For many women, the pushing stage of labor is the most intense, exhausting, and feared part of birth. But what if pushing could be different? What if, instead of straining, you could work with your body, your breath, and your baby for a calm, pain-free delivery?
In this inspiring birth story, Erika shares how God not only rewrote her birth experience but also showed her a gentle, powerful way to bring her baby into the world without traditional force pushing. From a miraculous “pause” in labor to a fast-moving delivery, and finally, to breathing her baby down in peace, Erika’s story is a beautiful testimony to faith, preparation, and the wisdom of the body.
This blog post will walk you through her journey — the fears she faced, the answered prayers that changed her birth timeline, and the practical pushing technique that made her postpartum recovery faster and easier. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth or hoping for a redemptive experience after a difficult one, this is a story you’ll want to read.
Facing Fear Before Birth
In the weeks leading up to labor, Erika began noticing something unusual — she couldn’t visualize her baby’s birth.
She had experienced a beautiful first birth, so the inability to picture her second felt confusing and even guilt-inducing. “Why can’t I see it? Why does it feel blurry?” she wondered.
As she prayed, Erika sensed that fear was blocking her. It wasn’t fear of pain exactly, but a deep, underlying anxiety she couldn’t shake. She brought these concerns to God, asking Him to help her see clearly and trust His plan for this birth.
When Labor Started… and Stopped
Then, one night, she woke up with intense back pain and vomiting. Her contractions began coming regularly, and she thought her water had broken. The birth was underway — or so it seemed.
But then came a moment that changed everything. Erika looked into her husband’s eyes and admitted, “I’m not ready. I can’t do this yet. God, give us more time.” Tears came, and she poured her heart out to the Lord, asking for one more week.
And then, within an hour, the contractions slowed… and stopped.
The next day, she learned the fluid she thought was her water breaking was something else entirely — her water was still intact. That meant her prayer had been answered. She had time.
Even her midwife called it a gift from God, encouraging Erika to treasure this unexpected pause.
One Week of Preparation
With her “bonus week,” Erika became intentional about preparing her heart and mind for birth. She filled her home with worship music, surrounded herself with Scripture, and prayed over her body and her baby. Friends confirmed her journey by sharing verses, including Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
This was more than physical preparation — it was a spiritual reset. Erika used the time to release fear, embrace trust, and align her thoughts with God’s promises for her birth.
A Fast Labor Begins
One week later, labor returned — and this time, it moved fast. Contractions jumped from 15 minutes apart to five, then four, and then even closer.
By the time she and her husband were on the road to the birth center, Erika was in one of the hardest stages of labor: transition. But she didn’t realize it. “I was going through transition in the backseat of the truck without even knowing it,” she recalled.
The Birth Tub & a New Mindset
When Erika arrived, she climbed into the warm water of the birth tub. The atmosphere shifted. She was determined not to speak negativity over her birth. “I thought, ‘This is really hard, but I’m not going to say that out loud this time,’” she explained.
Her midwife, Natalie, offered quiet encouragement, helping her stay focused. Erika began to direct her attention inward, breathing deeply, and working with each contraction.
The Breathe Baby Down Method
In her first birth, Erika had pushed in the more traditional way — holding her breath and bearing down with force. But this time, she tried something different: breathing her baby down.
“I literally just breathed him down. I could feel him shift,” she said. Instead of forcing the baby out, she used her breath to help guide him through the birth canal.
This technique — sometimes called “gentle pushing” or “mother-directed pushing” — involves deep, controlled breaths into the pelvic floor, allowing the uterus to do much of the work. The result can be less perineal trauma, less exhaustion, and a more peaceful birth experience.
Why Breathing Worked Better
Erika immediately noticed the difference. Not only was the pushing phase more comfortable, but her postpartum recovery was dramatically easier. “I was up and walking around the next day,” she shared.
Breathing the baby down can:
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Reduce the risk of tearing
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Lower stress hormones in mom and baby
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Encourage optimal oxygen flow to the baby
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Help mom feel in control during birth
For Erika, it also became a moment of worship — trusting God with each breath, knowing He was guiding her through.
Faith in the Final Moments
As her baby entered the world, Erika’s heart overflowed with gratitude. God had answered her prayer for more time, brought her peace in labor, and shown her a gentler way to give birth.
Karen, her interviewer, reflected on the story with awe: “God is rewriting your birth story — from fear and pain and trauma into beauty and victory. Mama, He is in your story.”
Practical Takeaways for Expecting Moms
Erika’s story isn’t just inspiring — it’s full of actionable insights for other mothers:
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Invite God into Your Birth – Prayer isn’t just for before or after birth; it’s for the middle of it, too.
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Don’t Rush the Timeline – Sometimes delays are divine gifts.
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Prepare Your Heart & Mind – Use music, Scripture, and affirmations to align your mindset.
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Learn Gentle Pushing Techniques – Breathing your baby down can make a big difference in comfort and recovery.
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Guard Your Words – What you speak during labor can shape your experience.
Encouragement for Mothers
If you’re pregnant and feeling fear, uncertainty, or pressure to have a certain kind of birth, Erika’s story is a reminder that God sees you. He cares about the details. He can turn a moment of panic into a week of preparation, a chaotic drive into a peaceful arrival, and a painful pushing phase into a beautiful, worshipful moment.
Resources
- Boo mentioned: To Light Their Way
More about Erika:
Want to Experience a Faith-Filled Birth Too?
If you’re ready to transform your mindset and birth with peace and purpose, check out the free Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass. Discover the 3 keys to a Pain-Free birth so you can experience the joyful, supernatural power of birth the way God designed it.
