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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 I had the honor of serving as her doula. Emily's story is one of transformation: from mental health struggles and medication concerns to discovering the power of mindset in birth, and ultimately experiencing an unmedicated delivery that deepened her understanding of God's love.

This isn't just a birth story—it's a testimony of how God uses motherhood to sanctify us, stretch our faith, and reveal His heart in ways we never expected. Emily shares openly about navigating bipolar disorder and OCD during early marriage, the surprise of getting pregnant while on medication, and how reading one powerful book completely shifted her perspective on birth.

Whether you're considering an unmedicated birth, struggling with pregnancy fears, or simply needing encouragement that God can use even the most challenging circumstances for good—this episode is full of hope for your heart and practical wisdom for your journey.

In this episode, Emily shares:

📖 How one book (Ina May's Guide to Childbirth) transformed her entire birth plan

🧠 The power of mindset and why "what you say out loud matters" became her motto

🎶 How worship music carried her through labor's most intense moments

👶 The dramatic moment her sunny-side-up baby needed help "with directions"

✝️ How becoming a mother gave her a deeper understanding of God's sacrificial love

🏠 Why she's planning a birth center or home birth for baby #2

Emily beautifully connects the immediate, overwhelming love she felt for her newborn to understanding God's heart toward us—giving us a glimpse of divine love through motherhood.

A Prayer for You: If you're walking through mental health challenges during pregnancy, questioning your birth choices, or feeling overwhelmed by the unknowns ahead—may you be reminded that God's design for birth and motherhood is good, and He will equip you for every step of this sacred journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

✨ Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

💛 Follow Emily: @nurtured_little_nest on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

💛 Work with Me 1:1 – Doula Support & Coaching: Explore birth support and childbirth education for your pregnancy and birth journey

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear Emily's powerful story.

Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned

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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 of labor and the sweet surrender of holding your newborn, every stage of this journey offers glimpses into God's heart and His sacrificial love.

If you've ever wondered how your experience as a mother connects to your faith, or if you're looking for deeper meaning in the beautiful chaos of pregnancy and parenting—this episode will encourage your heart in ways you weren't expecting.

In this episode, I share:

🤱 How the unconditional love you feel for your unborn baby reflects God's unmerited love for you

⛪ Why Jesus chose birth language to describe salvation and what that means for mothers

💔 How the pain and sacrifice of labor mirrors Christ's sacrifice on the cross

👶 What your newborn's transformed heart teaches us about being born again spiritually

✝️ How raising children reveals both our sin nature and God's unchanging love for us

💕 Why your imperfect motherly love points to His perfect, eternal love

Scripture Shared:

• John 3 - You must be born again
• 1 John 4:19 - We love because He first loved us
• Luke 22:42 - Garden of Gethsemane prayer
• Hebrews 12:2 - Joy set before Him
• John 16:21 - Woman in labor analogy
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by grace through faith
• Ezekiel 36:26 - New heart
• Romans 5:8 - Christ died for us while we were sinners

I close this episode by praying over you—that you would see yourself as God's beloved daughter and find fresh encouragement in how deeply, perfectly, and unconditionally He loves you through every season of motherhood.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library; Free birth prep tools, worship playlist & more

💛 Work with Me 1:1 – Doula Support & Coaching: Explore birth support and childbirth education for your pregnancy and birth journey

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this gospel truth.

Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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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 journey began with detailed plans, a "birth binder" (not just a birth plan!), and the determination to do everything "right." But when preeclampsia led to an emergency induction, C-section, and a cascade of unexpected challenges, Crystal found herself struggling with the gap between expectation and reality.

This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. Crystal opens up about the darkest moments of her postpartum experience—including the day she realized she was having thoughts of ending her life—and how that became her wake-up call to seek help and find healing.

Whether you're currently struggling with perinatal mood challenges, supporting someone who is, or want to prepare your heart for what might come—this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual hope.

In this episode, Crystal shares:

🧠 How her perfectionist, control-focused personality made her more vulnerable to postpartum depression

💔 The moment her carefully planned birth completely fell apart and how that affected her emotionally

🚨 Five medical red flags that can contribute to or worsen perinatal anxiety and depression

💪 Practical steps she took toward healing: therapy, reclaiming body autonomy, and prioritizing self-care

✝️ How reconnecting with God felt like "winter fading into spring—things slowly coming back to life"

📝 The "sticky note strategy" for getting postpartum help without the awkwardness

👥 Why community and vulnerability are essential for maternal mental health

Scripture Shared:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." – Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

I close this episode with a heartfelt prayer for any mama walking through the darkness of perinatal mood challenges—that you would know you're seen, loved, and held by a faithful God who never leaves you.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Seven Oaks Therapy: Connect with Crystal at crystal@sevenoakstherapy.com

📚 Postpartum Support International: Virtual support groups and resources

💛 Christian Mama Birth Prep Library: Free Birth Preferences Checklist, worship playlists & more

Remember: struggling doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you human, and help is available.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a mama who needs to hear Crystal's story of hope. Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!