Send us a text

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 your hospital bag wondering if you're doing this whole thing right, you're in exactly the right place. This isn't just another generic packing list—it's about preparing your heart and your bag so you can approach birth with confidence instead of anxiety.

Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, whether you're feeling overwhelmed by all the "must-have" lists online, or you simply want to feel prepared and peaceful—this episode will help you pack with intention and walk into your birth experience feeling ready.

In this episode, I share:

🎒 The comfort items that will actually make a difference in your recovery (not just what everyone says to bring)

🤱 Essential breastfeeding supplies and what you can skip to avoid overpacking

🍼 What to pack for baby—and why less is more

💤 Sleep and rest essentials that help you get actual rest in the hospital

🧴 Personal care items you'll actually use (including the one thing that saves labor breathing!)

👨 Your partner's packing list so he's comfortable during your potentially multi-day stay

⏰ When to start packing (hint: 34-36 weeks is the sweet spot)

✝️ Why this is about preparation, not perfection—and trusting God's plan for your birth

A Prayer for You:

I close this episode by praying over you as you prepare for your baby's arrival—that God would fill your heart with peace and excitement rather than anxiety and fear, and remind you that He's been preparing both you and your baby for this moment long before you ever started packing that bag.

Mentioned in this episode:
✨ FREE Hospital Bag Packing Checklist inside the Christian Mama Birth Prep Library

💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support & Christian Childbirth Education

🥤LMNT Electrolytes – Clean electrolyte drink mix

🍫 RX Bars – Healthy, non-perishable snacks

👶 Velcro Swaddles – The kind we loved with our kids

If this episode helped you feel more prepared and confident, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mama who needs to hear this.
Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one well-packed hospital bag at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

Support the show

Send us a text

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 of heartbreak.

Jamie's motherhood story began with devastating loss—giving birth prematurely to her baby at 22 weeks while her husband was deployed overseas. But even in that unimaginable grief, God was preparing her heart with Scripture and dreams, showing her His character before the storm hit. Her subsequent pregnancies brought month-long hospitalizations and emergency deliveries—none of which looked like the plan she had envisioned.

Through it all, Jamie discovered that God's sovereignty doesn't diminish in our suffering—it sustains us through it. Her story is a beautiful testament to trusting the Lord's plan even when it looks nothing like what we expected, and how He can use our deepest pain to serve others in their greatest need.

Whether you're walking through pregnancy loss, navigating high-risk pregnancies, or feeling overwhelmed by sleepless nights with your little one—this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a fresh reminder that God sees you in every season.

In this episode, Jamie shares:

🕊️ How God prepared her heart for loss through Scripture and dreams during her first pregnancy

💔 The raw reality of losing a baby at 22 weeks and grieving while trusting God's goodness

🏥 Navigating subsequent high-risk pregnancies, hospitalizations, and deployments

👶 Her journey from sleep-deprived mama to certified pediatric sleep consultant

💤 Practical encouragement for nursing moms struggling with sleep associations

✝️ Why introducing bottles early creates healthier family dynamics and stronger marriages

🤱 The importance of considering your whole family—not just baby—in sleep decisions

Scripture Shared:

"He is the Lord. Let him do what is good in his eyes." – 1 Samuel 3:18

Mentioned in this episode:

📸 Jamie's Instagram: @littleonessleepsociety

🌙 Pediatric sleep coaching for families with children up to age 6, including neurodivergent support: learn more at littleonessleepsociety.com

💖 Work with Me 1:1 – Doula Support & Coaching: Explore birth support and childbirth education for your pregnancy and birth journey

✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library; Free birth prep tools, worship playlist & more

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear Jamie's story of faith over fear.

Let's keep choosing trust over control, one story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!"

Support the show

Send us a text

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 real deal, this episode will help you discern the signs with confidence and peace.

As you approach your due date, it’s natural to analyze every sensation and wonder if labor is beginning. But those Braxton Hicks contractions can be so convincing! After experiencing this uncertainty myself—I want to equip you with the knowledge and faith-filled perspective you need to navigate this waiting season.

Whether you’re a first-time mama feeling overwhelmed by all the “what ifs” or an experienced mom who needs a refresher on labor signs, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in trusting God’s perfect timing for your birth story.

In this episode, I share:

🤔The difference between possible, preliminary, and positive signs of labor

🫖What to do (and what NOT to do) when you start experiencing these signs

🛁 Comfort measures and relaxation techniques to practice during early labor

📞 How to discern when it’s time to call your provider or head to your birthplace

✝️ Faith-filled encouragement for trusting your body and God’s timing

Scripture Shared:

“But I trust in you, Lord. I say, you are my God. My times are in your hands.” – Psalm 31:14-15

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ “Am I in Labor? Discerning the Signs” Free Handout – Grab this companion resource in the Christian Mama Birth Prep Library

🤰 LMNT Electrolytes – My favorite clean electrolyte supplement for pregnancy

📚 Childbirth Education Course – Learn comfort measures and labor techniques

💛 Work with Me 1:1 – Doula Support & Coaching: Explore birth support and childbirth education for your pregnancy and birth journey

If this episode helped clarify the signs of labor for you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mama who might be wondering the same thing.

Let’s keep choosing faith over fear as we trust God’s timing for our babies’ arrivals. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned