How I Gave Birth Without Pain and Without Pain Medicine

When giving birth to my son, I tore, and recovering from that was one of the most painful things I’ve experienced. For weeks I could barely walk and even sitting was uncomfortable. I didn’t know then I could believe for my body to stretch without tearing. But I did know to believe for a pain-free birth and I got to experience being in labor for over 11 hours and giving birth pain-free without the help of any medication or breathing techniques. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. I feel like I received a special gift that not many people in the whole world get. So special and so grand, I want to do it again and again. But part of me feels weird about it. Like I'm in some secret club that nobody else understands unless their in it, too. It's not fair that most women have to experience pain in childbirth. Or that they have to take an epidural just to get through it. I’m here to tell you all about my story and how you can experience it, too.

When I started reading the book, Supernatural Childbirth, by Jackie Mize, I was surprised to learn there were women out there that gave birth without pain and without pain medication! I was dreading giving birth because almost every aspect of it was scary to me. Contractions were painful, I was scared of how pain medication made me feel out of control...What if I didn’t make it to the hospital in time? There was so much fear and pain in childbirth spoke about in the world.

Over the course of my first and second trimesters carrying my son, I studied what the Bible says about pregnancy and giving birth and replaced Truth with what the world says about it. I had to squash many lies that went through my head, such as: "I can't do this," "it's not real," "I don't have enough faith for a pain-free birth." I was encouraged when reading what Terry Mize wrote in the epilogue of the book, "Look for God's goodness and mercy and deliverance. Don't look for trouble or problems."

It didn’t take long for my husband, Luke, and I to discover the powerful, amazing authority he had over my body. As husband and wife, the Bible says we are one flesh and the husband is the spiritual leader of the family. Where my faith lacked, he was able to stand in for it. During my pregnancy, when I battled anxiety and panic attacks, his prayers fought off the fear. Weeks before my April 15th due date, Luke kept saying I would go into labor at 3:00 am on April 17, and give birth that day. I didn’t really like that plan, but I didn’t verbalize any better one. I’m still not even sure why he kept speaking that over me! After photographing a wedding on April 16, I was disappointed that the baby still wasn’t here yet. I went to bed that night as normal, thinking if photographing a wedding didn’t trigger labor, he would have to come on his own timing.

On Sunday, April 17, 2016, I awoke to my first labor contraction. I looked at the clock, and to my surprise, it read: 3:00 AM. “You have GOT to be kidding me!” I thought to myself. I stayed in bed the rest of the night and into the morning. I attempted to count the minutes between contractions, but I kept falling asleep. The contractions felt like a tightening around my abdomen, kind of like if you were to make a fist and tighten your muscle. I had never been in labor before, so I guess I didn’t fully realize that those contractions were very painful for most women, women that didn’t know to believe for pain-free births. About 7 hours into labor, fear reared his ugly head. I began to have anxious thoughts and that’s when I felt it for the first time. Until now, I thought having cancerous cells burned off my cervix was painful. These labor contractions were worse. Luke came in the bedroom and I told him what was happening. He prayed over me, and the pain magically disappeared. About 9 hours into labor, I had this sense of urgency. I told Luke we needed to go to the hospital immediately. I can't really tell you how I knew this, but something in my body just changed, and I knew without a doubt it was time to go. He asked me how far apart the contractions were, but I had so many I really wasn’t sure when one ended and the next one began. It felt like it took him 10,000 years to brush his teeth and I was ready to walk out the door without him and call a cab. I called his mom, who of course didn’t answer, or notice my texts, “EMERGENCY- ABOUT TO HAVE THE BABY CAN YOU GIVE ME A RIDE TO THE HOSPITAL?!?!” So, I had to go with my slow poke husband instead. (He explains the situation much different, but this is how I viewed it in my about-to-have-a-baby state!)

One of the things that stuck with me throughout my pregnancy was what Jackie wrote early in the book about building your faith up until delivery- that if you haven't built up a confidence inside you by the time you are in labor, it's too late. So, I left my scripture cards at home and walked (aka waddled) to the car in full confidence of the Word of God. I hadn't considered myself very full of faith, but after reading others' supernatural testimonies, I couldn't help but believe that it could be true for me, too. That is what faith is -  confidence in what is unseen.

