![16. [Listener Favorite Replay] Natural Labor Prep: Simple Ways to Ready Your Body for Birth (Originally Ep. 3) Artwork](https://www.buzzsprout.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBCRkZzcGdnPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--23ba64d9210640d6e28e8d88430eb0f90dc4d8c1/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDVG9MWm05eWJXRjBPZ2hxY0djNkUzSmxjMmw2WlY5MGIxOW1hV3hzV3docEFsZ0NhUUpZQW5zR09nbGpjbTl3T2d0alpXNTBjbVU2Q25OaGRtVnlld1k2REhGMVlXeHBkSGxwUVRvUVkyOXNiM1Z5YzNCaFkyVkpJZ2x6Y21kaUJqb0dSVlE9IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--1924d851274c06c8fa0acdfeffb43489fc4a7fcc/faith-over-fear-podcast-cover-art-png.jpeg)
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.
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast
16. [Listener Favorite Replay] Natural Labor Prep: Simple Ways to Ready Your Body for Birth (Originally Ep. 3)
While I’m taking a short rest during my first trimester, I wanted to bring back one of the most-loved episodes of the podcast. This conversation has helped so many mamas release fear, embrace God’s design, and feel more confident heading into birth. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it again, I pray it blesses and encourages you today.
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, we’re talking all about natural ways to help your body prepare for labor—without fear, overwhelm, or pressure to do “all the things.”
Whether you’re weeks away from meeting your baby or just starting to plan for birth, understanding cervical ripening can empower you to partner with your body, honor God’s design, and prepare from a place of peace. I’m breaking down what cervical ripening actually is, why it matters, how your provider might assess your body’s readiness for labor using something called the Bishop Score, and simple, gentle things you can do to support the process naturally.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you should be doing to get ready for birth—or wrestled with the fear of “what if my body doesn’t know what to do?”—this episode will meet you with encouragement, education, and faith.
In this episode, I share:
🌿 What the cervix does as you approach labor—and why ripening matters
🧠 A simple breakdown of the Bishop Score (so it actually makes sense!)
🫖 Gentle natural methods to support ripening (like red raspberry leaf tea, dates, and more)
📖 The mindset shift that frees you from control and anchors you in trust
🙏 How to pray through the waiting and release pressure to perform
Scripture Shared:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
A Prayer for You:
I close this episode with a prayer over your heart and your pregnancy—that you would feel God’s nearness in the waiting, be free from fear, and walk in confident peace knowing He is preparing your body and writing your baby’s birth story with care and love.
Mentioned in this episode:
- ✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library: Free birth prep tools, worship playlists & more
- 💛 Work with Me 1:1 – Doula Support & Coaching: Explore birth support and childbirth education for your pregnancy and birth journey
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Let’s keep choosing faith over fear!
Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!
