PODCAST · education
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast
by Natalie Portman | Christian Doula, Virtual Birth Coach, & Childbirth Educator
🎙️Ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally (via Listen Notes) Hi there, I’m Natalie Portman! I’m a Christian birth doula, virtual birth coach, childbirth educator, wife, and mama—and I created this podcast just for you. If you’re preparing for birth, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to those early days of motherhood, you’re in the right place. On the podcast I share a mix of powerful Christian birth stories, Scripture-based encouragement, and practical tips to help you walk through this season with faith over fear. Around here, I do things a little differently. While the world encourages you to control every detail and rely on your own strength, I’ll gently point you back to the freedom of surrender and the beauty of God’s design and purpose for birth. Because I believe birth isn’t about showcasing your strength—it’s about revealing the Lord's. I’d love for you to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re looki
Episodes
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51. Sacred or Counterfeit? Placenta Rituals, the Enneagram & More: Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices, Ep. 4
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're continuing our series on Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices with a look at some of the more subtle counterfeits showing up in birth culture today—the ceremonies, rituals, and beliefs that promise protection, healing, and identity apart from God. This...
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50. Discerning Vital Force from Acupuncture to Homeopathy: Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices, Ep. 3
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm continuing our series on biblical discernment of birth practices by looking at acupuncture, moxibustion, reiki, homeopathy, crystals, and sound healing. These are six practices that look completely different on the surface but share one common thread...
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49. Testing Yoga & Hypnobirthing Against Scripture: Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices, Ep. 2
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're continuing the Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices series with two of the most mainstream practices in the birth world: yoga and hypnobirthing. You've probably heard that they're "just stretching" and "just relaxation," but is that actually true? Today...
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48. 3 Questions to Test Any Birth Practice: Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices, Ep. 1
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm kicking off a brand new series called Biblical Discernment of Birth Practices, a conversation the Lord has been stirring in my heart for a long time. Over the next several months, we'll be walking through some of the most common practices in the birth world...
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47. When “Christian” Birth Advice Isn’t Biblical: Spotting False Teaching in Pregnancy and Birth with Dannette McGrew
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dannette McGrew — certified doula, childbirth educator, and passionate apologist — for a conversation that is so needed in the Christian birth world right now. Dannette has been doing the deep work of examining the worldviews that have…
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46. (Part Two) What 25 Days in the NICU Taught Us About Faith, Control & God's Provision
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm continuing Isaac's birth story — and this time, my husband Brian is joining me to share what those 25 days in the NICU were really like from both of our perspectives. From the moment Isaac was taken away minutes after birth, to the feeding battles, the…
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45. (Part One) My Preterm Birth Story, a Hidden Abruption, and The Lord's Perfect Provision
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sharing the full story of my third birth — Isaac's unexpected preterm birth at 33 weeks — and how a weekend away with my mom and sisters turned into one of the most sacred, surprising, and faith-stretching days of my life. This birth was nothing like my first...
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44. Is Childbirth Pain a Punishment from God? A Biblical Deep Dive into Genesis
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most misunderstood passages in all of Scripture — Genesis 3 — and tackling a question that so many Christian mamas have carried in secret: is childbirth pain actually God's punishment for Eve's sin? This is a topic I've been…
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43. 10 Pounds, No Tearing & Unmedicated: A Pelvic Floor Therapist's Surprising Birth Story
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sitting down with returning guest Dr. Victoria Adeeb—a pelvic floor therapist who just delivered a 10-pound baby unmedicated with no tearing—to hear the full story of how she prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for what she calls her "dream...
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42. Why Do Some Women Feel Little Pain in Labor—and Others Feel a Lot?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm exploring one of the most misunderstood aspects of birth: why some women experience very little pain in labor while others experience a lot—and why neither experience says anything about your strength, your preparation, or your faith. As a doula, I've…
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41. Breaking Through Fear After Cesarean: How Preparation & Surrender Led to Veronica's Healing Home Birth
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Veronica shares the powerful story of her redemptive home birth after cesarean—and how prayer warriors, faithful preparation, and ultimate surrender to God's plan transformed her birth experience from trauma to triumph. After a 33-hour labor ending in an…
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40. The 4 Emotional Stages of Labor & Why Your Support Team Needs to Know Them
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm walking you through the emotional stages of labor—not just what happens physically, but the powerful emotional signposts that help you and your birth team know exactly where you are in the process and how to respond with confidence instead of fear. This...
