I have always been terrified of needles! Because of this I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that I needed to learn how to prepare for a birth without an epidural. I asked many of my friends about their births and soaked up all of the suggestions and tips I could. I also wanted to be God centered in my approach to labor and childbirth.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from my friend Kim has helped me with every single one of my births: memorize a Psalm and a Hymn.
Why a Psalm and a Hymn?
Psalms and hymns are by nature deep and rich. They focus our hearts and our mind on God and who He is, but they also allow for the deep emotions we experience as a part of life. They help us to express our hearts and souls in beautiful ways and can help give words when we have none.
It does not matter whether you are planning to use medications or not during your labor, having a Psalm and a hymn in your heart allow you to focus on God and the truth of who He is as you labor and give birth. This is central to having a God-centered birth and an important part of spiritual preparation.
Memorize a Psalm
What is a Psalm?
A Psalm is from the Scripture and is the inspired Word of God. Psalms are powerful, rich in theology, wide in feeling and are the heart cries of a soul in worship and praise to God.
There are 150 beautiful Psalms in the book of Psalms in the Old Testament, as well as others found throughout Scripture including a Psalm of Moses in Exodus 15, a Psalm of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 and the Psalm of Mary in Luke 1. I encourage you to search the Psalms and find one that speaks the truth of God to you and comforts your soul, memorize it and let it be your prayer during your labor and delivery.
Memorize a Hymn
What is a hymn?
A hymn in the Christian context is a song of praise or thanksgiving to God. While not considered Scripture, hymns tell of the deep truths of God revealed to His people in His Word and thank Him for what He has done for us. Hymns are rich in theology and remind us of who God is.
There are hymn books by the hundreds, both physical ones and online where you can find these deep songs of the faith. Ask your lead pastor or worship pastor if they have one you can look at or recommend.
Singing and/or humming can be a great help in reducing pain and discomfort in labor. It gives you something else to focus on during contractions. I have often used this technique to help with many physically painful situations. If you’re humming or singing while in labor, why not have a hymn to sing and praise the LORD?
As you think on your birth, pray over your little one and prepare spiritually, find a Psalm and hymn that draw you ever closer to the LORD to memorize and hide in your heart.
What Psalm and hymn would like to focus on?