In the car and beginning our 35 minute drive to the hospital, I was 95% sure I was delivering a baby in the car - which was NOT my birth plan at all! Serenaded by a NewSpring worship CD, I tried to think calming thoughts to keep the baby in there a little longer. Luke spoke over my body and baby, “Troy, stay in there until we get to the hospital!” “No,” I interrupted, “into our room!” “...and into our room!” He added. Within a few seconds, I felt things change. The contractions grew further and further apart. Around 1:30 pm, I was checked into my room and the nurse checked to see how dilated I was. To her surprise, I was 7 cm dialated, 3 cm away from being fully dilated. They stood in amazement at the machine monitoring my contractions. The scales would rare up, indicating a strong contraction but there was no reaction from me. My mom was working in the hospital I was delivering at, so she was able to clock out and come to my room. Soon after, Luke's mom joined, after she received a call on her land line from her friend, who we called and asked to pray for us. Right after Luke's mom walked in my room, something changed inside of me. I couldn't sit still and felt like I had to jerk and move my legs a lot. Thinking it had to be go time, I asked the nurses to check me. They didn't seem convinced I needed checking, but one of the nurses finally checked me anyway. To her surprise again, I was fully dilated and ready to push. I didn't go to any birthing classes or watch any videos on giving birth because I didn't want to plant a seed of fear. I knew there was so much negative press out there on giving birth. I planned to give birth different than the herd, so I didn't need to learn from people doing it different than me. I didn't figure Mary attended a birthing class or had a dula with her when she gave birth to Jesus, so I didn't need that either. (Although, I did have a dula and she was amazing!) We laugh about it now, because the first few times I pushed, I did it wrong. I didn't really know you could do that wrong, but I somehow managed to! One of the nurses expressed that she was upset because she had to leave at 3:00 and wanted to see the birth. We told her we would make it happen! Luke spoke to our unborn son, "Troy, it's time to come out now!" I gave another push and my water broke! I know what you're thinking, doesn't one's water break before labor? It's so rare (and amazing) that when I googled it, I couldn't even find anything about that happening on the internet. But of course some doctors break their patients' water instead on letting it happen on it's own. Breaking the water usually speeds up labor, but I obviously didn't need any help with that. With a second push, out came Troy Drayton Meetze!

Everyone was so amazed that nobody bothered to look at the clock to record the time of birth! But we do know it happened before 3:00 pm.

As I am writing this, Troy is turning 4 years old. He is a happy, healthy, smart, energetic, inquisitive, and the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of creating. And now we are in the process of creating another little amazing human! Read about our journey here: Miscarriages

5 Things to do (or not do) When You Experience a Miscarriage

On August 27, 2015, I was 5 1/2 weeks pregnant when I started having painful cramps. I called my doctor and within hours I was in their office having an ultrasound. “It appears to be a burst cyst. Your baby is fine. You may have some bleeding, but that’s normal.” The ultrasound technician told me. 

Everything was and continued to be fine throughout the whole pregnancy. I delivered a healthy baby boy right on time, 8 months later. 

Fast forward to February 10, 2020. My husband and I had desired to have another child for almost three long years but circumstances prevented us from trying. I was finally 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant with what we planned as our second and last child. I started experiencing some light cramps and bleeding. I called my doctor, but they couldn’t see me. (They are no longer by OBGYN now btw) My husband began calling around to every OBGYN in the area until he found one that could see me that day. A few hours later I was in their office, getting an all-too-familiar ultrasound. I was so excited I would get to see my baby early on an ultrasound, with the least concern anything could be wrong. But something was very wrong. 

Let me start by saying that this message is not for everyone. Some may get on board with what I’m saying, and some may not. That’s ok. I’m not trying to push my beliefs on anyone. They are just sitting here in cyber space hoping you allow yourself to be open to the possibility that you can receive forgiveness, healing, and your miscarriage can be redeemed. Sympathy-seekers that desire to remain a victim instead of changing into a victorious warrior won't receive this. If you want to be a victorious warrior and have a healthy pregnancy and baby, then read on...

Don’t blame yourself. Most miscarriages occur for reasons you have no control over. It’s often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Adding self-blame isn’t going to help how you feel, or prevent you from having a miscarriage in the future, so just don’t go there. 

Rest in the fact that you are not alone. A miscarriage is defined as a spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages occur before the 12th week. As many as one in three pregnancies end in miscarriage. While some women may not even be aware they miscarry since they can miscarry before their next expected period, if you ask around in your circle of women, many would admit to having experienced one. For me, it helped to talk with my friend, that I learned had experienced a miscarriage, too. We shared how we felt, both admitted to self-blame, she corrected my misconceptions, and encouraged me. 

