Faithful Labor | Natural Birth, Pregnancy, Holistic, VBAC, Unmedicated – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In today’s episode, we’re diving into faith, fertility, and holistic health—particularly when it comes to conceiving after vasectomy reversal, pregnancy after 40, & caring for the bodies God has given us in a holistically mindful way. 

My guest, Susan Gladstein, is a holistic fertility practitioner, health coach, and mom of seven. After being faced with the challenges that come with trying to conceive following a vasectomy reversal, she became passionate about helping other mothers and couples couples navigate the journey to pregnancy with hope, faith, and holistic wellness.

Susan’s testimony includes having a miracle baby at 40, experiencing a miscarriage, and now being pregnant again at 44—all while leaning into God’s faithfulness & prioritizing her health.

She shares her wisdom on why medical labels like “geriatric pregnancy” shouldn’t define your journey, how faith sustains you through fertility struggles, and why your health choices today impact generations to come.

So whether you’re trying to conceive, preparing for birth, or needing encouragement as a mother, this episode will give you faith-filled wisdom and holistic health insights to trust God’s plan for your fertility and pregnancy journey.

• The impact of holistic health on fertility and pregnancy after 40.
• Why the term "geriatric pregnancy" is misleading—and how to reject fear-based labels.
• How faith strengthens you through miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and waiting seasons.
• Why your health today shapes your children’s future and family legacy.

• Connect with Susan!:
  • Instagram: @coachsusangladstein | @conceivingaftervr
  • Podcast: Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal
  • Website: www.susangladstein.com
  • Email: susan@susangladstein.com
• Free Resource: Download my Scripture-Based Birth Cards to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during pregnancy and labor.
• Newsletter Sign-Up: https://faithfullabor.myflodesk.com/faithful 

The best way to let me know is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one & they truly bless my heart!) & by sharing this episode with a fellow mama who needs encouragement today.

🎧 Apple Podcasts

***COMING NEXT WEEK***

If you’re looking for more resources, future community updates, or birth encouragement, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and following along on Instagram.

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 📧 Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Blessings, Audrey

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction to a Unique Mission 02:50 The Journey into Holistic Health 06:01 Embracing Parenthood at 40 08:44 Faith and Fertility Challenges 11:29 Navigating Miscarriage and Trusting God 13:59 The Power of Faith in Fertility 16:55 Expectations vs. Reality in Birth Experiences 23:02 Embracing the Unknown in Parenting Choices 24:59 Holistic Health: A Foundation for Recovery 26:15 Redefining Geriatric Pregnancy 28:34 Challenging Societal Norms on Age and Parenthood 30:03 The Importance of Mindset in Health and Fertility 34:15 Assessing Health for Better Fertility Outcomes 36:40 Mindset Shifts for Healthier Pregnancies 41:39 Encouragement for Moms Considering More Children

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the often-overlooked impact of epidurals on our precious babies.

While many women are aware of how epidurals affect mom, the effects on baby are often swept under the rug.

So whether you’re considering an epidural OR have already made the decision to avoid it & need some extra motivation to stay the course, this episode will give you 4 compelling reasons to pause and reflect on your choices surrounding this extremely common intervention. 

This episode is all about providing you with the education and empowerment to make a fully informed decision (no shame and guilt allowed <3 ) —so that you can trust God’s design for your birth and your baby’s health.

What You’ll Learn:

• 4 ways epidurals can affect baby during birth
• How an epidural can interfere with the vital early bonding time and breastfeeding
• The potential long-term health implications of epidural use on your baby’s immune system
• Why trusting God’s natural design for labor can benefit both you and your baby

Mentions:

• Link to submit your birth story
• Free Scripture-Based Birth Cards: Download these cards to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during your pregnancy and labor.

The best way to let me know is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one & they truly bless my heart!) & by sharing this episode with a fellow mama who needs this encouragement today.

 Apple Podcasts

Join Our Community: I don’t have a community group (yet!) but I’d love for you to stay connected and be part of this movement. If you’re looking for more resources, future community updates, or birth encouragement, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and following along on Instagram 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Blessings, Audrey

Sources: 

• Study: "The Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Onset of Lactation" (Journal of Pediatrics, 2006)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16549214/

• Study: "Epidural Anesthesia and Its Effects on Neonates" (Breastfeeding Medicine, 2012)

  • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481815/

• Study: "Association of Epidural Analgesia With Cesarean Delivery in Nulliparous Women" (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2014)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25212169/

• Study: "Fetal Heart Rate Changes After Epidural Analgesia" (Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 2009)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19329041/

• Study: "Mode of Delivery and Its Impact on the Infant Gut Microbiota" (Nature Communications, 2019)

  • Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13014-7

• Study: "Impact of Intrapartum Antibiotics on Neonatal Gut Microbiota" (Journal of Pediatrics, 2018)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30154141/

• Study: "Maternal-Fetal Neuroendocrine Signaling in Labor" (Physiology & Behavior, 2015)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842330/

• Study: "The Role of Beta-Endorphins in Natural Labor" (Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2020)

  • https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.599531/full

The #1 Approach to Experiencing Peace, Confidence, and Clarity in Pregnancy and Labor Prep

In today's episode, I'm sharing about the #1 approach to pregnancy, childbirth prep & honestly -- ALL of life -- that I believe (read: KNOW) leads to peace, confidence and clarity.

