In my reading I have come across some very insightful comments on parenting and birthing. I have been moved in ways I never expected by my research into this new path of mine and am so grateful to the Lord for all the wisdom He is instilling in me. Below are some of the passages that have had a profound affect on me.
Parenting is an adventure, a source of incredible fulfillment, a humbling responsibility, and a unique privilege. It's a voyage of discovery with a long learning curve. On many occasions, it brings both laughter and tears. It is, above all, a priceless gift from God, one that deserves to be received with joy and treated with the utmost respect. Focus on the Family Baby & Childcare p.3
This is an oath suggested to parents:
You are loved, you are important, and you always will be, no matter what happens. I care enough about you to provide for you, stand with you, coach you, correct you if necessary. My commitment to you is not based on what you do or don't do, how you look, whether your body is perfect or handicapped, or how you preform in school or sports. It is based on the fact that I am your parent and you are my child, a priceless gift whom God has loaned to me for a season. Eventually I will release you to live your own life, but while you are growing up, I consider caring for you an assignment of utmost importance. Focus on the Family Baby and Childcare p 26
God has granted parents a good deal of time on the learning curve and given children a great deal of resiliency. So take a deep breath, fasten your seat belt, stay on your knees (not just when your picking up toys!) and amid all the challenges, don't forget to step back once in a while to marvel at this little person you are nurturing. Focus on the Family Baby and Childcare p.220
There is only one Parent who who completely understands all sons and daughters on the face of the earth, and seeking His wisdom on a daily basis should be a priority for all who train and nurture children. Focus on the Family Baby and Childcare p.265
Mother's intuition is a God-given way for you to develop a sense of what is right for your baby. Christian Parenting and Childcare p.5
This is not to say the birth process is painless, but natural childbirth classes teach you to interpret birth sensations for what they really are- part of the normal physiological process for which the female body was designed. Birth is hard work. The exertion is intense, as is running a hard race. At during the race the runner feels pain. This is a productive, positive type of pain that drives the runner toward the finish line...severe pain in childbirth is NOT normal, but is a sign of an underlying problem. Christian parenting and Childcare p.83
Use the following natural techniques to ease the discomfort and speed the progress of labor - think PROGRESS to help you remember.
P-prayer and proper position-pray for peace and strength during labor. change positions frequently
R-relax and release your mind and muscles through massage, mental relaxation, imagination, slow deep breathing, and relaxing music
O-output-urinate every hr
G-gravity helps!
R-rest between contractions and let go of any tension from the previous contraction
E-energy check-snack when hungry, drink to avoid dehydration
S-submerge in water if the going gets rough (tub, whirlpool, shower)
S-support throughout labor
Christan Parenting and Childcare p.94
Children and grandchildren are the best "old age investment there is, enriching our lives as we see them grow, still loving and caring for us when our lover is gone. Children enhance and deepen the marriage relationship, while the stresses they add hasten the maturity of their parents. The question is not "Should we have children?" but "When does God want us to have each child?"For God does intend that we have children...God's desire is for the deep companionship of the marriage to be maintained through the years in order that the children born to this union may be "godly children" added grains of salt for this troubled world, spreading more love, more grace, more healing in each succeeding generation...When husband and wife seek the will of the Lord and agree about the coming of each child, they can claim God's promises to provide, regardless of the rate of inflation or the standard of living. And God will not only meet their daily needs, but will use these children to help provide answers for the world's needs. Under the Apple Tree p. 81-2
I pray these tidbits of wisdom the Lord has passed to me (via some really interesting books) will be of assistance and inspiration to any who read them.
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