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Holy Labor: How Childbirth Shapes a Woman’s Soul
Women are valued for their ability to bear children in many cultures. The birth process, though supposedly the most painful experience of a woman's life, is seen as a necessary evil to achieve the end goal of children and motherhood.And yet, in the face of a typically masculinized Christianity that nevertheless professes that women are equally created in the image of God, shouldn't childbirth--a uniquely feminine experience--itself shape Christian women's souls and teach them about the heart of the God they love and follow?Drawing on her own experience of giving birth and motherhood--and the conflicting assumptions attached to them, by Christians and the culture at large--Aubry G. Smith presents a richly scriptural exploration of common conceptions about pregnancy and childbirth that will not only help mothers and soon-to-be mothers understand how to think biblically about birth, but also walks them through how to put the ideas into practice in their own lives. Along the way, she shows all readers how to see God's own experience of the birth process--and how childbirth leads to a deeper understanding of the gospel overall.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2016
127 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Aubry G. Smith
2 books8 followersAubry is a writer, as well as a certified childbirth educator and doula. An Arkansas native, she now lives in the Middle East with her husband and three children, where they are learning Arabic and exploring Arab culture. Aubry is passionate about helping women discover God's peace and presence as they give birth, and encourages engagement with time-honored spiritual disciplines for transformation in the image of Christ.. She also loves running, camping, and learning about different cultures and worldviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 17, 2024
Loved this one. Helped so much in preparing my mind for my upcoming labor. She drew so much from Scripture and pointed to Jesus in every page.
A tiny disclaimer: not sure I that I agree 100% on some of her theological conclusions, but it was just once or twice, and the topics are ones I would love to study a bit more . . .
A tiny disclaimer: not sure I that I agree 100% on some of her theological conclusions, but it was just once or twice, and the topics are ones I would love to study a bit more . . .
July 12, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up
Though I didn’t completely agree with all of Aubrey Smith’s theology, this book was exactly what I’ve been looking for as I prepare for labor. While many of the “natural birth” advocates give helpful tips regarding pain management, I felt uncomfortable with much of the underlying philosophy of the movement: the idea that I need to “channel my inner monkey,” or get in tune with my inner birth goddess, or merely BELIEVE that I can have an unmedicated birth.
Aubrey Smith presents a medically-informed and biblically-based look at the spiritual aspect of birth. Labor and delivery are seen as a process in which women imitate God’s own creative work, a reminder of the grand gospel story, and an event which can train a woman’s soul for greater godliness. Instead of advising laboring women to repeat mantras or use visualization to escape the pain of labor, she encourages women to see God’s work through the pain. I don’t need to rely on my own strength to power through naturally, nor do I need to fear the pain that is to come; I simply need to rest in God’s provision and care.
Overall, a very encouraging read. (I did skip some of the “spiritual formation” sections at the end of the chapters, though)
Though I didn’t completely agree with all of Aubrey Smith’s theology, this book was exactly what I’ve been looking for as I prepare for labor. While many of the “natural birth” advocates give helpful tips regarding pain management, I felt uncomfortable with much of the underlying philosophy of the movement: the idea that I need to “channel my inner monkey,” or get in tune with my inner birth goddess, or merely BELIEVE that I can have an unmedicated birth.
Aubrey Smith presents a medically-informed and biblically-based look at the spiritual aspect of birth. Labor and delivery are seen as a process in which women imitate God’s own creative work, a reminder of the grand gospel story, and an event which can train a woman’s soul for greater godliness. Instead of advising laboring women to repeat mantras or use visualization to escape the pain of labor, she encourages women to see God’s work through the pain. I don’t need to rely on my own strength to power through naturally, nor do I need to fear the pain that is to come; I simply need to rest in God’s provision and care.
Overall, a very encouraging read. (I did skip some of the “spiritual formation” sections at the end of the chapters, though)
October 16, 2025
“Throughout the millennia, childbirth has been derided as a curse on women, a horror to be feared and faced until you can get past it to get to the baby on the other side. But in Scripture, birth is given dignity as a metaphor of transformation, of new life in Christ, and being reborn as a child of God. And our new birth serves as a signpost of an even more incredible one to come — when the entire cosmos is made new, birthed from the old.” (Pg 117)
This book has been a big part of developing my view of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood as created by the Lord with all of its challenges and struggles being purposeful. It’s been so encouraging to be fed scripturally rich teaching about suffering and toil; these are things to be learned and shaped from rather than escaped or feared, just like Christ endured difficulty and human struggles on earth, so that he could know and identify with us. Praise the Lord, who is the giver of life itself and designer of birth! (There was a theological stance or two that I’m not sure I fully align with Smith on, but I didn’t feel that they detracted from the truths of her main arguments. Would still highly recommend!)