It's a bold claim, I know, but approaching my 3rd pregnancy this way (after NOT applying this approach in my first two deliveries) strengthened my faith, brought about indescribable peace & led me to have one of the most profoundly beautiful experiences of my life, delivering a baby at home after 2 previous c-sections. 

Surrendering control to God and seeking His guidance is the foundation for a birth plan that aligns with His perfect will for you and your baby.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key Scripture that can transform your approach to birth prep.
• How trusting God can bring clarity to every decision you face.
• Why inviting God into your plans leads to peace and confidence.
• Practical steps to start aligning your birth preparation with God’s will.

Birth preparation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or uncertain.

By applying the principles in Proverbs 3:5-6, you can trust that God will guide your choices and strengthen your faith as you listen to His leading. If you’re hoping for a different birth experience this time or simply want to grow closer to God in this season of pregnancy & birth prep, I pray this episode encourages & reminds you to lean not on your own understanding, but rather, seek HIS will for your pregnancy, labor & life as you trust in Him who is forever faithful.

Let’s Connect!

If this episode encouraged you, the best way you can let me know is by leaving a written or 5-star review & sharing it with another mama who you believe could benefit from a Christ-centered approach to birth preparation! 

• Follow me on Instagram: @faithful.labor
• Join the Faithful Labor Community: *Stay tuned*
• Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

I pray this episode blesses you & helps equip you to labor faithfully WITH God and for His glory! Enjoy.

Blessings, 

Audrey 

Catching yourself feeling kinda curious about taking a more natural approach to childbirth but aren’t quite sure if it’s the right path for you?

Are you wanting to understand about God’s good & wise design for pregnancy, birth and postpartum but feel overwhelmed on where to even start?

Do you trust that God REALLY does care about & wants to be involved in ALL the details of your life …. Including your birth experiences?

Are you SO READY to start feeling more confident, at peace & even a excited about partnering with the Lord to bring forth new life into this world?

If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions, you are in the RIGHT PLACE, friend

In the Faithful Labor Podcast, you’ll learn about God’s incredible design for mother’s & their babies in pregnancy, labor & postpartum, gain full confidence in your birth decisions, hear positive & uplifting birth stories from Christian women who have gone before you & be regularly reminded to keep Jesus at the center of it all so you can feel prepared (and EXCITED!) to embrace the faith-deepening experience of physiological labor WITH God & for His glory.

I’m your host Audrey Stinson! Bible-believing Christian, wife, former RN, Certified Childbirth Educator & mama to four—two born via C-section and two delivered at home. With my first two deliveries, I lacked sufficient education about how my body was designed for labor, I didn’t possess any confidence, I outsourced my birth decisions to others &, ultimately, I left the Lord out of my plans for pregnancy and childbirth.

After experiencing two challenging surgical deliveries, I realized if I wanted different (or better) birth experiences with any future babies that God gave us, I would need to take a radically different approach and adopt a totally different mindset toward birth. This led me on a Holy Spirit prompted journey to educate myself, learn from other mamas who experienced birth the way I hoped to, gain confidence in my choices & above ALL prayerfully trust in the Lord as I entrusted my future births into His good and perfect hands.

Now, after two incredibly redemptive homebirths, I’m on a mission to equip, encourage inform & HYPE UP Christian mamas about alllll things pregnancy, birth & beyond so that they too can experience God’s grace-filled faithfulness to them in labor.

So! Whether you’re still discerning if natural birth is right for you, looking to navigate through a low-intervention labor, longing for some birth encouragement from someone who has been RIGHT where you are or just wanting to keep Jesus at the center of all your birth-binging consumption, this podcast is for YOU.

So! Slip into your stretchy pants, fill up that water bottle - no really… go do it, gotta keep you & baby hydrated 😉 - & let’s get into it!

Have you ever felt like birth was something to endure rather than embrace? Or maybe fear of the unknown made you outsource every decision to the “experts” without considering what aligns with God’s design?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Aly McClain(host of the Peaceful Homebirth Podcast), a registered nurse whose own journey through birth trauma led her to unlearn mainstream narratives, question the fear-based approach to birth, and rediscover the beauty of God's design. She shares how she moved from total fear and avoidance to confidently choosing home birth, and how this process deepened her faith and understanding of God’s heart for birth and motherhood.