Don’t throw a pitty party In the words of one of my all-time favorite motivational speakers, Pastor Perry Noble, “It’s ok to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way.” Psalm 30 says, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I cried to You, O Lord, and to the Lord I made supplication: What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust give You thanks? Will it declare Your truth? Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper. For you have turned my mourning into dancing.” Many times men don’t understand the trauma of a miscarriage the way a woman experiences it. To a woman, that baby was real and alive from conception. It was growing inside of her. But often times to a man, it’s not a reality yet. While grieving is normal, be careful not to idolize your baby’s death. Don’t fall into a pit of despair. Once you get in that pit, it can be so hard to get out. Catch yourself before it’s too late. Reach out to friends, family, and counselors. Get some help in your grief. Don’t let it overtake you. 

Acknowledge that it can happen again, but also that it doesn’t have to. You don’t find “miscarriage” or “abortion” in the Bible. It never was or will never be the will of God for you to lose your baby. God wants you and your baby healthy, whole, and prosperous physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially. From the moment of conception, gender, hair color, eye color, and other attributes are immediately determined. Even though it was small and only alive for a short time, it was known and loved by God. God doesn’t just see “fetuses.” He saw the men and women they would become. He has a destiny and purpose for each and every life. (Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 44:2, Psalm 139:13, Galatians 1:5) Unfortunately life happens, and things don’t always go as planned. The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. (John 10:10) And if we don’t stand our scriptural ground, he’ll take every opportunity to do so, again and again. Jesus came so we could have life, and have it abundantly. You can’t believe the word of God and believe it’s God's will to take a life prematurely. It’s his will for everyone to live a long life. (Psalm 91:16, Deuteronomy 5:33, Exodus 23:25-26, Proverbs 10:27) Medical science can be helpful in diagnosing problems, weighing consequences, and sometimes even providing solutions. However, consider that they are not the final authority. God says we can have children without the help of medication, surgery, or adoption. (Not that any of those choices are bad. They are the answer for a lot of people and that’s great!) God will meet you at your level of faith- whatever that level is. And you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Psalm 113:9 says, “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” When you conceive again, if fears of miscarriage enter your thoughts, stop them immediately. Choose not to meditate on negativity. This was a challenge for me, but I overcame it, and you can too. 

Decide that you want a full-term healthy pregnancy and baby and believe for that. The mind-body connection is so powerful. There is so much science (as well as scripture) on it and also how thoughts and words impact our bodies in a positive or negative way. God designed our bodies this way on purpose with a purpose and he tells us in his Word to fix our thoughts on things that are lovely, excellent, and of good report (Philippians 4:8), commands us not to worry (2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:8) and to speak out loud what we want, believing for it. (Mark 11:22-23, Romans 4:17, Matthew 21:21-22) For the best brain-science book ever written, pick up Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book, Who Switched Off My Brain. You can get it on amazon by clicking here Speak life over your body and future child. Believe for, and accept nothing less than God’s best. Get "death" words out of your mouth and replace them with words of life. Call those things which are not as though they are! (Romans 4:17) For some words of affirmation you can start using today, click here: Speak Life

That day in the doctor’s office, they didn’t see any sign of a life on the ultrasound. They took my blood that Monday, and again on Thursday to see if my hCG levels, the hormone produced by the placenta after implantation, had risen or fallen. The number was supposed to double every day. The number had fallen. “I had a miscarriage,” was three words I couldn’t come to terms with admitting. 

People often fight for the right to suffer. The Word says you can do things God’s way or you can choose to do them your own way. You can be sick, or barren, or live in pain, and God will still love you. Every woman in the Bible that was once defined as barren eventually conceived and had a child or children. I encourage you to read the book, Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize, (click here to order on Amazon) study the scriptures, and decide what you choose to accept for yourself. God will meet you where you are. But why not choose to live life abundantly and take all God has for you?

For more inspiration and encouragement, you can read my supernatural childbirth story here: Read here

Worried? Move out of Fear and into Confidence!