This book has been a big part of developing my view of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood as created by the Lord with all of its challenges and struggles being purposeful. It’s been so encouraging to be fed scripturally rich teaching about suffering and toil; these are things to be learned and shaped from rather than escaped or feared, just like Christ endured difficulty and human struggles on earth, so that he could know and identify with us. Praise the Lord, who is the giver of life itself and designer of birth! (There was a theological stance or two that I’m not sure I fully align with Smith on, but I didn’t feel that they detracted from the truths of her main arguments. Would still highly recommend!)
May 26, 2025
Couldn’t recommend more!! Whether you’re pregnant or have had kids, or desire kids one day (probably helpful if you’re thinking through it in the close-ish future), this book has been so helpful in reframing my theology around labor. I was challenged in many ways and reminded of truth that I hadn’t thought of in relation to labor. She ends every chapter with spiritual disciplines to practice both in preparation for and reflection on labor which I found very helpful.
In the same way that I think everyone who desires to be married should read “Meaning of Marriage”, this feels like a book that I would recommend to anyone who desires to have children.
In the same way that I think everyone who desires to be married should read “Meaning of Marriage”, this feels like a book that I would recommend to anyone who desires to have children.
February 28, 2024
Reread 2024 several weeks before baby girl’s due date; and still thankful for the powerful message of this book.
2021: An absolutely stunning book; I found myself underlining and saying “amen” so many times while reading this one. I’ve long struggled to reconcile the negative view of childbirth and labor in most Christian circles with the alternative of the empowered “birth goddess” in the secular circles—where most of the good childbirth teaching really is—yet coupled with some sketchy New Age philosophies. This book is the one I’ve been looking for, where God is brought into the equation of labor and birth and where our hearts can be changed and transformed in this life-altering event—no matter the outcome of the actual labor itself (medicated, non-medicated, etc). Labor can be one of the holiest moments of a woman’s life and I love how Aubry unpacks this and explains that childbirth isn’t something that is cursed, but is instead something holy and to be celebrated.
2021: An absolutely stunning book; I found myself underlining and saying “amen” so many times while reading this one. I’ve long struggled to reconcile the negative view of childbirth and labor in most Christian circles with the alternative of the empowered “birth goddess” in the secular circles—where most of the good childbirth teaching really is—yet coupled with some sketchy New Age philosophies. This book is the one I’ve been looking for, where God is brought into the equation of labor and birth and where our hearts can be changed and transformed in this life-altering event—no matter the outcome of the actual labor itself (medicated, non-medicated, etc). Labor can be one of the holiest moments of a woman’s life and I love how Aubry unpacks this and explains that childbirth isn’t something that is cursed, but is instead something holy and to be celebrated.
March 8, 2017
This book was recommended to me while in my last week of pregnancy and I devoured it! Smith provides a beautiful theology of childbirth and even parenting, miscarriage, etc that I think so many would benefit from reading. It's given me an added boost of confidence and faith in my body as I anticipate the birth of my baby and consider this work as an avenue through which I, as a woman, bear the Image of God. Her scriptural and doctrinal work are strong throughout and she handles delicate situations like miscarriage, birth trauma, and other difficult situations with grace. 100% recommend.
April 24, 2020
Most of this book, I wish I could give 10 stars. This is the book I've been looking for since early on in my pregnancy! Very few people are talking about childbirth (especially unmedicated childbirth) from a theological, Christian perspective. That said, I didn't agree with all the theological conclusions in this book. Still, it was so so worth the read. 4.5 stars.
June 9, 2020
Excellently written, gently packed with truth. Will be recommending to all my friends having babies!
July 21, 2020
AT LAST. This is the book I’ve been looking for/wanting since pregnant with my first.
As I near the end of my 4th pregnancy (3rd child) and I have reached the end of this book, my soul feels full and fed.
This is a gospel-filled book on pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. She is digging into exactly what God says in genesis. Did He curse childbirth and make it into the most horrible thing that can be experienced? Or was it always intended to be hard work, but a task that can point us to worship and clinging to Christ all the more?
My favorite part is when she addresses the current secular view of (especially natural) childbirth. That women are goddesses, and with visualization and the right mindset you can manifest a glorious and perhaps even orgasmic labor for yourself.
As someone who has had two extraordinarily difficult child birth experiences, and one very traumatic and dangerous miscarriage, I really appreciated how she handled this part. The narrative the world is offering us women is lacking. A hard experience is no fault of the mother. But yet another opportunity to draw near to our Lord and savior.
Does your mindset for labor matter? Absolutely. Being fearful and stressed does indeed hugely impact how our bodies behave. Giving in to and relaxing into contractions absolutely helps the cervix dialate. But even the most perfect mindset doesn’t guarantee a fast or easy labor or a good outcome. Frankly we can’t guarantee these things, because we aren’t in control.
