Christian Childbirth

By Marianne Manley RN CNM

Christian Childbirth by Marianne Manley RN, CNM contains birth stories written by Christians for Christians and provides information related to childbearing and beyond from a Christian perspective. Christians are encouraged to trust God at this time. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? . . . It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us Romans 8:32-34 (KJV).

An anthology of birth stories which depict various scenarios which may be encountered in natural childbirth follows a brief description of how Marianne became a Christian midwife. The many true stories and photos will give the reader a glimpse into the thoughts and challenges the mothers faced and how they overcame them and succeeded in a natural delivery.

In the handbook section, Marianne shares what she does as a midwife. She provides information on early pregnancy, priorities, time management, warning signs, common discomforts, praying for loved ones, diet tips, recipes, exercise, sex during pregnancy, labor and birth advice, pain management, supplies needed, pros and cons of water birth, cord management, what to do when the water breaks before labor, and emergency childbirth instruction for husbands. Post-delivery information include how to avoid hemorrhaging after the birth, the Ten Commandments for the postpartum mother, getting rid of belly fat, breast feeding, the circumcision decision, and newborn care.

There are also guidelines for feeding on Gods Word, loving our husbands and children, being a godly wife and mother, homeschooling with a new baby, child training tips, speaking gently, avoiding gossip, and much more. Christian Childbirth is a great resource for midwives, doulas, or personal maternity care especially for those desiring a Christ-centered birth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490848723

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 Marianne Manley RN, CNM.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Cover photo of the Mellott family taken by Donna Mellott. No photos may used without permission of the photographer, including any photographs by Jamie Gazaway.

Web site: www.Christianmidwife.com

Blog site: www.AskaChristianmidwife.com

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4873-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4872-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014914944

WestBow Press rev. date: 9/30/2014

Contents

Introduction

Preface

Acknowledgments

Disclaimer

More about Midwives and Birth

A Little about My Background

How I Became a Midwife and Then a Home Birth Midwife: God Moves in Mysterious Ways

Midwife Training Continued

Returned to the States

How I Became a Christian: God Used Being a Midwife to Save Me

Married to a Family Man

Birth Stories and Midwife Notes

Jenny’s Birth of Carri Anne, A Light in the Dark

Marianne’s Birth of Luke

Naomi’s Birth of Micah

Kathy: The Birth of Christian True

Another Home Birth for Jenny: David William’s Birth

Leslie: Billie Ann’s Birth Story

Joni: A Long First Labor with a Surprise Finish

Marianne’s Birth of Grace Marie: A Look Back

Julie Gives Birth to a Persistent Posterior Baby

Julie’s Birth Story: God Has Made Our Joy Complete

More on the Home Front: Grace Almost Died Due to HUS

Tammy’s Birth of Ivan: A Huge Baby, Shoulder Dystocia, and Thick Meconium

Corinne’s Birth of Noah: Water Broken 14 Days and

Terri: The Birth of Nehemiah Charles

Terri: The Story of Isaiah Nicholas’ Birth, Varicose Veins Were No Problem

Another Water Birth for Terri: A Note From Baby Louise

Terri’s Birth of Donnavi, Her 12th at 48, as Told by Jake

Yvette’s Birth Story of Brielle: Retained Membranes

Yvette’s Birth of Emily: Retained Membranes Again

Debby’s Birth of Allison Kathleen

Debby’s Birth of Audrey Jean – Our First Water Birth, and a Cord Revelation

Melissa’s Birth of Isaac, Her First: A Speedy Delivery, But Then Fainting

Joanne’s Birth Story of Cory, Her First, A Waterbirth

Jamie’s Birth Story of Joel Kenneth, Her First

Anna’s Birth Sarah Rose, Her First, Four Hours of Pushing

Amanda’s Birth of Zadoc, Helping a First Timer to do Well

Angela’s Birth Story of Zara: A Difficult Birth

Sophie: The Birth Story of Ella

Sophie Has a Son: The Birth Story of Baron

Jeaneen’s Birth of Grace Anne

Jamie’s Birth Story of Jared

Jamie’s Birth of Jesse James

Jamie’s Birth of John Terry, Born

with a True Knot in the Cord

On the Home Front: Blessing for Alexandra

Amila’s Birth: Joy from God

Bohdana’s 11th at Home at 44

Mary’s Birth of Julianna - No Ultrasound

Karen’s Birth of Tabitha, Her First, She Had a Third Degree Tear

Karen’s Birth of Tim, God Moved a Complete Placenta Previa

Jessica O’s Birth: Grandpa Caught the Baby, After the Unthinkable Happened to the Midwife

