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.
Episodes
29 episodes
26. You Weren't Made to Do This Alone: God's Design for Support in Labor
In this episode I'm diving deep into a topic that's been on my heart—how you can experience professional doula support while keeping your birth intimate and private through virtual b...
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Episode 26
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31:30
25. Excruciating Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy? Why It's NOT Normal & How to Find Real Help
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kate Smith, pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Nurture You Pelvic Health, to discuss a topic that affects countless women but is often dismissed: severe pelvic pain during pregnancy. If you've ever b...
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Episode 25
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49:43
24. The Essential Second Trimester Checklist: 7 Faith-Filled Steps for a Strong, Peaceful Pregnancy
In this episode, I'm walking you through a practical, faith-filled checklist to help you prepare well during your second trimester—the sweet spot of pregnancy when energy returns and you can finally focus on nourishing your body, mind, and hear...
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Episode 24
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34:28
23. She Prepared for an Unmedicated Birth But Got a C-Section—What God Revealed Through Loss & A Medical Miracle
In this episode, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Gracie Clowe—a mama who prepared her heart, mind, and body for an unmedicated birth, only to find herself on an operating table for an unplanned C-section. But that's just the beginning of h...
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Episode 23
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42:49
22. Understanding Your Rights - Informed Consent & Informed Refusal in Any Birth Setting
In this episode, I'm breaking down something every pregnant mama needs to know: you always have a choice when it comes to your birth care, no matter where you're planning to deliver. We're diving deep into informed consent and informed refusal—...
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Episode 22
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25:53
21. Why "Bouncing Back" After Baby Hurts Christian Moms + What to Do Instead (with Laura Lindahl)
In this episode I'm sitting down with Laura Lindahl—certified pre and postnatal coach, exercise physiologist, and Christian body image coach—to talk about something so many moms wrestle with: the pressure to "bounce back" after baby and how to ...
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Episode 21
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41:15
20. If You're Planning on Breastfeeding, Listen To This First...
In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives—because preparing for this beautiful journey is just as important as preparing for birth itself. Too many mamas focus all their energy on deli...
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Episode 20
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25:35
BONUS: When You Feel Like a Failing Mom: God's Sufficient Grace in Pregnancy Struggles
In this vulnerable bonus episode, I'm sharing the hardest month of my third pregnancy—battling severe anxiety and depression while navigating morning sickness, parenting struggles, and feeling completely overwhelmed as a mom of two expecting he...
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35:29
19. Overcoming Birth Trauma and Fear: A Foster Mom's Journey to Three Different Deliveries
In this episode, I'm sharing the incredible birth journey of my very first doula client, Nicki—a foster mom of five whose three births taught her (and me!) powerful lessons about overcoming fear, trusting God's timing, and finding peace through...
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Episode 19
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53:20
18. [Listener Favorite Replay] How Birth & Motherhood Reflects the Gospel (Originally Ep. 7)
While I take a short rest during my first trimester, I’m bringing back one of the most meaningful episodes of the podcast. This conversation has resonated deeply with so many mamas, reminding us that birth and motherhood are not just physical e...
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Episode 18
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20:21
17. [Listener Favorite Replay] Anxiety & Depression: The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Birth & Motherhood (Originally Ep. 6)
While I’m taking a short season of rest during my first trimester, I’m bringing back one of the most impactful and listened-to conversations we’ve had on the podcast. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear that your birth or postpartum might not go ...
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Episode 17
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52:24
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 b...
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Episode 16
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22:52
BONUS: Big News + Taking Some Rest Time
In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing some big news with you—we're expecting our third baby! This surprise pregnancy has been both a tremendous blessing and a journey that's teaching me so much about rest, surrender, and where my tr...
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12:25
15. First Trimester Checklist Essentials: From Choosing A Provider to Managing Morning Sickness
In this episode, I'm walking you through everything you need to know for a confident, faith-filled first trimester—from the moment you see that positive test to building the foundation for your entire pregnancy journey.Whether you're hol...
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Episode 15
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32:14
14. Leaking, Pelvic Pain, and "That's Just Mom Life"? Why You Deserve Better (And How to Get It)
In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Victoria Adeeb, a pelvic floor therapist and founder of Better Body Rehab in Jacksonville Beach, to talk about something every mom needs to hear—that caring for your body isn't selfish, it's sacred kin...
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Episode 14
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36:40
13. Discerning the Right Birth Setting For You: Hospital, Birth Center, or Home?
In this episode, I'm walking you through one of the most important decisions you'll make during pregnancy—choosing your birth setting. Whether you're considering a hospital birth, birth center, or home birth, each option comes with different le...
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Episode 13
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32:39
12. When Others Say “You Don't Get a Medal for Natural Birth” But God Says “Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice”
In this episode I'm joined by Katie Prizzia, a faith-filled mama of three, as she shares her incredible testimony of three completely different birth experiences—and how each one revealed God's faithfulness in unexpected ways.Katie's jou...
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Episode 12
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50:56
11. Pack with Peace: Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm walking you through everything you actually need to pack for your hospital stay—not too much, not too little, but just right for your comfort and your baby's f...
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Episode 11
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25:48
10. When God's Plan Doesn't Match Yours: Trusting Through Pregnancy Loss and Sleep Struggles
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm joined by Jamie Ortiz, a pediatric sleep coach, military spouse, and mama of two who shares her powerful journey through pregnancy loss, high-risk births, and ...
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Episode 10
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29:25
9. Am I in Labor? Discerning the Signs
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I’m walking you through one of the most common questions expectant mamas ask: “Am I in labor?” Whether you’re experiencing your first round of practice contraction...
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Episode 9
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23:25
8. Why She Changed Her Mind About Epidurals: Emily Whalen's Story
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm sitting down with Emily Whalen (@nurtured_little_nest)—a sweet mama, content creator, and someone...
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Episode 8
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45:51
7. How Birth & Motherhood Reflects the Gospel
In this episode I'm sharing how the profound experience of birth and motherhood reveals beautiful gospel truths that will transform how you see God's love for you.From the moment you discover you're pregnant to the intense moments...
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Episode 7
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20:21
6. Anxiety & Depression: The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Birth & Motherhood
In this episode I'm joined by my friend Crystal Doiron, a licensed clinical social worker and mama, as she courageously shares her story of postpartum depression and anxiety—and the hope she found on the other side.Crystal's journ...
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Episode 6
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52:24
5. Creating Your Birth Preferences: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm sharing a practical but powerful tool for your birth journey—creating effective birth preferences that serve as a communication tool for your entire birth team...
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Episode 5
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28:04
4. She Waited Two Years for a Positive Pregnancy Test—Then God Moved (with Sarah Salain)
In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I’m joined by my very first guest—Sarah Salain, a registered nurse, Christian holistic health coach, and new mama—who shares her powerful story of waiting...
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Episode 4
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39:19