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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" (not just a birth plan!), and the determination to do everything "right." But when preeclampsia led to an emergency induction, C-section, and a cascade of unexpected challenges, Crystal found herself struggling with the gap between expectation and reality.

This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. Crystal opens up about the darkest moments of her postpartum experience—including the day she realized she was having thoughts of ending her life—and how that became her wake-up call to seek help and find healing.

Whether you're currently struggling with perinatal mood challenges, supporting someone who is, or want to prepare your heart for what might come—this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual hope.

In this episode, Crystal shares:

🧠 How her perfectionist, control-focused personality made her more vulnerable to postpartum depression

💔 The moment her carefully planned birth completely fell apart and how that affected her emotionally

🚨 Five medical red flags that can contribute to or worsen perinatal anxiety and depression

💪 Practical steps she took toward healing: therapy, reclaiming body autonomy, and prioritizing self-care

✝️ How reconnecting with God felt like "winter fading into spring—things slowly coming back to life"

📝 The "sticky note strategy" for getting postpartum help without the awkwardness

👥 Why community and vulnerability are essential for maternal mental health

Scripture Shared:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." – Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

I close this episode with a heartfelt prayer for any mama walking through the darkness of perinatal mood challenges—that you would know you're seen, loved, and held by a faithful God who never leaves you.

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Seven Oaks Therapy: Connect with Crystal at crystal@sevenoakstherapy.com

📚 Postpartum Support International: Virtual support groups and resources

💛 Christian Mama Birth Prep Library: Free Birth Preferences Checklist, worship playlists & more

Remember: struggling doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you human, and help is available.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a mama who needs to hear Crystal's story of hope. Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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 every aspect of birth, this approach creates clarity and unity while honoring God's ultimate plan. Whether you're preparing for your first birth, hoping to have more input in your birth experience, or simply wanting to feel more prepared, this step-by-step guide will help you approach birth with both wisdom and surrender.

In this episode, I share:

📋 Why I prefer "birth preferences" over "birth plans" and the biblical wisdom behind this mindset

✔️ Essential categories to consider from before labor begins through postpartum care

🎶 Practical comfort measures including my favorite essential oils and music recommendations

🗣️ How to communicate your preferences clearly while still holding them with open hands

👶 Personal stories and lessons from my own births with Ellie and Daniel

Scripture Shared: "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." – Proverbs 19:21

A Prayer for You: I close this episode by praying over you as you prepare for your baby's birth. May you find wisdom in preparation, peace in surrender, and confidence knowing that God goes before you, beside you, and covers you with His unfailing love throughout your birth journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

📚 Christian Mama Birth Prep Library: Free Birth Preferences Checklist, worship playlists & more

☑️ Birth Ball Sizing Guide: Check out my Instagram post about proper birth ball sizing

✝️ Online Christian Childbirth Education: Explore my complete birth preparation self-paced course

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

In this episode of Faith Over Fear: The Christian Pregnancy & Birth Podcast, I’m joined by my very first guest—Sarah Salain, a registered nurse, Christian holistic health coach, and new mama—who shares her powerful story of waiting, surrender, and God’s faithfulness.

After years of hormonal challenges and praying for a baby, Sarah found herself walking through a long and painful season of infertility. As a health coach supporting other women through fertility struggles, her own waiting felt especially heavy—until God moved in a way only He could.

In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Sarah shares:

🌱 What it was like to walk through infertility while helping others heal
✝️ How the Lord clearly led her to wait—despite pressure to pursue fertility treatments
🤰 The joy and gratitude she experienced throughout pregnancy
🕯️ Her powerful, faith-centered hospital birth and the moment her life verse came to life
💛 The raw realities of postpartum, surrendering expectations, and finding purpose in motherhood

Scripture Shared:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18 (NIV)
(Spoiler: Her baby was born at 8:18 PM 🕯️)

A Prayer for You:
At the end of the episode, I offer a prayer especially for the mama in the waiting—whether you're longing for a baby, facing an unexpected diagnosis, or just needing reassurance that God sees you. May Sarah’s story remind you that God’s timing is never late and His promises are always true.

Mentioned in this episode:
✨ Christian Mama Birth Prep Library – Free tools & worship playlists to help you prepare with peace
💛 Explore Doula Support & Childbirth Education – Virtual and in-person care for faith-led births
🌿 Connect with Sarah – Learn more about her work through Simply Sarah Healing

If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Let’s keep choosing faith over fear—one birth story at a time.

👉 Visit the full blog post for show notes, transcript, and links to everything mentioned!