• How birth trauma led Aly to re-evaluate the medical model of birth • Why fear often causes women to surrender decision-making to providers • The importance of asking, "What aligns with God's design for birth?" • How home birth became her default choice (and why she believes all women should consider it first) • The spiritual and emotional healing that can happen through pregnancy and birth

•  Have your own birth story to share? Submit it HERE for a chance to be featured in a future episode!
• Listen to Part 1 of my interview on Aly's Podcast HERE
• Listen to Part 2 of my interview on Aly's Podcast HERE
•  Scripture-Based Birth Cards
•  Connect with Aly McClain: IG- @peacefulhomebirth, Schedule a free 30 minute Birth Strategy Call with Aly HERE,Join her FB community HERE

The best way to let me know is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one & they truly bless my heart!) and by sharing this episode with a fellow mama who needs this encouragement today.

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Blessings, Audrey

But I thought you were "kinda crunchy"? Why are you talking about ePiDurAls?

Well. Here's the thing, epidurals are THE most common childbirth intervention in the western maternity model of care and, just as with EVERYTHING else related to birth, I believe that being informed and educated about ALL your options (including this one) is extremely important. 

We need to know what we are saying "no" to AND what we are saying "yes" to when we decline or accept any interventions during labor. And I hope this little mini-series on epidurals equips you to be able to do just that! 

Some things you'll hear me cover in today's episode:

• The history of the epidural
• How the epidural works in the body
• How the epidural is administered
• Potential costs of the epidural
• A birth story submitted by one of my listener's! (Brittany Corn) 

Mentions:

• Have your own birth story to tell?? I'd love to read it & feature it on a future episode! Share it with me HERE
• Scripture-Based Birth Cards 

Enjoy today's episode? 

***The best way to let me know you did is by leaving me a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one of them & they are truly such a blessing to my heart) & by sharing it with a fellow mama who could be helped or encouraged through tuning in to today's episode too! ***

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Blessings, 

Audrey

Resources:

1. History of Epidurals:

   - [National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): History of Epidural Techniques](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)  

2. Administration of Epidurals:

   - [Mayo Clinic: Epidural Procedures During Childbirth](https://www.mayoclinic.org)  

   - [Evidence-Based Birth: Epidurals](https://evidencebasedbirth.com)  

3. Drugs Used in Epidurals:

   - [Healthline: Understanding Epidural Medications](https://www.healthline.com)  

   - [Cochrane Library: Opioid Use in Labor](https://www.cochranelibrary.com)  

4. Financial Costs of Epidurals: 

   - [Parents.com: The Cost of Epidurals in Childbirth](https://www.parents.com)  

   - [Consumer Reports: Hospital Costs for Epidural Services](https://www.consumerreports.org)  

5. Luxury Epidural Options:

   - [Evidence-Based Birth: Innovations in Pain Management](https://evidencebasedbirth.com)  

 Time Stamps

(0:00) Introduction to the Epidural Mini Series (4:08) Understanding the Epidural: Pros and Cons (4:55) The Importance of Birth Stories (7:54) The History of the Epidural (7:54) How Epidurals Work: Administration and Effects (11:22) Cost of Epidurals and Insurance Coverage (17:17)Conclusion

 epidural, childbirth, birth stories, anesthesia, labor pain, maternal health, epidural history, birth experience, pain management, healthcare costs

In today's conversation, my dear friend Emily Errington, a birth doula & the owner of Wildflower Doula Co. based in Lubbock,Tx, shares her insights on the various roles of doulas in supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth & postpartum.

Some topics you'll hear us discuss are:

• The importance of birth education for BOTH parents
• The dynamics between doulas & husbands  
• How to navigate hospital birth plans
• The differences between nurse vs. doula support 
• Navigating the complexities of various birth experiences
• The importance of emotional support during postpartum
• The role of faith in navigating labor's challenges.

Where can you follow along or connect with Emily? 

• Wildflower Doula Co. on IG

I pray this conversation blesses you as much as it did me & that you leave it feeling more clear on WHAT a doula actually does & if hiring one for your upcoming birth is the best call for you.

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Enjoy today's episode? 