Lena: Emma’s Birth Story

Lena’s Birth of Caleb: and Hungarian Goulash

Lena: Joshua’s Birth Story

Morgan’s Tub Birth of Isaiah in Ramona

Morgan: The Birth Story of Michelle Isabelle Rose

Hadassah’s Birth of Rachel Anne, Her First

Hadassah’s Birth of Hannah Noel: Way Overdue

Elisabeth’s Birth of Mark, Her 4th Boy and First Homebirth, No Need to Push

Jessica’s VBAC at Home of Kaitlyn Joy

Abbie’s First at Home: James Samuel, Jr. (Jimmy’s) Birth Story

Elisabeth’s Birth of Noel

Cara: Gideon’s Birth Story

Daelynn’s Birth of Adelynn Lee, No Ultrasound

Hollie’s 7th and First Home Birth: Her Best Birth Experience Yet…

Lauren’s Birth Story of John Michael

Lauren’s Blessed Endurance: Posterior Baby Making the Long Rotation to Anterior

Danielle’s Birth of Silas on the Birth Ball

Danielle’s Birth of Sophie

Lara’s Birth of Gabriel and the Vasectomy That Never Was

Angelina’s Double Answer to Prayer: Eliana’s Birth Story

A 77 Hour Labor: Shelanie’s Birth of Samantha, Perseverance from the Lord!

Caitelen: Violet Sky: A Birth Story

Rachel’s Birth of Jonah, a Little Brother from YHWH

Mackenzie: The True Tale of the Birth of Derrick

Roxanne’s Birth of David Matthew: Her First, Maternal Exhaustion/Shoulder Dystocia

HANDBOOK SECTION Information Given in Early Pregnancy

Time Management

Priorities

The Christian Home

Warning Signs During Pregnancy

Additional Midwife Advice

In Case of Emergency

Comments Written for Marianne on Her 50th Birthday

Praying for Your Loved Ones

What Sets a Christian Midwife Apart From a Non-Christian Midwife

Why Home Birth?

Types of Home Birth Midwives

What I Do As a Midwife for My Clients

Nutrition in Pregnancy and Life

Help for Nausea in Pregnancy

Miscarriage

Eating Well in Pregnancy and During Lactation

Best Foods for Folate

Fish in Pregnancy and Lactation

How Eating Protein Helps You Not to Swell, Keep Lean, and Avoid PIH

Fiber

Magnesium

Butter

Gestational Diabetes

Fasting

Diet Tips

Tips for Healthy Eating

Some Recipes for Life

Gluten Free

Vegan Diet

Getting Rid of a Sore Throat

Getting Rid of a Cold or Virus

Iron: Importance and Sources

by Marianne Manley CNM, Christian Midwife Homebirth Service

Pregnancy Tips

Preeclampsia

Hydatidiform Mole

Avoiding a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Ultrasound in Pregnancy

Surgery in Pregnancy

Memory Loss in Pregnancy

Problems with the Unborn

Stretch Marks

Rhogam and Rh Immunization

How to Do Kick Counts

Preterm Labor

How to do a BSE (Breast Self-Exam)

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

Sex in Pregnancy

GBS (Group B Strep) Positive

Itchy Moms: Cholestasis (ICP) of Pregnancy

Labor and Birth Advice

Stages of Labor

Pain Management Techniques in Labor

Induction of Labor/Overdue

How to Get Blood Out of Fabric

Prolapsed Cord: Can Be a True Emergency

When to Call the Midwife

Cleaning Equipment

How I Sterilize Equipment

Pros and Cons of Waterbirth

When the Cord is around the Baby’s Neck

When to Cut the Cord

Husbands Catching the Baby

Avoiding Shoulder Dystocia

When the Water Breaks before Contractions Start:

Emergency Instruction for Catching the Baby

Pushing and Delivery

Meconium

Post Delivery

Resuscitating a Newborn

Preparing Siblings to Bond with the Baby

Expulsion of the Placenta

Hemorrhage After Delivery: How to Avoid It

Retained Membranes

Repair of a Second Degree Tear

Postpartum Instructions for the Mom

Ten Commandments for the Postpartum Mother

Newborn Baby Care Instructions

To Every Parent

God’s Commandment

Twelve Rules for a Happy Marriage

Hemorrhoids after Childbirth

Newborn Care

Jaundice

What to Put on the Baby’s Skin

Butt Burn What It Is and What to Do About It

Frequent Ear Infections

Circumcision

Breast Feeding

Why Breast Feed?

