Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast

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

🎙️ 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.

  1. 3d ago

    46. (Part Two) What 25 Days in the NICU Taught Us About Faith, Control & God's Provision

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm continuing Isaac's birth story — and this time, my husband Brian is joining me to share what those 25 days in the NICU were really like from both of our perspectives. From the moment Isaac was taken away minutes after birth, to the feeding battles, the emotional exhaustion of leaving him each day, and finally bringing him home — this is the full story of what God did in and through one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Having a premature baby at 33 weeks was never part of our plan. But what unfolded in that NICU — the lessons in surrender, the provision we witnessed daily, and the unexpected ways God met us both in our fear — became one of the most profound faith experiences of our family's story. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply personal, including the moment I found the Abraham and Isaac parallel that changed everything about how I understood what it meant to lay my son at the altar and trust God to provide. Whether you're currently in a NICU season, recovering from a premature birth, navigating the early postpartum fog, or simply needing a reminder that God does not waste a single hard moment — this episode is full of hope and truth for wherever you are. In this episode, we share: 👶 What the first moments in the NICU were really like — and how Brian processed the fear and grief of not being able to hold his son 🙏 The "I will provide" moment that became our anchor Scripture through the entire NICU stay 🍼 The feeding journey — from feeding tubes and around-the-clock pumping to the breakthrough of exclusive breastfeeding 🏠 How we balanced daily NICU visits with two kids at home and what that did to us as a couple ✝️ The sweetness God brought in the hardest moments — and what we'd tell any NICU family walking this road Scripture Shared: "So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'" — Genesis 22:14 (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 🎴 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, birth photos, and all resources mentioned! Support the show

    45 min

  2. Jun 9

    45. (Part One) My Preterm Birth Story, a Hidden Abruption, and The Lord's Perfect Provision

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sharing the full story of my third birth — Isaac's unexpected preterm birth at 33 weeks — and how a weekend away with my mom and sisters turned into one of the most sacred, surprising, and faith-stretching days of my life. This birth was nothing like my first two. After two straightforward, uncomplicated labors, I found myself being admitted to the hospital in preterm labor with no risk factors, no warning, and a birth plan that went completely out the window. What followed was an unmedicated labor on magnesium, a birth team rallying around me in the middle of the night, and a discovery after delivery that revealed just how closely the Lord had been guarding us the entire time. Whether you're navigating a high-risk pregnancy, grieving a birth plan that didn't go as hoped, or simply needing a reminder that God's provision is perfect even when ours falls apart — this episode is full of encouragement for your heart, mind, and spirit. In this episode, I share: 🌸 How a "Mama & Chickies" girls' weekend became the unexpected start of Isaac's birth story ⚡ What it felt like to be admitted for preterm labor with no warning signs and no risk factors 🙏 How the Lord's tangible presence carried me through an unmedicated labor I never planned for ✝️ The hidden abruption discovery that revealed just how protected we truly were 👶 The bittersweet, beautiful moments surrounding Isaac's arrival at four pounds, seven ounces 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 🎴 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, birth photos, and all resources mentioned! Support the show

    35 min

  3. May 26

    44. Is Childbirth Pain a Punishment from God? A Biblical Deep Dive into Genesis

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most misunderstood passages in all of Scripture — Genesis 3 — and tackling a question that so many Christian mamas have carried in secret: is childbirth pain actually God's punishment for Eve's sin? This is a topic I've been wanting to bring to this podcast for a long time, because the way we answer it shapes everything — how we feel about our bodies, how we prepare for birth, and how we understand God's heart toward us as mothers. If you've ever felt like your pain in labor was somehow your fault, or wondered whether trusting God means just accepting suffering, this episode is going to bring you so much freedom. Whether you're in your first trimester just starting to think about birth, deep in preparation and wrestling with fear, or somewhere in postpartum still processing your experience — this episode is full of truth, hope, and encouragement for wherever you are. In this episode, I share: 📖 What Genesis 3 actually says — and what it doesn't — about women, pain, and the fall 🌿 The Hebrew meaning behind "I will greatly multiply your pain" and why it changes everything 💛 Why your birth experience is not a measure of your faith or your relationship with God ✝️ The very first gospel promise spoken in Scripture — and why it was spoken before anything else 👶 How Genesis 3 is ultimately a story of redemption, not condemnation, for you as a mama Scripture Shared:  "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. To the woman he said, 'I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.'" — Genesis 3:15–16 (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 📞 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

    17 min

  4. May 12

    43. 10 Pounds, No Tearing & Unmedicated: A Pelvic Floor Therapist's Surprising Birth Story

