shift that can transform your birth experience ✨ How fueling your body well sets you up for success 💛 You were created for this, mama!  Resources & Links: 📖 Books & Resources Mentioned: * Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth * Optimal Care in Childbirth (The Case for a Physiologic Approach) by Henri Goer and Amy Romano * The Good Birth Course by Brittany McCardle of the Biblical Birth School  * Episode 03. How To Relax in Early Labor Using the Limp Noodle Approach  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faithful-labor-natural-birth-pregnancy-holistic-vbac/id1784599966?i=1000680135459] * FREE Scripture-Based Birth Cards [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/birthcards] 🔗 Want more Christ-centered birth encouragement? * 📩 Join my bi-weekly newsletter for faith-filled birth encouragement, tips, and exclusive content https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter]  * 💬 Connect with like-minded mamas in my new (& free to join!) Facebook Community Group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/651209660653956] * 🌿 Follow along on Instagram (although I am currently inactive on there -- getting more eyeball time with my kids right now! @faithful.labor * 🖥️ Visit my website for more resources: (coming SOON!) 🎙️ Did you love this episode? If this was helpful, please consider leaving a review, sharing with a fellow mama, and subscribing so you never miss an episode! Your support helps more moms discover the beauty of God’s design for birth. Until next time, keep trusting, keep seeking His will, and keep laboring faithfully with God & for His glory! 💛

13. Wanting a Natural Birth? Here Are The Top 5 Things You Can Do to Avoid an Epidural (Mini Series Part 3A)

If you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth and want to avoid an epidural, this episode is for you! Whether you’re newly pregnant, preparing for your first natural birth, or looking for a different experience after a medicated birth, I’m walking you through five essential steps to help you labor naturally with confidence as you forgo using the most common labor intervention in the 21st century.  In this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why education is KEY to overcoming fear and trusting God’s design for birth ✨ How your birth team can make or break your natural birth plan ✨ Practical pain management techniques to help you cope during labor ✨ The mindset shift that can transform your birth experience ✨ How fueling your body well sets you up for success 💛 You were created for this, mama!  Resources & Links: 📖 Books & Resources Mentioned: * Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth * Optimal Care in Childbirth (The Case for a Physiologic Approach) by Henri Goer and Amy Romano * The Good Birth Course by Brittany McCardle of the Biblical Birth School  🔗 Want more Christ-centered birth encouragement? * 📩 Join my bi-weekly newsletter for faith-filled birth encouragement, tips, and exclusive content https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/newsletter]  * 💬 Connect with like-minded mamas in my new (& free to join!) Facebook Community Group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/651209660653956] * 🌿 Follow along on Instagram (although I am currently inactive on there -- getting more eyeball time with my kids right now! @faithful.labor * 🖥️ Visit my website for more resources: (coming SOON!) 🎙️ Did you love this episode? If this was helpful, please consider leaving a review, sharing with a fellow mama, and subscribing so you never miss an episode! Your support helps more moms discover the beauty of God’s design for birth. Until next time, keep trusting, keep seeking His will, and keep laboring faithfully with God & for His glory! 💛