Anyway, this review is very ramble-y and disjointed. But this beautiful book gave me so much peace. I really enjoyed how at the end of each chapter she lists some spiritual disciplines and suggestions in how to practically add them into your life.
As I near the end of my 4th pregnancy (3rd child) and I have reached the end of this book, my soul feels full and fed.
This is a gospel-filled book on pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. She is digging into exactly what God says in genesis. Did He curse childbirth and make it into the most horrible thing that can be experienced? Or was it always intended to be hard work, but a task that can point us to worship and clinging to Christ all the more?
My favorite part is when she addresses the current secular view of (especially natural) childbirth. That women are goddesses, and with visualization and the right mindset you can manifest a glorious and perhaps even orgasmic labor for yourself.
As someone who has had two extraordinarily difficult child birth experiences, and one very traumatic and dangerous miscarriage, I really appreciated how she handled this part. The narrative the world is offering us women is lacking. A hard experience is no fault of the mother. But yet another opportunity to draw near to our Lord and savior.
Does your mindset for labor matter? Absolutely. Being fearful and stressed does indeed hugely impact how our bodies behave. Giving in to and relaxing into contractions absolutely helps the cervix dialate. But even the most perfect mindset doesn’t guarantee a fast or easy labor or a good outcome. Frankly we can’t guarantee these things, because we aren’t in control.
Anyway, this review is very ramble-y and disjointed. But this beautiful book gave me so much peace. I really enjoyed how at the end of each chapter she lists some spiritual disciplines and suggestions in how to practically add them into your life.
January 24, 2023
Okay. I was very, very skeptical of the first couple of chapters. But it got better. If the first two chapters weren’t there, it would’ve been 4 stars.
However from chapter 3 and onward I really enjoyed and appreciated the content. I appreciated Smiths constant pointing to Christ as the sovereign creator and sustainer of life. Readers are encouraged to look to Christ and trust Him in pregnancy, labor, and in parenting. I think Smith handled difficult topics of miscarriage, infertility, and disabilities well and with grace and truth.
However from chapter 3 and onward I really enjoyed and appreciated the content. I appreciated Smiths constant pointing to Christ as the sovereign creator and sustainer of life. Readers are encouraged to look to Christ and trust Him in pregnancy, labor, and in parenting. I think Smith handled difficult topics of miscarriage, infertility, and disabilities well and with grace and truth.
August 29, 2025
4/5 starts just because there was one part of the book I think she worded a little weird, so maybe being a little picky. smith definitely leans towards having a natural birth while giving great arguments for why and how so much of child birth relates to the gospel, but i don't think she ever worded her thoughts in a way that were condoning to someone who chooses not to go natural. her argument is not to get you to go natural, but to realize "separating the biological process of childbirth from recognition of God's work may tempt us to see it as a mechanistic process that can happen with or without him." this book definitely opened my eyes to how i should and can view childbirth because i have hope in the Savior, Jesus!
August 25, 2025
Really a great book! Changed my perspective on childbirth in many ways.
I went in between 4 and 5 stars several times. Ultimately it gets a 4 because it just covered way too many topics. It was hard to push on at times.
I went in between 4 and 5 stars several times. Ultimately it gets a 4 because it just covered way too many topics. It was hard to push on at times.
May 28, 2024
Very well-written and supported by Scripture. Would recommend to any first time mother.
July 4, 2025
So glad I was able to read this book before baby #2. I love Aubrey’s work to reclaim childbirth and pregnancy from the New Age movement, which is where most of the popular books and resources on this topic are found. I think she goes through every scripture where childbirth is mentioned and you can tell she has thought deeply on this topic. I would highly recommend this book to any woman!
October 7, 2019
If I could give this book ten stars, I would.
I am currently seven months pregnant, and hoping to do an unmedicated birth. I read the often recommended Ina May's Guide To Childbirth, which is very good and helpful but felt incomplete. I then heard about Holy Labor, which sounded like a better alternative. Coping mechanisms coupled with meditations on how childbirth can point us back to God and His Word made it sound like it would be a worthwhile read.
This book is deep, rich, helpful, and exciting. I feel more ready for not only birth but motherhood. I LOVED this book and wish I had the words to convey that.
I am currently seven months pregnant, and hoping to do an unmedicated birth. I read the often recommended Ina May's Guide To Childbirth, which is very good and helpful but felt incomplete. I then heard about Holy Labor, which sounded like a better alternative. Coping mechanisms coupled with meditations on how childbirth can point us back to God and His Word made it sound like it would be a worthwhile read.
This book is deep, rich, helpful, and exciting. I feel more ready for not only birth but motherhood. I LOVED this book and wish I had the words to convey that.
November 7, 2020
Very even keel and balanced, with lots of fresh thoughts for moms.
