03/26/2026
Ever heard the phrase, “the battle is the mind”? Nowhere is that truer than in pregnancy and labor.
When we first sat down together, Lindsay carried the weight of a birth story that had left deep marks on her heart. Her first labor had brought chorioamnionitis, meconium, and shoulder dystocia with her 10lb 6oz baby girl. Experiencing one of those complications is rare, but having all three is like having the kitchen sink thrown at you. So stepping into pregnancy again, she wasn’t just carrying a baby — she was carrying fear.
From the beginning, she told me she longed for a redemptive birth. I reminded her that every pregnancy writes its own story, that her body was not broken, and that God knows the desires tucked quietly inside our hearts. But the enemy is skilled at whispering doubt, and trying to rob us of peace, especially when we’re vulnerable.
Her pregnancy wasn’t without challenges. At 18 weeks, a provider told her she’d “probably need a c‑section” because past shoulder dystocia — despite her proven pelvis. At 33 weeks, she was admitted for tachycardia after catching the flu, both her heart rate and baby’s were high. At 38 weeks, she was told she’d need to be induced at 40 weeks to avoid the same complications she feared most. It felt like wave after wave. And yet, every time, she laid her fears back at the feet of Jesus, choosing surrender over spiraling.
At 40 weeks, she opted for a stretch and sweep after trying holistic induction methods. I told her to go home, rest, love on her little one, and soak in the sweetness of being a family of three. And that’s exactly what she did. Never underestimate the power of natural oxytocin.
A few nights later, at 10:30 p.m., she called — contractions had begun. By 12:30 a.m., they were two minutes apart. I headed to the hospital and arrived just in time to hear the words every doula loves: “She’s 7 centimeters.”
Once we settled into the room, I placed the TENS unit, and Michael and I worked together using double hip squeezes with the rebozo. Her water broke on the floor—clear, with no meconium in sight. We moved her into a side‑lying position, which baby tolerated better than standing.
Soon Lindsay began feeling intense pressure. A cervical check showed she was still 7 cm, though we didn’t tell her. The midwife stepped out briefly, and suddenly Lindsay cried out, “THE RING OF FIRE!” The nurse and I looked down-baby was crowning. I stepped into the hall and called for Hannah, the midwife, who rushed back in just in time to guide Dad as he caught their 10 lb 3 oz, 21.5” long, healthy baby girl.
And in that moment, the room felt holy.
No induction. No meconium. No chorioamnionitis. No shoulder dystocia. Just a strong, surrendered mama and a God who redeems.
Lindsay got the birth she prayed for — a birth that restored, renewed, and reminded her of the strength she always carried within her.
Posted with permission.
