Christ Centered Childbirth

by Kelly J. Townsend

A desperately needed book that encourages the reader to draw upon the strength of the Holy Spirit, who reduces the fear and torment of birth. It includes a devotional Bible study that is easy to organize, information on the practical issues of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and most importantly the spiritual issues surrounding the expectant couple. This book is a one-of-a-kind, focusing primarily on the lessons God would have us learn while becoming parents or growing the family. Ultimately, the foundational purpose of Christ Centered Childbirth is to give glory to God by bringing Jesus back into birth!

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference filled with lots of great scripture. As a doula this is one I recommend to my Christians clients.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure about all the theological implications she draws, but this book definitely helped reframed my perspective on childbirth. So thankful to have read this while pregnant.

[Elizabeth Hauenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply encouraged by her call to place Christ—not fear—at the center of birth. She invites mothers to rely on the Holy Spirit, preparing for labor through prayer, worship, and trust in God’s design. Her message is beautiful and needed: childbirth is sacred, God-designed, and a moment where His presence can be experienced in powerful ways.

While some of her symbolic connections—such as relating the armor of God or the Jewish feasts to stages of pregnancy and birth—are imaginative and meaningful, they occasionally feel more reflective than directly grounded in Scripture. They offer creative ways to consider birth spiritually, but they’re best read with thoughtful discernment.

This read affirmed my mission with Her Heritage Birth Services: to teach birth through a distinctly Christian lens, helping women trust God’s good design with confidence and peace.

A few favorite lines from the book:
• “God’s desire is that His daughters would experience childbirth not with fear, but in peace and power through His Spirit.”

• “When we bring Jesus back into birth, we return to the heart of the Creator’s design—where life begins in His presence.”

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did soooo much work in helping to change and shape my mind in a way that will help me continue to look to God through pregnancy and every single stage of labor. I could not recommend a book more or even communicate the gratefulness I have for this book.

Plenty of facts, but also written like a devotional. This is a book I will pass around and revisit with every pregnancy. I marked it up. I took 2 months to work my way through it. It's really something!

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth, this read has many medical facts about labor & delivery as well as a few birth stories. I much prefer this book though, due to the then being Christ centered. A must read for any lady wanting to learn the truth about childbirth!

[Amy Kannel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't have to read very much of this book before it became obvious that it was self-published. And in this case, the fact that no major publishing house picked it up speaks volumes. It struck me as cheesy and poorly edited. I skimmed quickly.

[Josipa]

Potpunu ocjenu knjiga će dobiti kad vidim je li mi uspjela pomoći pri porodu! :)
Knjiga je puna poticajnih misli, a i objašnjava s medicinske strane sam proces poroda, od trudova do samoga izgona. Kad je sve u glavi čisto, ne može biti tako strašno. Vidjet ćemo!

[Amy]

Hmm. So far, so good. This one gives some interesting insight on how the processes of conception, pregnancy and birth correspond to the feasts of Israel.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

great parts of this book - first chapters are worth the read. author is very pro-natural childbirth however - no drugs whatsoever.