PodcastsEducationFaith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

Natalie Portman | Christian Doula, Virtual Birth Coach, & Childbirth Educator
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast
Latest episode

41 episodes

  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    37. God is in Control: A First-Time Mom's Journey from Anxious Planning to Peaceful Surrender

    2026/02/17 | 47 mins.
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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!
    Support the show
  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    36. The Work of Rest: Preparing for Biblical Sabbath in Pregnancy & Postpartum

    2026/02/03 | 18 mins.
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    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!
    Support the show
  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    35. Why Her "Failed" VBACs Were Actually God's Perfect Plan: A Story of Unexpected Grace

    2026/01/20 | 46 mins.
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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
  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    34. Safe Natural Cold Remedies for Pregnant & Nursing Mamas (That Actually Work!)

    2026/01/06 | 16 mins.
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    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
  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    BONUS: Count It All Joy - Finding God's Goodness Through Trials & Joy In 2025

    2025/12/30 | 7 mins.
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    In this BONUS episode, I'm sharing a heartfelt year-end reflection as we close out 2025—a year that tested my faith through trials I never saw coming, yet revealed God's faithfulness in ways I couldn't have imagined.
    This has been a year of unexpected challenges and profound growth. Just days after launching this podcast in April, I faced a serious mental health crisis with someone close to me, then a few months later found out I was pregnant with my third baby and experienced the darkest season of anxiety and depression I've ever walked through. Yet through it all, God has shown me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
    As I share this update, I've felt the Lord clearly calling me to embrace a slower rhythm. This means shifting the podcast to an every-other-week schedule as I learn that fruitfulness isn't always about output—sometimes it's about faithfulness in resting.
    Whether you're walking through your own trials, feeling called to slow down, or simply needing encouragement as we enter a new year—this episode is my heart poured out in gratitude for God's goodness and an invitation to trust Him in every season.
    In this episode, I share: 
    🙏 Why I'm choosing obedience over productivity in this new season 
    👶 We're so excited to welcome our son Isaac (Due in March of 2026)
    ✨ How God used this year's trials to deepen my relationship with Him 
    📅 What the podcast schedule will look like moving forward 
    💛 A prayer of blessing over you as we step into 2026 together
    Scripture Shared: 
    "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." – James 1:2-4 (ESV)"
    Let’s keep choosing faith over fear together in this new year!
    Support the show

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About Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

Hi there, I’m Natalie Portman! I’m a Christian birth doula, virtual birth coach, childbirth educator, wife, and mama—and I created this podcast just for you. If you’re preparing for birth, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to those early days of motherhood, you’re in the right place. On the podcast I share a mix of powerful Christian birth stories, Scripture-based encouragement, and practical tips to help you walk through this season with peace and purpose. Around here, I do things a little differently. While the world encourages you to control every detail and rely on your own strength, I’ll gently point you back to the freedom of surrender and the beauty of God’s design for birth. Because I believe birth isn’t about showcasing your strength—it’s about revealing the Lord's. And when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can choose faith over fear. I’d love for you to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re looking for more support, grab my free Christian Mama Birth Prep Library at faithoverfearbirth.com. It’s packed with birth prep guides, faith-filled tools, and other resources to help you invite God into your birth space. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Let’s journey together—with faith, not fear.
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