This is the story of how the Lord changed my life. When this all began, I had one hope, but in the process of going through this, He touched every area of my life in profound ways.

It began with a wedding 21 years ago, September 30, 1977. Joe and I were so young, but so sure we knew what we wanted. So at the age of 17, the two of us got married. Although I had attended church for many years, neither of us were committed Christians. We never really talked about a family except to say that we both wanted one. And to agree that waiting was probably a good idea. But six months after the wedding, I found myself expecting, even though I had been taking the pill for months. Read more

It was a beautiful day early last spring. The kind of day that beckoned me and my four children to come outside and enjoy the glory of God’s creation by taking a “P.E.” day at the park. As homeschoolers, meeting the needs for our children’s physical education remains our biggest challenge, so park days are always enjoyed by all.

The children played with other home educated children, and I enjoyed the company of fellow members of a rare breed indeed…the stay-at-home-mom, who home-schools, and has more than 2.4 children ! As I fellowshiped with these mothers I was encouraged, validated, and reminded that God’s favor and blessings are upon me. Read more

Saturday May 17, I experienced a retreat at my local church community. As it was the eve of Pentecost, the focus was on the Holy Spirit. The retreat was intended for those of us in ministry or considering ministry. I gained several insights which I think may be relevant to those of us in birth related fields, and I would like to share them with you. Read more

Vasectomy is a widely used procedure to sterilize human men. The question arises whether it is an appropriate procedure for Christian men. The answer is most probably, no. Consider the following:

Fertility is an intregal part of creation, therefore not up to us to thwart. We were given dominion over the earth, to fill it and subdue it - not dominion over our bodies. Our bodies belong to Christ and to our spouse (1 Corinthians 7:4). Whatever we do to our bodies, we also do to Christ… Read more

What’s “normal” post partum recovery? How do you know if you’re doing “too much too soon” or if you’re ready to be back to normal?

One of the hardest things after giving birth is the process of healing. Particularly if you’ve had a natural birth, you may feel good very soon, and want to get back to normal quickly. This is even more true if you have older children who need your attention and care. So how do you know when to say when?

The most common advice given by post partum care providers is Read more

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phillipians 4:13

(ok, they are not all so obvious) Read more

I am always amazed as I ponder our Heavenly Father’s grace and mercy, and how it is so evident in the new life He has given me. I am blessed with a beautiful family; a husband and four children, and in spite of all of the turmoil in the world around us, He gives us His joy and peace.

I wish I could tell you that it has always been this way, but it would not be the truth. You see, several years ago, before I had a relationship with the Lord, I was facing a very real battle that threatened to rob me of any hope in life, on earth or in heaven.

At the age of nineteen, I had an abortion, a decision I was later to regret. It was a desperate one, based on fear and misinformation. Like many young women, I had made some very bad choices that led to my crisis pregnancy and when I discovered that I was pregnant, I felt so afraid. Read more

Have you heard of pain free childbirth? Have you experienced it? Most women would say no, but there are those who have indeed had painless births. This is a valid experience, as is the painful birth. But it is not a mark of spirituality, just a wonderful blessing when it happens. Many fearful women hope for a pain-free birth, but they are rarely the ones who experience them. Now you may be wondering, Can it happen to you??? Read more

Episiotomy: What Is It and Why Is It Done?

An episiotomy is a surgical incision into the perineal tissue during the second stage of delivery. It was originally developed by doctors to “prevent perineal trauma, improve pelvic floor functioning, enhance sexual functioning, and prevent the pelvic floor from relaxation” ¹. Williams Obstetrics (the text by which all OB’s learn) states the purported benefits for episiotomy: “It substitutes a straight, neat surgical incision for a ragged laceration that otherwise frequently results and is easier to repair and heals better than a tear” ². Lacerations (whether a spontaneous tear, an episiotomy or an extension of an episiotomy) are categorized in degrees: first degree is skin only, second degree is skin and muscle (fascia), third degree goes from skin and fascia into the external rectal sphincter (partial) and fourth degree goes completely through the rectal sphincter and into the rectal mucosa. But women have been voicing that episiotomies aren’t giving them the benefits cited above and are reporting more than the purported risks of episiotomies: excessive blood loss, hematoma formation (localized collection of blood) and potentially fatal infections ². In addition, women are often not given a choice as to whether or not it’s performed on them. Read more

Written by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

All health professionals say they are supportive of breastfeeding.

But many are supportive only when things are perfect, and some not even then. As soon as breastfeeding, or anything in the life of the new mother is not perfect, they advise weaning or supplementation. The following is a list of clues which help you judge whether the health professional is supportive of breastfeeding, at least supportive enough so that if there is trouble, s/he will make efforts to help you continue breastfeeding.

How to know a health professional is not supportive: Read more