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39. Your Baby's Position Matters: When to Check, Ways to Help Baby Turn, & Surrendering the Outcome to God
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Marrow, a board-certified OBGYN and VBAC mom from Full Circle Women's Care, to discuss a topic that can feel overwhelming for many moms: what to do when your baby is breech, transverse, or in another challenging position for birth. Together we...
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38. Stop Consuming Endless Content, Start Building Confidence: The Truth About Birth Preparation
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm addressing something I see over and over again with expecting parents—the difference between consuming birth content and actually being prepared for birth. While we have more birth information available than ever before through podcasts, social media, and…
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37. God is in Control: A First-Time Mom's Journey from Anxious Planning to Peaceful Surrender
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I welcome Lindsay Carter who shares her powerful first birth story—one that took unexpected turns and ultimately deepened her faith in ways she never imagined. From meticulous planning for an unmedicated birth to facing an infection, needing an epidural, and…
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36. The Work of Rest: Preparing for Biblical Sabbath in Pregnancy & Postpartum
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sharing something that might sound contradictory at first—but it's become one of the most freeing truths I've learned: it takes work to rest. Using John Mark Comer's simple Sabbath framework from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I'm walking you through how…
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35. Why Her "Failed" VBACs Were Actually God's Perfect Plan: A Story of Unexpected Grace
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm chatting with Kayla, a mama of two under two, who shares how God used her two unplanned cesareans to deepen her trust in Him as a good Father—transforming what could have been crushing disappointment into a powerful testimony of His faithfulness. Kayla's…
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34. Safe Natural Cold Remedies for Pregnant & Nursing Mamas (That Actually Work!)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sharing my go-to natural remedies for healing from colds and flu during pregnancy and breastfeeding—practical solutions that have helped me and countless clients navigate sickness without relying on medication. This cold and flu season has been particularly...
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BONUS: Count It All Joy - Finding God's Goodness Through Trials & Joy In 2025
Send us Fan Mail In this BONUS episode, I'm sharing a heartfelt year-end reflection as we close out 2025—a year that tested my faith through trials I never saw coming, yet revealed God's faithfulness in ways I couldn't have imagined. This has been a year of unexpected challenges and profound...
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33. God's Glory in the Unexpected: What Mary's Messy Birth Teaches Us
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm exploring the Christmas story through the lens of Mary's birth experience—and what it teaches us about finding God's glory when our own births don't go according to plan. This message came to me unexpectedly during a church service, when I suddenly saw Mary's...
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32. Eczema, Colic & Food Allergies: How Your Pregnancy Gut Health Shapes Baby's Future
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sitting down with Jessica Ramdhany Thomas, a functional pediatric practitioner and mom of two, to uncover the surprising connection between your gut health during pregnancy and your baby's future health. We're diving deep into how the microbiome you cultivate...
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31. Third Trimester Checklist: 10 Faith-Filled Steps for a Peaceful Birth
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm walking you through your third trimester checklist—10 faith-filled steps to help you prepare practically and spiritually for your upcoming birth. Whether you're feeling the weight of that watermelon belly, googling at 2 AM, or wondering if you'll ever feel…
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30. Back Labor, Big Baby, and Believing A Good God: Caroline's Birth Stories
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm joined by Caroline, a nurse who brings a unique perspective from caring for critically ill postpartum patients to experiencing her own two drastically different births. She openly shares how back labor, a 9-pound baby, and nearly 5 hours of pushing challenged...
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29. 5 Signs You're Praying for the Wrong Things for Your Birth
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm exploring what happens when our prayers for birth come from a place of control rather than surrender—and how God has been transforming my heart from anxiety to trust as I prepare for my third baby's arrival. After carrying the weight of perfectionism through…
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28. Why Your Birth Preparation Matters More Than You Think: Maria's Life-Changing Story
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm joined by Maria Lilly, a Christian mom whose first birth experience completely transformed her life—leading her from a corporate accounting job to becoming a doula and Lamaze certified childbirth educator. Maria shares her powerful story of navigating a...