If I asked you to make a list of ten things you are challenged with right now, I’m sure almost everyone, if not everyone would be able to make that list pretty easily. Even if we weren’t faced with a global pandemic right now, there is always something we could be worrying about. COVID-19 has placed new obstacles in many of our lives, some things we may never have thought we would be faced with. But one of my favorite quotes serves as such a good reminder to us. “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives us something to do, but doesn’t get us anywhere.” I challenge you today to move out of fear and into confidence. I created several statements of affirmation that when read out loud and taken like medicine, will help you move out of fear and into confidence. So whether you’re worrying about when your next paycheck is going to come, if you are going to get sick, the survival of your unborn child, or something else, with the help of the Bible, I created statements of affirmation to heal every worry.

FED UP? GET PATIENCE!
I never fail as long as I believe the Love and walk in it. I AM Love. I am patient. I am kind. I am not jealous, or boastful, or proud, or rude. I do not insist on my own rights. Nor do I demand my own way for I am not self-seeking. I don’t get irritated. I keep no record of being wronged. I do not exalt the evil done to me. I do not rejoice at injustice but rejoice whenever the truth prevails. I never give up. I never lose faith. My hopes are fadeless under all circumstances. I endure everything without weakening. I do all of this because I AM LOVE. (1 Cor 13:4-7)

The Lord is my shepherd, I am content with what I have. He makes me lie down and rest in green pastures. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I do not fear. For You are with me. Your rod and your staff, your power and your authority, they comfort me. You prepare me a table in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness, unfailing love, and mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)


OVERWHELMED BY ANXIETY? GET PEACE!
I rejoice! I do not fret or have anxiety about anything! I pray about everything. I tell God what I need and thank him for all he has done. Then I experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace guards my heart and mind. (Philippians 4:4-7)

I fix my thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and of good report. I think only of things that are excellent and worthy of praise. God’s peace is with me! (Philippians 4:8-9)

For the law of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE from the law of sin and death! Because Jesus died, he broke the power of the devil. He set free all who lived their lives subject to bondage. (Romans 8:2)


LIVING IN FEAR? BE BRAVE!
I don’t fear. God is with me always. God strengthens me and helps me. He upholds me with his righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

I refuse to have a fearful heart. God commands me to be strong and not fear so that’s what I do. He gives me the strength and courage to be brave and fearless. (Isaiah 35:4)

Favor and peace is multiplied to me through the knowledge of God and Jesus! (2 Peter 1:2)

I may feel weak, but God says I'm strong! (Joel 3:10)

HURTING? DEPRESSED? SICK? GET HEALING!
Body, I speak to you. Listen carefully to my words and pay attention to what I say. Healing, penetrate deep into my whole body. These scriptures and words of affirmation set me free from the bondage of sin, sickness, disease, poor mental health, depression, anxiety, and whatever the doctor's report is. I am now free to live a life set free from all of this! I declare healing and wholeness over my mind and entire body in Jesus’ name! (Proverbs 4:20-22)

When Jesus died on the cross, he took my sickness and removed my diseases! I refuse to live my life as a slave to sickness. It’s God’s will that I live a long, healthy life and I am determined to do that! Body, get in line and stay in line with the word of God and be healed! Jesus didn’t suffer and die for me to remain in pain and sickness. Because of his wounds, I am healed! He wants me healthy and whole so that’s what I am! Even before I see it, I declare it! Jesus has compassion on me and it’s his will that I am well. There is no manner of sickness, disease, pain, or suffering that is ok with God for me to experience. I am making a choice to be set apart from sickness. According to Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law. Because of my faith, it will happen! (Matthew 8:17, Psalm 91:15-16, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 5:17-19
Matthew 4:23, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 9:29)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; I will never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the Eagle's! (Pslam 103:2-5)

I’m not impressed with my own wisdom. Instead, I give thanks to God and honor Him and turn away from evil. Then I have healing for my body and strength for my bones. (Proverbs 3:7)

FEELING WEAK? TAKE YOUR AUTHORITY BACK!
It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You. I fear no evil for your power and authority comfort me. You give me the authority to trample on my enemies and destroy all the power of the enemy and nothing will hurt me. You prepare me a table in the presence of my enemies. I sit in peace while calamity is around me. 
(Psalm 118:10, Psalm 23:4-5, Matthew 10:1, Matthew 16:19, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17)


FEELING DEFEATED? GET PROTECTION!
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against me in judgement I shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and the Lord says I am righteous. (Isaiah 54:17)

God’s favor surrounds me like a shield! (Psalm 5:12)

NEED SLEEP? GET REST!
I can go to bed without fear; I lie down and sleep soundly. (Proverbs 3:24)

I lie down and sleep in peace for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

