Today, we will be discussing a difficult topic: birth trauma and obstetric violence. Though we bear and reflect the image of God, that image is like a cracked mirror fragmented by the effects of sin. Because our world is under the curse of sin, image-bearers abuse other image-bearers. This leaves a path of destruction and heartache. How can a Christian grapple with sins and violence committed against them, especially during such a tender time as pregnancy and birth? Friend, we are not without hope. Listen to today’s episode to hear God’s heart for the suffering.
Pastor Ben (my husband!) joins the show again. Ben is part of the team behind Theology for You.
For questions or feedback about today’s show, please email hello@bornagainbirth.com or send a DM on Instagram @bornagainbirth.
TAKEAWAYS ||
“Trouble is the normal abnormal in our world.”
“Jesus gets it.”
We live in a world of trouble (John 16:33). All suffering happens because of sin; which means that you might suffer because someone has sinned against you. We face the effects of sin, whether that be sin running rampant in a fallen world, someone else’s sin against us, or our own sin.
For Christians who are united to Christ, indwelt with Holy Spirit, a sin against that person is as if it were also a sin against the body of Christ.
If we want to help others in their suffering, we need to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). There are not always answers. AFTER you have listened AND once you’re invited to speak into that person’s life: Give Them Jesus! It is Christ’s grace, peace, and love that someone who has suffered birth trauma and obstetric violence needs. There are no words we have to offer in of ourselves.
Jesus draws closest to us in our suffering. Jesus never leaves his own.
If you are suffering in the aftermath of birth trauma and obstetric violence:
Call upon the Holy Spirit for help, if He dwells inside of you.
Give yourself grace – you are loved with an everlasting love. Christ does not condemn you, don’t condemn yourself.
You might study characters in Scripture who were mistreated. (i.e. Joseph, David, Hannah, Leah, Paul – and even Christ Himself)
Press into community, particularly your local church community.
Choose select counselors to help you process and move through this time.
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED ||
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)
“But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12 (ESV)
CHRISTIAN RESOURCES ||
Romans VIII (album) from Immanuel Worship, Nashville
None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing)*
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers*
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES ||
This podcast addresses the spiritual implications of birth trauma and violence. If you are unsure about the definitions of birth trauma or obstetric violence or have questions, please email hello@bornagainbirth.com or send a DM on Instagram @bornagainbirth.
The World Health Organization says, “Across the world many women experience disrespectful, abusive, or neglectful treatment during childbirth in facilities. These practices can violate women’s rights, deter women from seeking and using maternal health care services and can have implications for their health and well-being.”
Birth & Trauma Support Center
This peer support group is not a faith-based resource, but I wanted to include it as it is a professional resource I use for my birth doula clients who have experienced a traumatic birth. As with any resource from a secular perspective, please use with wisdom and discernment.
*Amazon Affiliate Note: An asterisk by a product indicates that this is an Amazon affiliate link. If you click through and purchase the recommended product, Amazon will give me a percent of the sale – at no extra cost to you! – as a ‘thank you’. This income is a way to help cover the cost of producing the podcast. I promise to only share products I have direct experience using!