WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I were expecting our first baby, we found a wonderful doctor to attend the birth. Fairly early on in the pregnancy we met with him and talked frankly for about an hour and a half. He was so professional, kind, respectful, and he clearly loved his work.
This doctor, along with a staff of several midwives, operated a birthing center two blocks from a hospital. The center was affiliated with the hospital, and the doctor practiced in both locations. Prenatal appointments took place at the birthing center, and the doctor's patients were allowed to have their babies either at the center or at the hospital. I appreciated the peaceful, family-oriented feel of the birthing center, and that was where I wanted to have my baby.
Between the day of our first meeting with the doctor and the day of the birth, I had a series of prenatal appointments. The doctor we loved so much was not usually present at the appointments because he had delegated these visits to the midwives. During one of these appointments, the midwives determined that the iron level in my blood was low and recommended several options for correcting it.
My husband and I were praying with a Christian Science practitioner about the whole situation. The practitioner and I talked a lot—both in person and over the phone—and I told him about the low iron count. He was praying for me and the baby every day and agreed to include this latest development in his prayers on behalf of our family. The midwives didn't mention any concern for the baby's well-being due to the low iron, but they did say that if the count didn't rise I would be classified as "high risk" and not be permitted to give birth at the birthing center.
I wanted our family to feel God's care every step of the way, and I saw the irregularity in my blood as not part of God's loving plan. I quietly prayed a lot during this time to see God's perfect work, feel God's presence, and this prayer resulted in greater strength, peace, and joy. I felt that, for me, taking iron pills to resolve this problem would not ultimately build that spiritual confidence that I so wanted.
For several months the tests taken at the prenatal appointments indicated no change, or an even lower level of iron. I was assured that the baby was fine, which was good to hear, but I was extremely discouraged to be told month after month that the situation with my blood was not improving.
The midwives might have been getting discouraged, too, because at one point the midwife examining me left the room and asked the doctor if he would please speak to us about taking the medication. While my husband and I respected the midwives' professional opinions and recommendations, we had made our decision to rely on prayer. Based on our experience, we saw it as the very best possible care.
The doctor came in, reviewed the situation, and shared some information with us. Then he respectfully accepted our choice. He spoke with the midwives and explained that we would not be taking the medication they had recommended. How we appreciated that support.
As I thought and prayed about this situation, I realized that Jesus proved that life is spiritual and eternal, and not dependent on blood. Although his blood was shed on the cross, and his body was taken down and laid in a tomb. three days later he walked out of the tomb. And later he ascended.
My view of our situation shifted to seeing that I had an opportunity to experience God's care. With that, I had peace.
We were getting near the due date, and there was still no improvement in the level of iron in my blood. I asked the doctor what I should do if I went into labor and was told that because I was still considered high risk, I could not have my baby at the birthing center. If labor started before the next prenatal appointment, I was instructed to check into the hospital.
A few days later labor started, so we checked into the hospital. I was totally fine with giving birth there and appreciated the gentle care we received. I also found it very inspiring to see the other young moms holding their newborns, knowing that that would soon be me.
The medical staff took some routine tests, and my husband and I settled into our sweet little labor room with tiny rosebuds on the wallpaper and a view of a forest from the window.
A little later the doctor swung the door open, clipboard and test results in hand, saying, "It's a miracle! You're as healthy as a horse! You can have your baby wherever you want." The tests showed that the level of iron in my blood was normal.
My husband and the midwife were so thrilled that they bundled up my things and off we went to the birthing center.
The baby was soon born. Afterward, a medical student who had observed the delivery said she had never seen such a peaceful labor and birth.
My husband and I went on to have a second baby a few years, later, and the iron level in my blood was normal the whole time. That pregnancy and birth were also proof of God's loving care—but that's another testimony!
The great prophet Isaiah promised that God "shall gently lead those that are with young" (Isa. 40:11). I am so grateful to say that this has certainly been my experience.
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, US