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27. Preparing for Induction: What to Expect, Pack & Pray as a Christian Mama
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm walking you through everything you need to know about preparing for an induction—from practical tips to spiritual encouragement—so you can approach your birth with peace and confidence, even if this wasn't your original plan. Maybe your provider has mentioned...
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26. You Weren't Made to Do This Alone: God's Design for Support in Labor
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm diving deep into a topic that's been on my heart—how you can experience professional doula support while keeping your birth intimate and private through virtual birth support. This option could be the perfect solution for mamas who are torn between wanting...
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25. Excruciating Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy? Why It's NOT Normal & How to Find Real Help
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kate Smith, pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Nurture You Pelvic Health, to discuss a topic that affects countless women but is often dismissed: severe pelvic pain during pregnancy. If you've ever been told your excruciating pain is...
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24. The Essential Second Trimester Checklist: 7 Faith-Filled Steps for a Strong, Peaceful Pregnancy
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm walking you through a practical, faith-filled checklist to help you prepare well during your second trimester—the sweet spot of pregnancy when energy returns and you can finally focus on nourishing your body, mind, and heart for the journey ahead. Whether...
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23. She Prepared for an Unmedicated Birth But Got a C-Section—What God Revealed Through Loss & A Medical Miracle
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Gracie Clowe—a mama who prepared her heart, mind, and body for an unmedicated birth, only to find herself on an operating table for an unplanned C-section. But that's just the beginning of her story. Gracie's journey is one of...
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22. Understanding Your Rights - Informed Consent & Informed Refusal in Any Birth Setting
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm breaking down something every pregnant mama needs to know: you always have a choice when it comes to your birth care, no matter where you're planning to deliver. We're diving deep into informed consent and informed refusal—your fundamental rights that don't...
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21. Why "Bouncing Back" After Baby Hurts Christian Moms + What to Do Instead (with Laura Lindahl)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sitting down with Laura Lindahl—certified pre and postnatal coach, exercise physiologist, and Christian body image coach—to talk about something so many moms wrestle with: the pressure to "bounce back" after baby and how to approach postpartum health from a...
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20. If You're Planning on Breastfeeding, Listen To This First...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives—because preparing for this beautiful journey is just as important as preparing for birth itself. Too many mamas focus all their energy on delivery day but don't think about the...
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BONUS: When You Feel Like a Failing Mom: God's Sufficient Grace in Pregnancy Struggles
Send us Fan Mail In this vulnerable bonus episode, I'm sharing the hardest month of my third pregnancy—battling severe anxiety and depression while navigating morning sickness, parenting struggles, and feeling completely overwhelmed as a mom of two expecting her third baby. This isn't the…
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19. Overcoming Birth Trauma and Fear: A Foster Mom's Journey to Three Different Deliveries
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sharing the incredible birth journey of my very first doula client, Nicki—a foster mom of five whose three births taught her (and me!) powerful lessons about overcoming fear, trusting God's timing, and finding peace through trauma. Nicki's story begins with a...
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18. [Listener Favorite Replay] How Birth & Motherhood Reflects the Gospel (Originally Ep. 7)
Send us Fan Mail While I take a short rest during my first trimester, I’m bringing back one of the most meaningful episodes of the podcast. This conversation has resonated deeply with so many mamas, reminding us that birth and motherhood are not just physical experiences, but also powerful...
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17. [Listener Favorite Replay] Anxiety & Depression: The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Birth & Motherhood (Originally Ep. 6)
Send us Fan Mail While I’m taking a short season of rest during my first trimester, I’m bringing back one of the most impactful and listened-to conversations we’ve had on the podcast. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear that your birth or postpartum might not go the way you hoped, or if you’ve...
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16. [Listener Favorite Replay] Natural Labor Prep: Simple Ways to Ready Your Body for Birth (Originally Ep. 3)
Send us Fan Mail While I’m taking a short rest during my first trimester, I wanted to bring back one of the most-loved episodes of the podcast. This conversation has helped so many mamas release fear, embrace God’s design, and feel more confident heading into birth. Whether you’re hearing it for...