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sitting down with returning guest Dr. Victoria Adeeb—a pelvic floor therapist who just delivered a 10-pound baby unmedicated with no tearing—to hear the full story of how she prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for what she calls her "dream birth." But here's what makes Victoria's story so powerful: even with all her professional knowledge and preparation, her journey required deep surrender, spiritual wrestling with waiting on God's timing, and learning that His sovereignty is both tender and trustworthy—especially when birth doesn't unfold on your timeline. Whether you're preparing for an unmedicated birth, feeling overwhelmed by all the "what ifs," struggling with the waiting season past your due date, or simply needing encouragement that God is present in every contraction—this episode will meet you right where you are with honesty, hope, and practical wisdom. In this episode, Victoria shares: 🙏 Her spiritual journey from not wanting children to surrendering to God's calling to motherhood  💪 How she prepared her pelvic floor and deep core for nearly 2 years before pregnancy (and what she'd do differently)  ✝️ The emotional and spiritual prep work her doula assigned—and why it was the hardest part  ⏰ Going past 40 weeks and learning to trust God's timing when everyone expected baby early  🕯️ Laboring at home with worship, prayer, and her husband reading Scripture over her during pushing  👶 The sacred moment her 10 lb 2 oz son was born at 7:25 AM—a "wink from God" she didn't see coming  💔 Her honest postpartum reality: breastfeeding struggles, pelvic floor symptoms, and learning to rest (even as a professional)  🦋 Why grace abounds when the ideal isn't realized—and how that's transformed her work with clients Scripture Shared:  "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." – Isaiah 40:31 (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 🎴 NEW Christian Birth Affirmation Cards: You can now purchase them here ❤️‍🩹 Better Women’s Health - Visit Dr.Victoria Adeeb’s Practice If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend expecting a baby. 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

    50 min

  5. Apr 28

    42. Why Do Some Women Feel Little Pain in Labor—and Others Feel a Lot?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm exploring one of the most misunderstood aspects of birth: why some women experience very little pain in labor while others experience a lot—and why neither experience says anything about your strength, your preparation, or your faith. As a doula, I've witnessed labor pain exist on an incredibly wide spectrum. I've supported mamas who describe contractions as intense but manageable, women who feel completely overwhelmed by early labor, and others who are genuinely shocked by how little pain they experience. And here's what I've learned: two women can prepare equally well, labor in similar environments, and deeply desire the same birth—but still experience labor very differently. That doesn't mean one did it better. It means bodies are different, and the labor story God has for each of us is beautifully unique. Whether you're preparing for birth, reflecting on a past experience, or struggling with comparison and shame—this episode is for you. My hope is that it brings relief, replaces comparison with understanding, and reminds you that your birth story stands on its own before the Lord. In this episode, I share: 🌸 Why labor pain exists on such a wide spectrum (and the physical, hormonal, and emotional factors at play)  💭 How comparison sneaks in after birth—and the questions that can steal our peace  ✝️ Why faith doesn't remove sensation, but it does change how we perceive it  💪 The truth about strength: why choosing pain relief is not weakness but wisdom in some circumstances Scripture Shared:  "Let each one test his own work, for each will have to bear his own load." – Galatians 6:4-5 (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 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

    16 min

  6. Apr 14

    41. Breaking Through Fear After Cesarean: How Preparation & Surrender Led to Veronica's Healing Home Birth

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Veronica shares the powerful story of her redemptive home birth after cesarean—and how prayer warriors, faithful preparation, and ultimate surrender to God's plan transformed her birth experience from trauma to triumph. After a 33-hour labor ending in an emergency c-section with her first, Veronica found herself pregnant again while still healing—physically and emotionally. Despite dealing with severe allergies, exhaustion from caring for a toddler, and the weight of past birth trauma, she felt God calling her toward a different path. Late into her third trimester, she made the bold decision to switch from hospital care to planning a home birth VBAC. Whether you're considering a VBAC, processing your own cesarean experience, wrestling with the decision between hospital and home birth, or simply needing encouragement that God can redeem your birth story—this episode will strengthen your faith and remind you that His plans are always greater than our own. In this episode, Veronica shares: 🙏 How prayer support from family in Washington, Florida, Ukraine, and even Africa covered her birth  🏡 The moment  when she decided to pursue home birth despite her husband's initial hesitation  💪 Moving from type-A control (spreadsheets and rigid plans) to peaceful surrender  🌊 Laboring in water and experiencing the redemptive birth she prayed for  ✨ How every specific prayer she made for this birth was answered by God's grace  🩺 Navigating a challenging postpartum infection with gratitude and faith Scripture Shared:  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." – Romans 8:28 (NIV) 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

    48 min

  7. Mar 31

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    19 min

  8. Mar 17

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    31 min
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About

🎙️ 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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