By Kelly J. Townsend Cascade Christian Childbirth Association has become a haven for Christian parents and professionals who want to honor the Lord, strive for a positive birth experience and walk away from any outcome with the comfort of knowing that all things happen for a reason. Cascade encourages families with scriptures, the comfort of the Spirit and faith in the design of the Creator. Faith And Physiology Working Together Fear is known to increase pain and complications during birth. According to Grantly Dick- Read, MD, the body responds to fear by slowing the birth process in an attempt to protect the baby from what may be a dangerous environment. The inner layer of the uterus becomes rigid to counteract the outer layer designed to dilate the cervix. These two muscles quickly become fatigued and painful, the mother feels the discomfort and becomes more fearful, and the vicious cycle of fear-tension-pain begins. Many women are diagnosed with “failure” to progress and intervention often follows. The idea of Christian childbirth has many facets—one is of faith that even when we cannot overcome our own fears, God will remove them from us and we will be at perfect peace. The scriptures say that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self-control. They teach that perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with torment, therefore Christians can know that God will take the fear and replace it with trust. CCCA also reminds parents that all things happen for a reason (Romans 8:28), and God will bring good out of any trial, abolishing guilt and regret and replacing it with peace, understanding and acceptance of what happened. The goal of all women, regardless of their faith, is to come away from the birth experience with a feeling of accomplishment and joy. Relying on God is a valid way to reduce fear, directly affecting the physiological aspects of birth. Helping Families Find That Faith Many new parents profess to be Christians, yet may not be sure how to integrate spirituality into what is largely thought of as a “medical event.” They need to remember the author of life and know that they can go to him for guidance and peace. Parents should be reminded that Christians are not doomed to have an excruciating and traumatic experience because of Eve. Christians no longer suffer the consequences of the fall, but are redeemed from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13) They now have the freedom to rely on the Holy Spirit, which comforts those who call on him. They can receive a calm spirit and a faith that will guide them through the process of childbirth When parents are aware of the balance between the physiology of fear and its spiritual effect, they are motivated to set those worries in the hands of their maker and put all trust in him. They can approach childbirth with a sense of confidence and carry an attitude of joyful anticipation. This refreshing concept is more than warm and fuzzy, but is actually physically necessary to allow the body to proceed uninhibited by fear. Equipping Servants in the Field Cascade Christian Childbirth Association offers community, resources and referrals for childbirth professionals. It offers a certificate in Christian childbirth to birth practitioners (doctors, midwives, nurses, etc) and certification for those who are able to successfully challenge the labor doula or birth educator certification process for general skills. For those who would like to start a childbirth ministry in their church, Bible studies and other resources are also available. Perhaps ninety percent of the birth experience is spiritual; therefore, nurturing the strength of faith is vital. Parents can draw upon this faith during any situation and walk away with love, joy and immeasurable peace. Practitioners can look to their faith for wisdom and direction, finding an ultimate purpose and higher calling for their work. Ultimately, the solidity of scriptural encouragement is a highly valuable resource that can be tapped into by all those who are involved in the miracle of birth! |
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Cascade Christian Childbirth Association
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