How to Breast Feed

How Often to Feed

Positions for Nursing

Sore/Cracked Nipples

Flat or Inverted Nipples

How to Tell if the Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk

Engorgement

The Father’s Role in Breastfeeding

Avoiding Mastitis

Work and Breastfeeding/Pumping Your Breasts

Special Circumstances

Special Needs

Weaning

Safe Milk Storage and Keeping

Wet Nursing

Introducing Solid Foods

Getting Rid of Belly Fat/Exercise/Kegel’s

Core Exercises

Lead Poisoning

Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Being a Titus 2 Woman

As a Wife

Gossiping: Definition and Cure

Testimonies from Giants in the Faith (taken from Genesis First Things by Bela Horton, pg 6)

Feeding on God’s Word Daily

Loving Our Children: Home Schooling and Training

Tips on Homeschooling

Speak Gently

Homeschooling with a New Baby

Help with Homeschooling Special Needs

Homeschooling with Little Ones: Learn CPR and First Aid

My Worst Home School Year: True Confessions of a Not So Super Mom Whose Cape is Frayed

Homeschooling: A Letter to Nicole Jocelyn CNM,

Gardening

Let’s Be Gracious Women

Natural Birth Versus Spiritual Birth

How I Study the Bible

Conclusion

Post Script

Appendices

Harmony in the Home

Why Should I Read the Bible?

Statement of Faith

Amazing Grace

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

How to Be Saved

Romans Road: to Believing in God

God’s Amazing Love: He Wants All Men to be Saved (Verses Showing God’s Love)

The Goal of Every Christian: Knowing Jesus

The Holy Spirit

CMHS: Statistics of Home Births 1993-2013

Additional Resources

About the Author

Introduction

Hoping to write a book one day I wrote the following ten years ago:

The light rain hit the windshield as the wipers beat back and forth. Heading south on the interstate I noticed the gray clouds beginning to clear on that spring day.

"Wow! What a great birth!" I thought to myself. Then I prayed, "Praise and thanks go to you Lord Jesus." I could feel the smile on my face. I started chewing on an energy bar and taking sips of water. The traffic was slower than usual because of the rain.

I reviewed the birth in my mind. I had been called twice by Kitty, Sophie’s mother-in-law, at 7:10 and 7:40 am. (It isn’t often that a midwife can go to a birth after a full night’s sleep). On the first call she let me know that labor had started at 6:30 am, but was irregular. However, on the second call Kitty sounded anxious and urged me to come right away. I could tell that she was worried that she might have to catch the baby herself.

I had grabbed my bags and headed for the military base praying all the way, hoping that I would get there before Sophie delivered. I made it to their military housing without any problems. I pulled in the driveway at 8:30. Kitty pointed me upstairs. I had seen my midwife assistant’s car on the street, and knew Lynn was there since she lived closer. I bounded up the stairs and could see Sophie kneeling by her bed breathing heavily. Sophie’s friend, Natasha, and Lynn were on either side of her, coaching and supporting her. I took her vital signs and listened to the baby. Then I made preparations for doing an exam because Sophie said she felt like pushing. Sophie managed to get on the bed, but she didn’t want to open her legs. The water bag broke at 8:54 and the fluid was clear.

I can feel the head! Sophie gasped, leaning back on some pillows positioned by the assistants. A couple of plastic sheets were under her, then the old sheets, and a plastic mattress cover.

We can see the baby’s hair! You’re doing great! I encouraged. Give me a little steady push, I said. I don’t want you to tear.

My gloved hand supported the outlet and flexed the head, as it smoothly emerged with a loop of cord on the side. Time seemed to be in slow motion for a brief few seconds, then another contraction rotated the head and the shoulders, and the body was born.

It’s a boy! someone exclaimed. What joy! After two petite girls, Trevor and Sophie had been hoping for a boy. The baby grimaced and cried. He seemed slightly bluish, probably because the cord had been momentarily compressed, so I decided to give him some oxygen.

What’s his name? I asked, while waiting for him to pink up.

Baron, Sophie answered with distinction, smiling down at her priceless treasure.

How was the birth? I ventured, while examining the now pink, soft and warm little boy.

Really intense, she replied with emphasis from her nodding head and large eyes.

We spent a couple of hours ministering to the mom and baby as they recovered from the birth. They were both stable, washed, dressed, fed, and content by the time we made our good-byes.

Now in just three hours since my arrival, I was on my way home. We were all so delighted. It was too bad Trevor didn’t know yet that he was the proud daddy of a precious little boy. He was a Marine, stationed in a desert somewhere in the Middle East, still wondering if there would be a war with Iraq. "Thank you Lord, for all the answers to prayers!" I prayed silently.

Trevor had been home for Ella’s birth, Sophie’s second child. That labor took over 22 hours, and Lynn and I were there for 19 hours. We expected another long birth like that one, but this time it only took three and a half hours. I have noticed that God sometimes will give a short birth after a long one, but not always.

