Spirituality in Pregnancy and Birth
Before I get into explaining my thoughts on the importance of spirituality in childbirth, I want to give you some background.
In 1996, Kim and I lost our first child at 11.5 weeks gestation. This was an incredibly devastating time for us. And I have to admit that it was not an especially spiritual time...not as much as it could be. I also didn't bond with this child until after I lost him. We named our baby Ravine Meadow Reine. Some mistakes were made, by us in having him. We went to the hospital unnecessarily, and there was absolutely no spiritual aspect. I take full responsibility for this, and if I were to do it over again, I would not go to the hospital but would stay at home to say goodbye to my baby. I didn't get that chance then, and it took a long time to be able to do so. I have since felt him around us, and I do feel that he was present at Sinéad's birth. I have dreamt of him, and my sister, who didn't know he was a boy, has dreamt of him. I was grateful for this affirmation of what I already knew. He existed, he still exists, and he is still my son.
On Jan 12 1999, I gave birth to Sinéad Aurora Fève Siever. What an incredibly spiritual experience that was. Because of this experience, I am even more determined to have such an experience with this baby as well. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and so my experience is Christianity, in particular LDS based. I do respect all other beliefs, but I will not be focusing on those areas as I have little knowledge of them. Anyway, Sinéad's birth was an incredibly spiritual event that marked a turning point for me in my understanding of my relationship with Heavenly Father and the Saviour, and my relationship with my husband. The Spirit was very strong and very present at her birth. I know that other spirits were there too, perhaps family members who wanted to be present with us. I would like to think that my great-grandmother midwife was there. She had unassisted births herself, so she would understand this desire of ours.
As I have said, I feel very strongly that birth was and is meant to be a spiritual event. Not a medical event. The act of giving birth is an act of Creation. No scientist can reproduce this, no one else on earth can reproduce birth. It is a divine action with divine consequences. Birth is a sacred act, meant to be intimate and spiritual. Here we have a new life, a spirit fresh from the presence of our Heavenly Father, about to embark on his/her journey on earth. And so it is very important that this very important earth-journey is begun on the right note. And in the proper manner. The first person to greet this new life should be his/her parents, whether it be the mama or the papa, it should be those who love this baby, who are a part of his/her family.
We were created spiritually first. Our physical bodies are dependent on our spiritual selves. We grow closer to our Father in Heaven by developing our spiritual selves. Because of this linking of spirit and body, we need to focus on the development of both. I strongly believe that we can do this by learning to rely more on the Spirit, rather than the arm of the flesh. After all, whose baby is this? The doctor's? The midwife's? Or your baby, and Heavenly Father's baby? This needs to be examined more.
Following are some helpful ideas in developing your spiritual self during pregnancy:
- Daily Scriptures study.
- Frequent family and personal prayer. Ask for guidance in making decisions during your pregnancy and birth.
- Service...at church, in the community, for your family.
- Spend time in Nature, contemplating your growing body, this growing baby and the relationship with all creation.
- Ask for priesthood blessings when you feel the need for them.
- Communicate with your baby, and remember...communication isn't only you talking...listen...your baby will talk to you.
Enjoy this pregnancy, enjoy this baby and remember that you are entitled to ask Heavenly Father for help...He wants the best for your baby too. After all, this is His child too.