February 19, 2024
She clearly connects biblical metaphors of labor and actual labor in the Bible to our experiences now, and God’s role in it all. Super neat and encouraging! A lot of it is practical advice for drawing near to God in any trials of life. I love how she encourages growing in the spiritual disciplines to prepare for labor, but then also how practicing spiritual disciplines during labor prepare us for other life experiences.
Some of if you have to take with a grain of salt (for example, some of the God’s gender talk wasn’t helpful to the convo for me), and even though she establishes several times that there’s no shame in women making informed decisions to use pain relief, sometimes it feels like there’s pressure to choose the non-medicated route. That could be just because she does a great job of listing the benefits of a non-medicated birth! Either way, she proposes good challenges to think about as the mother makes decisions. I would definitely recommend this book to any woman afraid of labor and pregnancy, and I’ll be reading it again when I’m pregnant again. Good reminders of how the gospel plays into childbirth!!
Some of if you have to take with a grain of salt (for example, some of the God’s gender talk wasn’t helpful to the convo for me), and even though she establishes several times that there’s no shame in women making informed decisions to use pain relief, sometimes it feels like there’s pressure to choose the non-medicated route. That could be just because she does a great job of listing the benefits of a non-medicated birth! Either way, she proposes good challenges to think about as the mother makes decisions. I would definitely recommend this book to any woman afraid of labor and pregnancy, and I’ll be reading it again when I’m pregnant again. Good reminders of how the gospel plays into childbirth!!
August 16, 2025
3.5/5
The theology in this book was excellent. Really enjoyed her unique perspective on childbirth and thought it was excellently done. She handled difficult tops with grace and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The medical advice in this book I thought was lacking. She claims that medicated or non-medicated birth is biblical, but then clearly leans in one direction. Some of the statements she makes regarding hospital birth / OBGYNs were just totally untrue.
Definitely recommend this read for the theology and preparation for birth from a mental and spiritual perspective, but talk to your own doctor / midwife on a birth plan.
The theology in this book was excellent. Really enjoyed her unique perspective on childbirth and thought it was excellently done. She handled difficult tops with grace and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The medical advice in this book I thought was lacking. She claims that medicated or non-medicated birth is biblical, but then clearly leans in one direction. Some of the statements she makes regarding hospital birth / OBGYNs were just totally untrue.
Definitely recommend this read for the theology and preparation for birth from a mental and spiritual perspective, but talk to your own doctor / midwife on a birth plan.
January 30, 2025
“When we are able to put childbirth in its proper perspective—something that glorifies God and points to Jesus—then we can let go of our categories of “success” and “failure” in birth.”
This book gave me an awe and reverence for labor and birth. The entire narrative points the reader to the reality that God is intimately involved and cares deeply for mothers and their experiences in childbirth. It was full of encouragement to hold loosely to your preferences and ideals, trusting the God will bring your baby into the world exactly according to His plan.
This book gave me an awe and reverence for labor and birth. The entire narrative points the reader to the reality that God is intimately involved and cares deeply for mothers and their experiences in childbirth. It was full of encouragement to hold loosely to your preferences and ideals, trusting the God will bring your baby into the world exactly according to His plan.
June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed reading and working my way through this book as I get ready for my own labor. It really helped reshape and redefine how I look at pain and suffering in labor and in life and I think it gives a lot of practical, biblical advice for approaching your labor-whether it’s unmedicated or medicated. I didn’t agree with all of her biblical standpoints, especially in chapter 2, but overall I found it to be good and sound advice!! I’ll be referencing this in these last few weeks of pregnancy and in my labor!!
August 30, 2025
Good stuff. There’s a surprising lack of resources on birth from a Christian perspective, so I’m so glad to have read this. Definitely would recommend! Also really appreciated the sensitive handling of topics like miscarriage and infertility.
June 30, 2019
An excellent theology of childbirth, it was encouraging while still being practical. I will probably reread & recommend to expecting friends.
January 9, 2025
It has some good points, but gets a little repetitive and uses the same passages over and over to make their point in the middle chapters.
March 7, 2025
This book is a great theological overview of childbirth, but not much practical wisdom or help for the childbirth process itself.
February 13, 2023
Worth the read!! I didn’t agree with all of her theology in it, but overall, she really made me think about childbirth from a Christian perspective!! So many things I want to implement as practice, even postpartum!!
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October 1, 2025DNF because I gave birth lol but what I read was 5/5
April 18, 2021
Cannot recommend this book highly enough!
March 28, 2024
This book was to much. More me then the book I am sure
March 30, 2022
4.5 stars. An excellent theology of labor and birth. Encouraging and inspiring.
March 14, 2022
I didn’t agree with all her points but great read preparing for labor with baby #3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews