What to Expect (From Your Midwife) When You're Expecting

The intersection of faith and childbirth creates a powerful space for transformation. In the latest episode, I explore this sacred connection through the eyes of Gloria Hines, a Christian midwife whose approach to birth is deeply rooted in biblical principles.

Gloria's journey into midwifery wasn't straightforward—it evolved from her childhood experiences in a faith-lived-out-radically home. Growing up as one of eleven girls in a family that regularly welcomed strangers, addicts, and those in need, Gloria learned early on that Christianity meant putting faith into action. This foundation shaped her understanding of what it means to serve others in their most vulnerable moments.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

• The spiritual dimensions of childbirth often go unacknowledged in modern medical settings. Gloria explains, "Birth is so intricately spiritual, and it incorporates so much of your mind, body, and soul into it." This holistic perspective informs her practice as a midwife, where she attends to physical needs and emotional and spiritual well-being. For many women seeking home births, this integrated approach provides a sense of peace and empowerment that clinical environments sometimes lack.
• What makes Gloria's testimony particularly compelling is her transformation. After enduring a problematic ten-year marriage to a man twenty years her senior, she experienced a profound spiritual awakening through a powerful dream where God revealed the hatred in her heart. This pivotal moment changed everything: "After that, it's been just night and day difference that he has grown these things out of me, and everyone noticed the difference." This authentic encounter with God's grace allows her to minister effectively to women during one of life's most challenging and beautiful transitions.
• This episode reveals how midwifery becomes ministry when approached with reverence for God's design. Gloria shares, "The Lord designed that. He made us with beautiful, incredible, intricate bodies that work very well." This perspective stands in contrast to fear-based approaches that treat pregnancy as a medical condition rather than a natural process. Though Gloria acknowledges that complications can arise in our fallen world, she emphasizes that these are exceptions rather than the rule, saying, "We don't want to treat everyone like the exception to the rule."
• Perhaps most moving are the stories Gloria shares from the birthing room, including her experience with a family whose baby had a condition incompatible with life. Rather than despair, the family celebrated every moment with their child through hymns and prayers. These profound moments of faith amid challenging circumstances illustrate how the birthing process becomes a sacred space where God's presence is tangible.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Gloria's practice (Glory Birth) offers resources and support that honor medical science and spiritual realities for those interested in exploring this faith-centered approach to childbirth. Her story reminds us that when we align our work with God's calling, He equips us supernaturally for the task—even in areas where we might naturally struggle.