Just like each human being is completely unique, every birth is unlike any other, with different blessings and challenges. In Psalm 139, David speaks to God and says: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

God knows each of us before we are even born. God knows us and loves us. In fact God knows our eternal souls before they are in our temporary but highly complex tents (bodies). Before I formed you in the belly, I knew thee. Jeremiah 1:5a. We are made in God’s image. He has given us the ability to communicate with Him (by prayer). God wants us to know and love Him (through His Word). God wants us to seek Him first in all that we do.

At last here is that book! I have now had my homebirth practice, Christian Midwife Homebirth Service, for 20 years. Finally, I have the time to write, compile and edit this book, since I have just graduated my son, Luke, from home school. Luke has almost finished writing his own book, which is a huge encouragement to me. His book is fiction, containing super heroes. My book is nonfiction, containing true life stories about real laboring super heroines, and I say that out of deepest respect for them

Why read a book about birth stories when it is so easy to watch them on the internet? Because in a book you can learn about the trials, triumphs, thoughts and motivations that the brave women are going through in their minds and emotions. Some of these stories will give you goose bumps, some will make you laugh, some will take your breath away, and some will have you cheering the mothers on.

Knowing how much moms enjoy reading birth stories I have compiled several that I think are so good they need to be shared. This is one of only a few books which actually contain the stories written by the moms themselves. My assistants and I have been blessed to serve these precious women who all had the courage to have their babies at home and to share what helped them succeed. Some of the names have been changed to protect the privacy of the families. I am happy to be able to report that all the women and their babies have been safe and healthy. Many husbands want to catch their own baby. When- ever possible I encourage them to do that. The goal is to strengthen the bonds between the husband, the wife and their children. Because I could not separate my own life from my work I have woven my own story into the book. You will learn how I became a midwife and a Christian. The second half of the book contains the information I give my clients during the nine or so months they are in my care. I hope you will find this book comforting, encouraging, and interesting.

Preface

As a Christian Nurse Midwife for many years, I would like to pass on the knowledge that God has given me to women all around the world. The birth stories in this book is written by Christian for Christians to inspire them to Christ-centered natural childbirth whether planning a home birth, a birth center birth or a hospital birth. My hope is that not only Christian families, but other Christian midwives, doulas, counselors, ministers, and childbirth educators will be blessed by the information in this book.

I believe having a baby is a family affair. Many husbands want to catch their own baby and, whenever possible, I encourage them to do that. The goal is to strengthen the bonds between the husband, the wife and their child. I believe in giving the mother my undivided attention, love and support throughout her childbearing experience. Although I am a formally trained Advanced Practice RN, known as a Certified Nurse Midwife, my care is still very low intervention; but highly supportive. My goal is to care for the women and their families as unto the Lord with love, kindness and encouragement.

I have been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years and a Nurse Midwife for more than 27 years. I have attended births in hospitals, birth centers and in homes. As the steward of my own midwife practice for over 21 years the enormous responsibility has taught me a great deal about childbearing. Originally I wanted to write a Christian alternative to some of the other childbirth books currently available. As soon as I finished homeschooling I started writing and compiling a book. At a writers conference I learned that my manuscript was too long. However, many of the longer birth stories were so interesting, informative and fun to read, especially those of one prolific mom that I felt they should be printed in their entirety.

So I broke my manuscript into three books. In the first book, Birth Stories and Midwife Notes: In God We Trust, I describe how I became a midwife and Christian, and then include several birth stories compiled during the early years of Christian Midwife Homebirth Service. These birth stories are written by the brave women who endured different kinds of labors and births, including husbands catching their babies, and water births. The second book, Born at Home, Praise the Lord!, contains mainly birth stories and some midwife notes from the later years. It chronicles many exciting birth stories, some very detailed, some written by the husbands, and others by women patiently waiting for God to bring on the labor, but all trusting in how He has equipped the mom to give birth. The third book, Handbook to Christian Natural Childbirth, is a collection of Christian midwife handouts, diet and other tips, and comprehensive information related to childbearing. This book contains how to instruction and midwife advice for everything moms and coaches need to know about pregnancy, birth, and beyond. These books are intended to supplement personal maternity care, especially if there is no access to a Christian Certified Nurse Midwife. Solutions to various potential problems are clearly described and explained in an easy to understand language. These books are available on amazon.com/author/Marianne Manley.

In Christian Childbirth, I have once again gathered the three books into one choosing the best stories and information.

Although the main emphasis of this book is Christian childbirth, my life is intertwined as a sort of subplot because it is impossible to separate my work from my life. An anthology of birth stories which depict various scenarios which may be encountered in natural childbirth follow. The many true stories and photos will give the reader a glimpse into the thoughts and challenges the mothers were facing and how they overcame them and succeeded in a natural delivery. Abbreviated versions of all four of Jamie’s interesting, detailed stories are included.

