PodcastsChristianityFaith 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

45 episodes

  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    BONUS: One Year Podcast Anniversary Thank You & Giveaway

    2026/04/07 | 2 mins.
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    In this bonus episode, I'm stepping away from our regular programming to celebrate something that has me completely in awe — one full year of the Faith Over Fear podcast. I didn't want to let this milestone pass without pausing to acknowledge what God has done, say a genuine thank you to this community, and share something special to mark the occasion.
    I started this podcast with nothing but obedience and a whole lot of trust that the Lord would fill in the gaps. What He has done since that first episode — the mamas He has reached, the messages I never expected to receive — is more than I could have imagined. This anniversary is not a celebration of me. It is a celebration of His faithfulness.
    Whether you've been here since episode one or just found this podcast recently — this episode is my thank you to you.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    ✨ One-Year Anniversary Giveaway — Enter to win a free deck of Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: ENTER HERE!
    💛 Shop the Christian Birth Affirmation Cards — for yourself, as a baby shower gift, or for the birth worker in your life: SHOP HERE!
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  • Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

    40. The 4 Emotional Stages of Labor & Why Your Support Team Needs to Know Them

    2026/03/31 | 18 mins.
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    In this episode, I'm walking you through the emotional stages of labor—not just what happens physically, but the powerful emotional signposts that help you and your birth team know exactly where you are in the process and how to respond with confidence instead of fear.
    This framework, inspired by Penny Simkin's incredible work, has transformed how I support families as a doula and childbirth educator. Understanding these emotional patterns can bring so much peace and clarity to what might otherwise feel scary or confusing—whether you're the one giving birth or supporting someone you love through labor.
    Whether you're pregnant and preparing for birth, planning to support your spouse/sister/friend through labor, or simply want to understand the beautiful design of the birth process, this episode will equip you with practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead.
    In this episode, I share:
    🌸 How to recognize the emotional signposts of early labor (and why ignoring it might be your best strategy!) 
    💭 What happens emotionally during active labor and why silence doesn't mean something's wrong 
    🙏 Understanding transition—when "I can't do this" actually means you're almost there 
    ✨ How the pushing stage brings renewed purpose (even through exhaustion) 
    💛 Practical tips for birth partners at each stage—from encouraging rest to avoiding too many questions 
    📖 Why wisdom for labor comes from both preparation AND prayer
    Scripture Shared: 
    "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." – James 1:5 (ESV)
    Mentioned in this episode: 
    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more
    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call
    ✝️ Online Christian Childbirth Education - Explore my complete birth preparation self-paced course
    🎧 Episode 26: Learn more about virtual birth support with me
    🎴 NEW Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: You can now purchase them here
    📚 The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin 
    🥤 LMNT electrolyte drinks for hydration
    🎧 Episode 5: Learn how to fill out the Birth Preferences Checklist
    If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a pregnant friend or someone preparing to support a laboring mama.
    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

    39. Your Baby's Position Matters: When to Check, Ways to Help Baby Turn, & Surrendering the Outcome to God

    2026/03/17 | 30 mins.
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    In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Marrow, a board-certified OBGYN and VBAC mom from Full Circle Women's Care, to discuss a topic that can feel overwhelming for many moms: what to do when your baby is breech, transverse, or in another challenging position for birth.
    Together we explore the timeline of when baby's position truly matters (hint: not at your 20-week scan!), natural techniques to encourage optimal positioning, and what actually happens during an ECV—the medical procedure to turn a breech baby. Dr. Marrow shares from both her professional expertise and her personal journey from a fear-filled cesarean to a redemptive VBAC, offering wisdom that blends evidence-based care with faith-centered encouragement.
    Whether you're currently navigating a breech presentation, curious about your options if baby isn't head-down, or simply want to be prepared with knowledge before you reach the third trimester—this conversation offers practical tools, medical insight, and the reminder that birth is beautiful regardless of the route.
    In this episode, we discuss: 
    🤰 When to actually start paying attention to baby's position (32-36 weeks) 
    💫 Natural techniques like Spinning Babies, the Miles Circuit, and chiropractic care 
    🏥 What an ECV really involves and the 50-60% success rate 
    ✨ The rise of gentle cesareans and creating a beautiful birth experience 
    🙏 How to steward what you can control while surrendering outcomes to God
    Mentioned in this episode: 
    📋 Miles Circuit handout for optimal positioning
    👶 Spinning Babies Technique - A program designed to help create room for a breech baby to find a more optimal position
    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more
    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call
    ✝️ 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 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

    38. Stop Consuming Endless Content, Start Building Confidence: The Truth About Birth Preparation

    2026/03/03 | 17 mins.
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    In this episode I'm addressing something I see over and over again with expecting parents—the difference between consuming birth content and actually being prepared for birth. While we have more birth information available than ever before through podcasts, social media, and online resources, so many parents still approach birth feeling anxious and unprepared.
    This conversation has been on my heart because I see thoughtful, intentional parents doing their best to prepare by listening to podcasts and following birth accounts on social media, yet still missing something foundational. They know a little about a lot of things, but not enough to feel truly confident when it matters most. True childbirth education builds understanding from the ground up in a way that fragmented content simply can't.
    Whether you're trying to decide if you need childbirth education, feeling overwhelmed by all the birth content out there, or wondering why you still feel unprepared despite consuming lots of information—this episode will bring clarity, wisdom, and practical next steps for your birth preparation journey.
    In this episode, I share: 
    📚 Why podcasts and social media alone can't replace comprehensive childbirth education 
    👁️ The importance of visual learning for understanding birth mechanics and positioning 
    🏠 How proper education creates a strong foundation vs. fragmented information 
    ✨ Why childbirth education matters for ALL types of births (medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, VBAC) 
    💪 The difference between being informed and being truly prepared for birth
    Scripture Shared: 
    "A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge, its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." – Proverbs 24:3-4
    Mentioned in this episode: 
    ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more
    💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Schedule a Private Coaching Call
    ✝️ 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.
    🎧 Episode 26: Learn more about virtual birth support with me
    🎴 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 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

    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

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About Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

🎙️ Ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally (via Listen Notes)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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