Holy Deliverer: A Prayer for a Traumatic Birth

Holy Deliverer: A Prayer for a Traumatic Birth

Holy Deliverer, When bringing my child into the world brings pain and fear, Be near me. Faithful Rescuer, When I feel like Mary, giving birth far from comfort and not as planned, Cradle me. Gentle Father, When labor brings me physical and mental anguish and I doubt your goodness, Hold me. Loving Lord, When my…

Read More

A Prayer for Traumatic Birth

A Prayer for Traumatic Birth

O God who sees my suffering,     who was present as my little one was brought forth     in the confused mixture of my great joy at their birth     and my great grief as our bodies spiraled out of control,  Your strength [can bring / has brought] [me / us] back from…

Read More

For When You Relive a Traumatic Birth

For When You Relive A Traumatic Birth

Author’s Note: My first son was born almost fifteen years ago after a two-day, induced labor because I had severe preeclampsia. I was in and out of the hospital over the course of a month, finally spending a week in the high-risk section of the labor and delivery wing before they induced me. My second…

Read More

Mother of One, Mother of All

preeclampsia birth

Eyes wide, her whole body abruptly leaned toward the computer screen. With shock on her face, she turned to me. “You are in a very serious condition. You could have a seizure anytime,” the nurse told me. “Oh, ok…Will I still be able to go home?” “You are not going anywhere until this baby comes…

Read More