As a childbirth doula, I would accompany the birthing mother in the hospital, encouraging her in every stage of labor. These women desired a natural birth, but the moment they stepped into the hospital’s maternity ward, their birth became medically managed, which made it almost impossible to relax, which was vital for dilation to move progressively forward. So thus, was their trial.

But there was one woman I coached who was determined to overcome the unnatural contractions produced by the chemical hormone, Pitocin. She was diagnosed with low amniotic fluid and again there was a reason to induce labor for this woman who was capable of and desired a natural birth. There are ways to increase the volume of amniotic fluid if necessary, but Allie was not given this option.

As in many cases, under the supervision of an OB, there is always a reason to induce labor, making it more convenient for everyone else except for the mother and baby.

What was inconsistent with the diagnosis is the fact they started labor by breaking her amniotic sac, IF it was dangerous for the baby before with the low volume, why would they take the chance of decreasing the volume to start labor prematurely? But when the doctor pierced the sac, Allie began labor immediately. Allie still wanted to have her baby naturally without further medical interventions.  Therefore, she requested more time to dilate before receiving the artificial hormone, Pitocin. This request was interpreted as a threat to the medically managed agenda, and as a result, the nurse said she would have to sign a waiver refusing all medical assistance. This alarmed Allie, so she relented and allowed them to continue the inducement.  When labor is induced prematurely with amniocentesis and Pitocin infusion, the contractions become harder and faster producing unnecessary stress for both mother and child.

But Allie was determined to endure this medical procedure until delivery. At one point, she needed to know where she was in the progression of this strenuous labor, and when she asked the nurse where she was concerning dilation, the nurse calmly and reassuringly said,

“You’re right where you’re supposed to be.”

This encouraged Allie to pray,  relax ,and let go.   The reason the nurse didn’t examine her, is for these reasons; if she were only a few centimeters dilated, she would be discouraged, believing birth was a long time away, and if it were closer to completion, she might be disappointed if it didn’t occur sooner than she hoped.  But as Allie focused on the outcome, her baby, she managed to give birth with no further medical interventions and mounted up in her maternal role with *wings.

Those words, “You’re right where you’re supposed to be” resonated with my spirit, and I find myself using those exact words for myself and believers struggling with uncertainty and frustration when there is no answer as to what it is all about and when it will end. (Job 13:15)

There are so many important things occurring between the time the mother starts labor and the baby is born which completes the maturation of the child and equips the new mother for her maternal task.  Interference in the process can result with physical, emotional, and/or psychological problems that appear during the mother’s postpartum and/or the baby’s early childhood.
(Colossians 4:12, Hebrews 6:1-2)

Childbirth is a perfect analogy to how God uses trials and tribulations to accomplish His will on earth and in individual lives.  (Matthew 24:8, Genesis 50:20)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

When the Lord allows his child to go through a trial it is for the reason of transformation: to increase faith, develop spiritual awareness and to gain strength . During the process much is gained that otherwise would not take place. As children of God we are completed through experiencing difficulties which challenge our faith. And when God’s plan and purpose is birthed we gain the resolve and knowledge in doing His will.
(Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 3:10-11, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 121:3)

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

What I witnessed, personally, following a natural birth, was an overwhelming sense of maternal confidence. This confidence transferred over to knowing instinctively how to care for my newborn child. I was full of joy and strengthen by the invigorating experience, and with this confidence I also knew “instinctively” how to breastfeed my child.

With a natural progression, when dilation is complete, there is a rest period before the baby leaves the uterus and enters the birth canal. This is God’s way of allowing the mother to rest from the contractions.  After this rest period, the baby will enter the birth canal with a mother’s “natural” urge to push. If the mother tries to push, prematurely, she finds the 2^nd stage of labor very strenuous and exhausting, with complications needing immediate medical help. It’s as though, when the baby’s position is on the pelvic floor, at the right time, the pelvic muscles act as strong hands lifting up and out the baby with a natural thrust.

“It’s an exhilarating moment, when in the trial of labor, the mother sees the fruit of her labor; her child.” DF  (John 16:21)

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

With my second childbirth, I was in the hardest stage of labor, when in transition the cervix completes dilation. I wanted to have a natural birth because my first medically managed birth didn’t go well. When I knew I could not labor four more hours as the OB had predicted, I called on the Lord, and asked for His help. Immediately, I heard His small still voice: (Isaiah 30:21, Genesis 4:1, Psalm 18:6)

“Relax like a limp noodle from the waist down.”

My concentration switched from resistance to embracing what my body was trying to do.  And as soon as I began to relax, I knew my cervix was complete, followed by the overwhelming urge to push.  Instead of resisting for four more hours, I entered the Lord’s rest embracing what only He could do. Within minutes, Michael was born.

“For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.” Hebrews 4:10

I’ll never forget the worse spiritual trial of my life when I entered a time of judgment, discouragement and despair. God was separating me to Himself, addressing areas in my life I had adopted which were not of Him. He promised me through His Word, I would not be put to shame. It was a time of darkness, but even with the uncertainty and adverse circumstance, I began to understand, I was “right where I was supposed to be,” and at the right time emerged with spiritual wings.
(Isaiah 54, Isaiah 40: 30-31)

And so it is; when we can “remain still” trusting in His omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, we will see. Because in Christ Jesus, we are always in His Loving Hands, “Right Where We’re Supposed to Be”.
(Romans 8:29, Isaiah 43:13, John 10:28-30)