***The best way to let me know you did is by leaving me a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one of them & they are truly such a blessing to my heart) & by sharing it with a fellow mama who could be helped or encouraged through tuning in to today's episode too! ***

Blessings, 

Audrey

Time Stamps

(0:00) Introduction (3:08) Understanding the Role of a Doula (6:05) Want an Epidural? Here's What You Need to Know (8:57) The Importance of Education in Birth (11:53) Navigating Hospital Birth Plans (14:58) The Role of Nurses vs. Doulas (17:50) Advocating for Your Birth Preferences (29:40) Navigating Birth Plans and Interventions (31:52) Postpartum Support and Emotional Healing (36:01) The Role of Doulas in Birth Experiences (42:41) Faith and Peace in Birth Experiences (54:19) Final Thoughts on Birth Preparation and Support

What's covered today: doula, birth support, epidural, labor education, hospital birth, birth plan, maternal health, childbirth, doula role, birth experience, birth, postpartum, doula, emotional support, faith, interventions, labor, motherhood, healing, birth experience

In today's episode I have the absolute JOY of interviewing my friend and mentor Brittany McCardle of the Biblical Birth School. 

Brittany is a wife, mom to *almost* 7, a childbirth educator, certified doula & founder for the Biblical Birth School -- a certification organization which trains & equips birth workers with a robust education on all matters of birth through a CHRISTIAN perspective. 

I have completed Brittany's Childbirth Educator program and am currently enrolled in her Doula appointed program -- and let me just say, her programs are terrific. Thorough, FILLED with resources, book lists, community with like-minded, aspiring birth workers & ongoing, attentive support from Brittany herself. 

Cannot recommend her or her programs highly enough. 

We cover a WIDE variety of topics today like: 

• What does the Bible say about eating your placenta
• Family planning & birth control 
• What to do if I feel called to birth work but also feel woefully ill-equipped 
• What does it look like to trust God in choosing your birth location 
• How to represent Christ well when we speak about ANY topics (but obviously birth-specifically) on social media
• And more

It's a mixed bag. I'm here for it & I hope you are too!

Where can you follow along or connect with Brittany? 

• The Biblical Birth School
• @thebiblicalbirthschool
• The Biblical Birth Podcast
• FREE "Is God Calling Me to Birthwork?" E-book!

I pray this conversation blesses you as much as it did me & that you leave listening to it feeling encouraged & excited & full of deeper faith as you prepare to labor with God & for His glory! Enjoy!

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Enjoy today's episode? 

***The best way to let me know you did is by leaving me a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one of them & they are truly such a blessing to my heart) & by sharing it with a fellow mama who could be helped or encouraged through tuning in to today's episode too! 

Blessings, 

Audrey

Yes, I know it's odd that I am choosing to share about my SECOND home birth // VBAC delivery before I share about my first, buuuuut 

#1 I've actually already shared about my first homebirth on my friend Aly's podcast The Peaceful Home Birth Podcast (go take a listen!) 

#2 WHEN I share about my first homebirth on here, I want to do it in an interview format WITH my husband so he can share his unique perspective on how husband's can support and take an active role in supporting their wives during labor! 

So keep your eye out for that sometime in the future! 

MENTIONS: 

• Birth Song 
• Birth Playlist
• Share your birth story or apply to be interviewed on the podcast here!
• FREE Scripture-Based Birth Cards that my sweet daughter read over me during labor 
• Birth Supplies! -- including my labor outfit 

I pray hearing my story encourages, inspires and excites you to partner with the Lord in your OWN upcoming labor! 

And remember, God is forever faithful. His loves endures forever. He will never leave you nor forsake you and He will be with you even until the end of the age (so, yes, that includes during your birth). Trust & believe & receive that Truth, friend. 

Blessings, 

Audrey

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Enjoy today's episode? 

The best way to let me know you did is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or by taking a screen shot of today's episode and tagging me at @faithful.labor

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the top 8 Scriptures I dwelt on and clung to MOST throughout my two unmedicated labors. While there are MANY more I could share about, these eight were the ones I repeatedly reflected on that brought me the most peace, strength, and reminded me of God’s unfailing love even during the most intense moments of birth. 

While regular ol' birth affirmations and mantras can be helpful to an extent... there is NOTHING like storing up the Word of God in your mind & heart to keep you rooted in Truth & full of faith in the One who has promised to be with you always -- even to the very end. 

Top 8 Scriptures for Labor:

1. Psalm 94:18-19 – “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
2. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
3. Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You.”
4. Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
5. Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
6. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
7. Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
8. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Mentions:

• Scripture-Based Birth Cards (Freebie)
• "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" by Steffany Gretzinger

Scripture Memory Tools//Resources: 

• Dwell Bible app
• Sing the Bible Songs
• Seeds Family Worship
• Scripture Memory Technique
• Scripture Memory Technique 2

I encourage you to take time THIS WEEK  to choose at least ONE verse to start memorizing in preparation for your birth. God’s Word is a lifeline for us as believers friends, both in labor and beyond.

I pray this episode blesses you & helps better equip you to labor faithfully with God & for His glory! Enjoy.

Blessings, 

Audrey

Want to connect with me directly? Please do! 

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Enjoy today's episode? 

The best way to let me know you did is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or by taking a screen shot of today's episode and tagging me at @faithful.labor