The last section of the book includes much of the same material given in the Handbook, which is organized in a chronological order starting with pregnancy, birth, post delivery and baby care. The Table of Contents is extensive since there is no index. New information has also been added to this book.

When requested some of the names have been changed to protect the privacy of the families. My assistants and I have been blessed to serve these precious women, pray for them, and to help them to have wonderful births. I am happy to report that all the women and their babies have been safe and healthy. To God be the glory!

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ for helping this book to be written for His people. The best part of any of the books that I have written is His Word.

I am also grateful for the steadfast love, support, wise counsel and oversight of my dear husband, Chuck. Chuck has always encouraged me to make the books that I write the best I possibly can.

God also paired me with two wonderful assistants. I was blessed by the multi-talented Marie Keller for all of her excellent hard work, quick mind, fast typing, technical know-how, and ready and timely assistance. Barbara Coffman with her medical background, Christian knowledge, and expert editorial experience was perfect for proof reading this book. Such teamwork!

I am also greatly indebted to all my excellent midwife assistants who have ministered to the families and to me over the years. My assistants were actually ministering to Christ as they ministered to the families and me. These assistants have often encouraged me as we prayed and worked together with the joy of the Lord.

Finally, I would like to thank all my friends and clients for their prayers for my family and me. I am grateful for all the moms and dads who gave me their permission to share their birth stories and pictures. I am so proud of all that they have accomplished with the help of the Lord.

Disclaimer

Natural childbirth can occur in the hospital, birth center, or home. While these birth stories are written by women who have had home births they can still encourage women who desire natural childbirth in other settings. Having a home birth is not for everyone. A prerequisite to having a home birth is that the mother and baby are low risk (not having any major maternal health issues or problems with the baby, genetic, congenital, or otherwise). I do advocate a hospital birth for anyone who changes from low risk to high risk status during the course of the pregnancy, birth, postpartum or newborn period, whether mom or baby. However, there are risks with birth no matter what the setting is. I do not advocate unassisted births. It is good stewardship of the parents, that the mother and baby have a trained, experienced, knowledgeable doctor or midwife.

More about Midwives and Birth

Midwife means with woman. A midwife is the normal childbirth expert, just as a doctor is the high risk specialist. Midwives are also CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation Certified. They are thoroughly trained in normal obstetrics, maternity care and newborn care, physical exams, and lactation counseling. The CNM can do lab tests and order sonograms. Working with a pharmacy they can obtain supplies and medications which are part of the standard of care for normal low risk births. CNM’s are legally allowed to deliver babies in a hospital, birth center or home in many states.

As a Certified Nurse Midwife in California, I am under the Consumer Affairs Department and the Board of Nursing. The Nurse Practice Act contains the rules and regulations which must be followed. Thirty hours of Continuing Education Units every two years are the minimum requirements for renewing of licenses every two years, although I do even more reading and research on my own to stay on the cutting edge in childbirth, nutrition, newborn care, lactation, etc.

The midwife is there to make the adjustments necessary to ensure that the birth stays low risk and goes smoothly. I firmly believe that the mother was created to give birth. The mother needs to eat well, rest, and exercise to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, well. I have never induced a birth, but I trust God to bring on labor. I do not cut episiotomies because a little snip tends to be the start of a bigger tear. God has designed the baby with bones that are not fused so that the skull can mold into a cone and fit through the birth canal.

Childbirth is not a disease or illness, but a natural process. It is painful, but can be accomplished. Many hospitals all over the world utilize midwives, especially countries that are part of the former British Commonwealth such as Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, and India. Many countries in Europe also employ midwives such the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and others. Midwives have been delivering babies all over the world for thousands of years. Midwives are mentioned in the Bible. The Hebrew midwives were summoned by Pharaoh, and they also helped Rachel, Jacob’s wife.

The industrial countries in which midwives attend the vast majority of births have the best perinatal outcomes. Since more than 90% of births tend to be low risk, utilizing midwives is also more cost effective for a nation’s health care.

Home births tend to be more peaceful and less stressful than either hospital or birth center births. These both involve going someplace else in labor, having whatever midwife or doctor is on call, and adhering to more rigorous protocols and timelines. The chance for being transferred to a hospital is therefore greater at a birth center than at home. In hospitals, there is an increased chance of interventions during labor and surgical birth. No matter where you choose to deliver, every birth carries risks and no outcomes are guaranteed.

