Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

Natalie Portman | Christian Doula, Virtual Birth Coach, & Childbirth Educator

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.

  1. 2D AGO

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

    Send a text 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

    48 min

  2. FEB 3

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

    Send us a text 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

    18 min

  3. JAN 20

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

    Send us a text 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

    46 min

  4. JAN 6

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

    Send us a text 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

    17 min

  5. 12/30/2025 · BONUS

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

    Send us a text 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

    7 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    33. God's Glory in the Unexpected: What Mary's Messy Birth Teaches Us

    Send us a text In this episode, I'm exploring the Christmas story through the lens of Mary's birth experience—and what it teaches us about finding God's glory when our own births don't go according to plan. This message came to me unexpectedly during a church service, when I suddenly saw Mary's story not just as a familiar Christmas narrative, but as a birth story. A messy, uncomfortable, nothing-like-she-planned birth story where God was glorified in every single moment. Whether you're creating your birth plan, wrestling with fears about things going "wrong," or reflecting on a birth that took unexpected turns—this episode will encourage your heart with the truth that God's goodness isn't dependent on your circumstances being comfortable. In this episode, I share: 🌟 How Mary's birth was actually chaotic, vulnerable, and nothing like anyone would plan  🏚️ Why God chose a stable birth instead of a palace—and what that means for us  ✝️ The repeated command throughout Mary's story that speaks directly to our birth fears  🙏 What "blessed is she who believes" really means for your birth journey  💞 How unexpected moments in birth can become where we encounter God most deeply Scripture Shared:  "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." – Luke 1:45 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

    19 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    32. Eczema, Colic & Food Allergies: How Your Pregnancy Gut Health Shapes Baby's Future

    Send us a text In this episode I'm sitting down with Jessica Ramdhany Thomas, a functional pediatric practitioner and mom of two, to uncover the surprising connection between your gut health during pregnancy and your baby's future health. We're diving deep into how the microbiome you cultivate now can impact whether your little one develops eczema, colic, food allergies—and even affect generations to come. Jessica shares her personal journey from teacher burnout to fertility breakthrough, two unexpected C-sections, and the challenges of formula feeding when breastfeeding didn't go as planned. Her story is raw, real, and full of hope for mamas who feel like they haven't done everything "perfectly." Whether you're currently pregnant, trying to conceive, or dealing with mysterious health issues in your little ones, this conversation will open your eyes to the God-designed connection between mama's gut and baby's health—and the powerful tools we now have to support both. In this episode, we discuss:  🌱 What the gut microbiome actually is and why it matters during pregnancy  🍼 How C-sections and formula feeding affect baby's microbiome (and what you can do about it)  🔬 Vaginal seeding: what it is and how to talk to your provider about it  🥦 Why elimination diets might be making things worse (and what to do instead)  ✨ The four key bacterial strains every baby needs for optimal health  💊 Simple steps to support your gut health without overwhelming lifestyle changes 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 including breastfeeding basics 💛 Work with Me 1:1 - Personalized pregnancy and birth support that integrates faith and evidence-based care, including virtual coaching, doula support, and comprehensive childbirth education 📱 Yuka App - for scanning products and finding healthier swaps  💚 Made Wholistic - Jessica's Instagram (@madewholistic)  📧 Contact Jessica: jessicathomas@madewholistic.com or book a consult here 🎴 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

    40 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    31. Third Trimester Checklist: 10 Faith-Filled Steps for a Peaceful Birth

    Send us a text In this episode I'm walking you through your third trimester checklist—10 faith-filled steps to help you prepare practically and spiritually for your upcoming birth. Whether you're feeling the weight of that watermelon belly, googling at 2 AM, or wondering if you'll ever feel truly ready, this episode is designed to bring you peace and clarity. The third trimester can feel overwhelming with its mix of excitement, anticipation, and a never-ending to-do list. But here's what I want you to know: this isn't about doing everything in your own strength. Instead, I'm sharing how to invite the Holy Spirit into your preparations and trust that you've got this—not because you're superwoman—but because God's got you. Whether you're wondering about cervical ripening methods, when to pack your hospital bag, or how to prepare spiritually for labor, this episode covers the practical steps that matter most while keeping your heart anchored in faith. In this episode, I share:  🤱 How to prepare for breastfeeding (including finding support before baby arrives)  🌿 Natural cervical ripening methods that honor your body's design  📚 Why finishing childbirth education matters—even at 38 weeks  👥 How to finalize your birth support team with confidence  ❄️ The simple postpartum prep (like padsicles) your future self will thank you for Scripture Shared:  "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." – Isaiah 26:3 (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. 🟣 Birth Ball Height - Discover the correct ball size for you height and weight 📚 Episode 3 – Deep dive into Cervical Ripening Methods 🤱 Episode 20 – Breastfeeding basics and what to expect 💻 Episode 26 – All about virtual doula support ❄️ Padsicles Blog Post – Step-by-step instructions for postpartum comfort 🍲 Meal Prep Blog Post - Learn how to easily make some nourishing meals for the postpartum time 🧂 LMNT - My favorite clean electrolyte drink for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period 🎴 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 step at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resource Support the show

    26 min
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About

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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