FEELING CURSED? CHANGE YOUR WORDS!
Since out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, I choose to think, act, and speak only good things that are beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it. What I say can bring death or life, so I choose to speak life over myself and others. I have whatsoever I say, so I speak blessings and good things into existence. (Matthew 12:34–35, Mark 11:23, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21) 


UP FOR BATTLE? PUT ON YOUR ARMOR!
God has given me the power of his authority to tread upon snakes and scorpions and over all the powers of the enemy and nothing will hurt me. Since at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, I use the powerful name of Jesus to take down the enemy. I humble myself before God. I resist the devil, and he flees. I come close to God and God comes close to me. (Luke 10:19, Philippians 2:10, James 4:7)


QUESTIONING YOUR FAITH?
I don't think, just in case God can do something, I'll pray. No, I go to God in faith and believe his word. The Bible says, "Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)


I have faith like Abraham. I never waver in believing God’s promise. In fact, my faith grows stronger and that brings glory to God. I am fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. (Romans 4:20-21)

God is my source of hope. He fills me completely with joy and peace because I trust in him. When I trust Him, I overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)


I call those things which be not as though they were! I speak healing and blessings into existence! (speak whatever you need: a new job, restored relationship, healing...) I have a confident hope, even though it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed! I do not give up until I see my need fulfilled! Until then, I rejoice it into existence! (Romans 4:17, Romans 12:12, Matthew 17:20, Galatians 6:9, Philippians 4:4)

FEELING A FAILURE? BE BLESSED INSTEAD!
The Lord shall command the blessing upon me. (Deut. 28:8)

And all these blessings shall come on me, and overtake me. (Deuteronomy 28:2)

I will lead a life worthy of my calling, for I have been called by God. (Ephesians 4:1)

We give joyful thanks to our Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance in the kingdom of light. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his dear son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we have passed out from under the curse and entered into the blessing of Abraham whom God blessed in all things. (Colossians 1:12-14)

The Lord says whatever I sow I will also reap. I work hard and smart and I do not grow weary of doing good. I reap a harvest of blessing since I don’t give up. (Galatians 6:7)

God supplies all of my needs from his glorious riches! (Philippians 4:19)

God says I am worthy like Kings and Priests! God says I am a world overcomer! I am freed from the curse of the law! God says I am blessed with every spiritual blessing! God's gift to me, the Holy Spirit, produces in me: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. (Revelation 1:6, 1 John 5:4, Ephesians 1:3, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 3:13)

I am wise and use good judgement. I have a teachable spirit and I learn even more!

(Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 4:7)

I am strong and very courageous. I am careful to obey all of God‘s instructions. I don’t deviate from them. I don’t turn to the right or left, but stay on God‘s path, then I am successful in everything I do. I study God‘s word continually. I meditate on it day and night so I will be sure to obey everything written in it. Then I will prosper and succeed in all I do. This is God‘s command- be strong and courageous! I am not afraid or discouraged. The Lord my God is with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:8)

I don’t just listen to God‘s word. I must do what it says. Otherwise, I am only fooling myself. But if I look carefully into the perfect law that sets me free (from anxiety, depression, fear, etc.) and if I do what it says and don’t forget what I heard then God will bless me for doing it. (James 1:22,25)


PREGNANCY/CHILDBIRTH
You weave my child in my womb. You make all it’s parts perfectly and wonderfully. Body, I speak to you. I declare good health and wholeness from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.
(Psalm 139:13)

I sing and praise you! I am so joyful! Even though I have yet to have a child, I know it’s your will for me and to have as many children as I desire. Thank you, Lord, ahead of time for all my children! You take away from me all sickness and bless my womb. I am healed and capable to conceive, carry, and deliver children! I am fruitful and my descendants are numerous!
(Genesis 1:28, Deuteronomy 7:13-14)

Thank you, God for creating my baby. Your form and fashion every detail in my womb. You are it’s creator and I do not fear. I am not barren. I do not have miscarriages. You have chosen me as it’s mother. You make me a joyful mother of children! My child(ren) will know you, God, and follow you and are blessed by your hand. (Isaiah 44:2-4, Galatians 1:15, Exodus 23:25-26, Jeremiah 1:5)

I give 10% of my gross income to my local church and your word says that as a tither you rebuke the devourer for me. You protect the fruit of my womb. I do not miscarry or delivery prematurely. 
(Malachi 3:8-11, Psalm 91:3-4)