With a home birth there is no operating room or anesthesiologist available. Most transfers to the hospital are not an emergency. I found the most common cause for transfer to be maternal exhaustion. Even with a home birth there is a chance of transferring to the hospital, because the most important thing is a healthy mother and baby, not a homebirth at any price. Ultimately where and with whom to have a baby is a personal decision, which should be based on medical facts: Are the mom and baby low risk? Is everything continuing normally? Does the husband agree? The decision to birth at home should be made prayerfully. As I have mentioned, this book can be useful no matter where the mother chooses to deliver. Always have as plan B to go to the hospital if a doctor is needed. Thankfully, many wonderful doctors and excellent hospitals are available. With good education and preparation birth can safely be accomplished in a hospital, birth center or in the home.

A Little about My Background

As a Certified Nurse Midwife, I have delivered more than 350 babies, but have been part of over 1,000 births in hospitals, birth centers, and home births with other midwives. I have been a Nurse Midwife since 1987, and have had my own home birth practice since 1993 in San Diego. I did 35 births during my training at the RHW in Australia, including assisting with three breech and three twin births, and an unmedicated external version. I delivered another 35 hospital births at Los Gatos Community Hospital working under Dr. Phil Warner. I also assisted with home births in both Australia and in northern California. I also assisted with other hospital births as an RN in Labor and Delivery at Harbor-UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles, Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, and Mercy Hospital in San Diego. I was a midwife assistant at the Natural Childbirth Center in Los Angeles. I delivered 110 babies as a Nurse Midwife at Balboa Naval Hospital, during the early 1990s before I began my home birth practice.

I am embarrassed to say that I myself have not had home births, although I really wanted to and desperately tried to for my last two births. I had an epidural for each of my three hospital births.

My first child, Alexandra, was born just before I turned 36. With my second child, Luke, at 42, I had two homebirth midwives assisting me, but I transferred to the hospital when I reached seven centimeters. You will read about his birth. Then I had Grace, my third child, at 44. Again, I had two midwives who were going to assist me with her birth.

However my husband, Chuck, became concerned about having a homebirth after I started going past my due date. He said I could have a home birth as long as I went into labor before 42 weeks. I prayed with all my might for labor to start. But the day after 42 weeks, Chuck said we had to induce, so I did, and had another hospital birth. Although I don’t understand why God didn’t let me go into labor before 42 weeks, I trust Him. To me, being a mom is the greatest and most rewarding job I have ever had. There is nothing I enjoy more, not even being a midwife. I have had the joy of teaching all my children to read while homeschooling them. Although parenting is extremely challenging, if I had a chance to live my life over again, I would have had more children.

I was born in Sweden but my family moved to the Los Angeles area when I was 8 years old. We were unchurched. We soon became like the typical American family. I knew of only one family in my neighborhood who were Christians. They once tried to show us children a boring movie about King Ahab. However, they were kind to let us perform our plays in their driveway. I am certain they secretly prayed for us over the years. My father had been a salesman with IBM in Sweden selling office equipment. This family also helped him get a job as a stockbroker.

After graduating from Pacific Palisades High School, I traveled around Europe and lived in Sweden for a while. Then I returned to California and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Psychology in 1977. In 1981, I became an LVN. In 1983, a Registered Nurse. In 1987, I graduated from a nurse midwife program in Sydney, Australia. After marrying, having a baby, and divorcing, I graduated as a Certified Nurse Midwife from a San Jose State University program in 1991. In the beginning of this program, I became a Christian at 37 years of age. It was the most important event of my entire life, and I have never been the same since.

00Midwife.jpg

Marianne with baby John, photo by Jamie Gazaway

How I Became a Midwife and Then a Home Birth Midwife: God Moves in Mysterious Ways

So let me go back to how I got started doing home births. The story of how I became a midwife really goes all the way back to my time in Santa Cruz, California.

I graduated from UCSC in 1977 with a BA in Clinical Psychology. At that time there was a glut in the market, and psychologists were a dime a dozen, all looking for work at the same time. I was living in a cute little house with a nice couple. I was unsaved. At this time I had a bad case of poison oak, with blisters and swelling all over my body, including my face. I could barely tolerate a sheet over me, I was miserable. Being confined to home, I was reading a lot, and wondering what kind of career to get into, since the psychology goal was fading due to so much competition. I read a book about careers and made a list of what I liked. High on the list was being with people, and helping them in some way. Somehow I started reading Ina May Gaskin’s book, Spiritual Midwifery. I thought as I read, Isn’t birth the most miraculous event on earth? Wouldn’t it be the most exciting event to be part of? I like a challenge! I read her list of explanations and thought, I can do this! It was as if a light bulb went off in my head and I had a goal to shoot for.