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BONUS: Big News + Taking Some Rest Time
Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing some big news with you—we're expecting our third baby! This surprise pregnancy has been both a tremendous blessing and a journey that's teaching me so much about rest, surrender, and where my true worth comes from. This announcement…
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15. First Trimester Checklist Essentials: From Choosing A Provider to Managing Morning Sickness
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm walking you through everything you need to know for a confident, faith-filled first trimester—from the moment you see that positive test to building the foundation for your entire pregnancy journey. Whether you're holding a pregnancy test with shaking hands,...
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14. Leaking, Pelvic Pain, and "That's Just Mom Life"? Why You Deserve Better (And How to Get It)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Victoria Adeeb, a pelvic floor therapist and founder of Better Body Rehab in Jacksonville Beach, to talk about something every mom needs to hear—that caring for your body isn't selfish, it's sacred kingdom work. Victoria specializes in...
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13. Discerning the Right Birth Setting For You: Hospital, Birth Center, or Home?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm walking you through one of the most important decisions you'll make during pregnancy—choosing your birth setting. Whether you're considering a hospital birth, birth center, or home birth, each option comes with different levels of support, intervention,...
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12. When Others Say “You Don't Get a Medal for Natural Birth” But God Says “Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice”
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm joined by Katie Prizzia, a faith-filled mama of three, as she shares her incredible testimony of three completely different birth experiences—and how each one revealed God's faithfulness in unexpected ways. Katie's journey took her from an overwhelming…
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11. Pack with Peace: Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm walking you through everything you actually need to pack for your hospital stay—not too much, not too little, but just right for your comfort and your baby's first precious days. If you're staring at...
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10. When God's Plan Doesn't Match Yours: Trusting Through Pregnancy Loss and Sleep Struggles
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm joined by Jamie Ortiz, a pediatric sleep coach, military spouse, and mama of two who shares her powerful journey through pregnancy loss, high-risk births, and finding God's faithfulness in the midst…
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9. Am I in Labor? Discerning the Signs
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I’m walking you through one of the most common questions expectant mamas ask: “Am I in labor?” Whether you’re experiencing your first round of practice contractions or wondering if this is finally the…
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8. Why She Changed Her Mind About Epidurals: Emily Whalen's Story
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm sitting down with Emily Whalen (@nurtured_little_nest)—a sweet mama, content creator, and someone I had the honor of serving as her doula. Emily's story is one of transformation: from mental health...
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7. How Birth & Motherhood Reflects the Gospel
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm sharing how the profound experience of birth and motherhood reveals beautiful gospel truths that will transform how you see God's love for you. From the moment you discover you're pregnant to the intense moments of labor and the sweet surrender of holding your...
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6. Anxiety & Depression: The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Birth & Motherhood
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm joined by my friend Crystal Doiron, a licensed clinical social worker and mama, as she courageously shares her story of postpartum depression and anxiety—and the hope she found on the other side. Crystal's journey began with detailed plans, a "birth binder"…
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5. Creating Your Birth Preferences: A Step-by-Step Guide
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I'm sharing a practical but powerful tool for your birth journey—creating effective birth preferences that serve as a communication tool for your entire birth team. Rather than focusing on controlling...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎙️Ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally (via Listen Notes)
Hi there, I’m Natalie Portman! I’m a Christian birth doula, virtual birth coach, childbirth educator, wife, and mama—and I created this podcast just for you.
If you’re preparing for birth, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to those early days of motherhood, you’re in the right place. On the podcast I share a mix of powerful Christian birth stories, Scripture-based encouragement, and practical tips to help you walk through this season with faith over fear.
Around here, I do things a little differently. While the world encourages you to control every detail and rely on your own strength, I’ll gently point you back to the freedom of surrender and the beauty of God’s design and purpose for birth. Because I believe birth isn’t about showcasing your strength—it’s about revealing the Lord's.
I’d love for you to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re looki
HOSTED BY
Natalie Portman | Christian Doula, Virtual Birth Coach, & Childbirth Educator
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast have?
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast about?
🎙️Ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally (via Listen Notes) Hi there, I’m Natalie Portman! I’m a Christian birth doula, virtual birth coach, childbirth educator, wife, and mama—and I created this podcast just for you. If you’re preparing for birth, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to those...
How often does Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast release new episodes?
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast?
You can listen to Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast?
Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast is created and hosted by Natalie Portman | Christian Doula, Virtual Birth Coach, & Childbirth Educator.
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