Unfortunately, the spiritual part of Spiritual Midwifery was not the true path. Even in her second book, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, the author still sees humans as being animals instead of being made in God’s image. Since we are made in our Maker’s image we can have a personal relationship with Him. After I became a Christian in 1990, I wrote Ina May Gaskin a letter encouraging her to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior, giving her the Gospel. I am sure Jesus is waiting patiently for her to accept Him. Jesus is a gentleman; He does not force Himself on anyone. I related to her what Jesus said, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32. He was lifted up on the cross, and took the punishment we deserve on Himself, because He loves us. Jesus said, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20. We only have this lifetime to decide where our eternal soul will go. Jesus said, No one cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6. Nevertheless, Ina May is very good at explaining things plainly, and in an easy to understand way. Her birth stories have a hippie flair. She talks about purposeful touch, and her books contain excellent graphics. Her books have done a lot to encourage people to have natural childbirth and to use midwives. Since her book gave me the inspiration to become a midwife, I decided that one day I would write a book which contains the true spiritual path. This is that promised book.

Embarking on my quest to become a midwife I realized that the first thing I had to do was to become a nurse. So I took the prerequisites at local junior colleges, finishing at Santa Monica Community College. I tried to get into a nursing school in one of these community colleges, but the nursing programs were full at Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. Finally I heard there wouldn’t be as long a wait to get in at San Diego City College, and that is how I came to live in America’s Finest City.

Midwife Training Continued

Finally, I was admitted at SDCC to the LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) program. Meanwhile, I worked in the burn unit at UCSD (University of San Diego Hospital), and then in the Emergency Room as a hospital assistant. I had done geriatric care in Santa Barbara while taking my pre requisites. I then applied to the RN school at SDCC and was accepted. I worked at Sharp Hospital as an LVN in the Neurology Ward. I had some setbacks but finally graduated with my Associate Degree in Nursing near the top of my class - I was motivated - and passed the RN Board Exam.

I misunderstood the requirements for getting into midwifery school in the States, thinking I had to have a BS degree in Nursing and not realizing my BA was enough. So I decided to go to Australia for midwifery school. Besides, I wasn’t getting any younger and my biological clock was ticking away.

Arriving in Australia, I bought an old car and drove around the country visiting midwife schools to determine which one was the best. I worked in the Outback with two other Nurse Midwives with the Flying Doctors for a short while. There were midwifery schools all over Australia, 23 in Sydney alone. I finally decided the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney was the best because they only did maternity care. I worked on the Head and Neck Surgery Ward at Saint Vincent’s in Sydney while waiting to start at RHW.

Looking back on it now, I see God’s leading hand because the training I received in Australia was of very high caliber. I received excellent training in all facets of maternity care. There were lots of hands-on opportunities: external version, breech births (even assisting with a footling breech), twins, antepartum, and working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, labor ward, and of course, the postpartum ward. We were taught by the doctors and midwives. Again I had some setbacks, which I now understand as spiritual warfare, but again still very motivated, I finally passed, one of the top three in my class.

I was blessed with my training. I even had the chance to assist one of my instructors with a very long first birth at home. It was a young Scottish couple. We all worked hard the whole night, gently encouraging the mom and humbly ministering to her, wringing out hot compresses and putting them on her abdomen for some pain relief and cheering her on with the pushing. Then miraculously, as the radiant rays of sunshine came through the dark wood-framed windows in the high ceiling room, it shone on the new mother tenderly holding her sweet little baby girl. The light was so bright they appeared bleached white, a picture forever etched in my memory.

Watching Call the Midwife, the BBC television series, reminds me of my time at the Royal Hospital for women. We wore the same uniforms and were taught by the midwives who were called Sisters. We had so much camaraderie working together as student midwives, studying together and relaxing for a few merry moments at tea time.

Returned to the States

I returned to the States. I had fallen in love with a man 7 years younger than I named Phil who was now back in his native country, Canada.

While waiting for him to join me, I started working as a labor and delivery nurse at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. I married Phil against my father’s advice. We had a baby girl, Alexandra. When she was only 5 months old, we separated. I started working as an RN in labor and delivery at Harbor-UCLA where they used midwives. I then decided to get into an American Accredited Nurse Midwife Training Program which took foreign trained midwives so that I would not have any trouble getting insurance payments. The program I was accepted to was affiliated with San Jose State University and called EPA (Educational Programs Associated). Alex and I moved up to that area, soon after her first birthday.

How I Became a Christian: God Used Being a Midwife to Save Me

It’s amazing but God used midwifery to help save my soul. When I started the midwife program in the fall of 1990, holistic medicine was very popular. We needed to treat the whole person emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually. I wondered, "Which spiritual path is correct?" I was a self-professed atheist who had recently become agnostic. When my dad mentioned that he believed in a Supreme Being, that thought opened my mind a sliver. I had always been a person who believed in pulling myself up by my own boot straps, working hard to be a mover and a shaker a la Ann Rand. I was even occasionally contemplating the Humanistic and New Age foolishness of worshiping man instead of God. I was unsure about how to help others spiritually. Around that time I had a vision of people all over the world with their Bibles. Why so many Bibles? Was there some truth in it?

I found out that the girls who lived in the apartment above me were Christians. So I asked them about their faith, and they agreed to teach me about the Bible.

First they showed me using Scriptures that the Bible is God’s Word. Then they showed me using God’s Word that Jesus is who He said He was, the Son of God. They took turns teaching me several nights a week after Alex went to sleep. Unbeknown to me, many were praying for me.

After three or four months, of diligently explaining the Scripture, one night I finally understood. All of the teaching came together, my mind made all the connections, I suddenly realized it was all true, Jesus had to be God! While Jill was showing me what the Bible said in John chapter 3, it seemed to me that the words were flashing off the page like a neon sign. At that moment God’s Holy Spirit had made me spiritually alive. I was quickened. Quickening is a word midwives use when the mom first feels the baby kick, evidence that the baby is alive. But God, who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)… Ephesians 2:4, 5. God made me spiritually alive. I didn’t do it. His Spirit awakened my spirit. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9.

That night, in the privacy of my own room I bowed down to Jesus and told Him I believed that He is God, who died for my sins in my place on the cross. I told Him that I was sorry that He had to suffer for my sake, but that I was grateful that He had offered Himself and saved my soul. I didn’t understand very much about heaven or hell or anything concerning the Christian walk, but I understood that Jesus was who He said He was: God. I was born again from above.

I was very busy with midwife school, but I eventually started studying and memorizing Scripture and I have never stopped. I had a hunger for God’s Word. The more I read the Bible the stronger my faith became. So faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17. Now I study God’s Word daily. Study to shew thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. I take the responsibility every day to learn more about God for myself by reading His Word, and not depending on someone else to teach me. I am clinging to Jesus more and more and as a result I have more peace and trust in Him than ever. Jesus is coming back. He has prepared a place for us: I go to prepare a place for you John 14:2, and I am going to be with Him for ever, that where I am there you may be also John 14:3.

I had roommates and other childcare help for Alexandra. I started working as a Nurse Midwife for Dr. Phil Warner and saw his Media-Cal patients. I was credentialed to do deliveries at Los Gatos Community Hospital. I did 35 births with him. Soon I also started helping a very experienced home birth midwife named Yelena. I did 6 home births with her. I then worked at Stanford University in the Fertility Clinic for a few months before landing a Nurse Midwife position at Balboa Naval Hospital through UCSD. I asked God to allow me to move back to San Diego, if it was His will for me, and He let me. Working through a contract with UCSD as a Nurse Midwife at Balboa Naval Hospital, I did about 110 births in my first year and was now re-credentialed to start my second year.

It was 1991, the year after I became a Christian, when trouble hit. A Christian woman had helped me change from pro-choice to pro-life. God gradually changed me from the inside out. Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2b. I was doing a clinic at the Naval Air Station in Coronado Island. In my typical zeal I urged three different families not to abort their precious children. These families wrote letters of complaint. So I lost my job. I hired a lawyer and tried to get my job back, but it was no use.

At this time I was a divorced single mother of a 2 ½ year old living in Pacific Beach. What to do? I started working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Mercy Hospital. I was going to a Bible study once a week which my dentist and his wife attended. They connected their friend, Jenny, with me and she came to visit me in my little one bedroom apartment. I immediately liked Jenny. She was not pregnant but said she was interested in having a midwife birth if she would get pregnant. I told her about the midwives and birth centers I knew about. Then unexpectedly she said, "But I would like you to do my birth."

I thought, Is this You Lord? Do You want me to do home births? Do You think I’m ready? I told Jenny that I would be honored to do her birth, and that I had wanted to start doing home births, but was waiting for the right time. I promised to pray for her to conceive a child from God.

I began calling around for equipment. I contacted a home birth midwife, Vonnie, who was retiring. My friend Yolanda a CNM, and I went to her home and I got everything I needed: oxygen tank, baby resuscitator bag, speculums, scale, etc. Then I called an obstetrician who was retiring and bought one of his exam tables. I was amazed at how easy it had been to collect all my equipment. I felt that this was another sign that it was God’s will that I should serve as a home birth midwife. It was February of 1993.

Married to a Family Man

So there I was, a divorced single mom of a 2 1/2 year old daughter. I became a Christian between my husbands. So I was now a new creation in Christ (II Cor. 5:17). Now, celibate, I was, in a sense, a virgin (secondarily), since being born again. After much prayer, I found a man, who was

Reviews for Christian Childbirth

[J McCune · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderful book! A resource for a lifetime for mothers