By Grace Through Faith

12/30/2025

✨ God’s Timing and the 8th Day — Faith and Physiology in Harmony

In Scripture, God commanded that circumcision take place on the 8th day (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3; Luke 2:21). Thousands of years later, modern physiology has revealed something extraordinary about that exact timing.

Newborns are born with low vitamin K, a nutrient needed for the production of vitamin-K–dependent clotting factors. This is not a flaw — it is part of God’s design for a safe transition from life in the womb to life outside it.

Two key things are happening:

1️⃣ Gut colonization is intentionally delayed.
Babies are born with a mostly sterile gut. Over the first several days of life, their microbiome slowly and safely establishes, and this developing gut bacteria begins to produce vitamin K. This happens gradually on purpose to protect the newborn’s immune system and prevent harmful overgrowth of bacteria.

2️⃣ Clotting balance matures by the 8th day.
Newborns are not designed to clot “as fast as possible” right away. In the first week, their circulatory system is still transitioning from placental life. Too much clotting too soon could be dangerous. Instead, clotting factors gradually rise, and around the 8th day the body reaches an optimal balance—bleeding risk is lowest while healing capacity is strong.

So the 8th day is not arbitrary. It reflects a designed moment of readiness when the newborn’s gut, liver, clotting system, and circulation have reached stability. Scripture preserved this timing long before we had microscopes or biochemistry.
This is not science “adding to” the Bible. It is science finally observing what God already designed. His Word and His creation are in agreement.

It is important to keep in mind that circumcision was an Old Testament covenant. We no longer need to circumcise our baby boys in order to be a part of the Abrahamic Covenant of YHWH. Jesus came and now we undergo a circumcision of the heart.

If you do still choose to circumcise please know that it's not necessary to get vitamin K just to circumcise. You can wait until the 8th day which is biologically normal for our species physiology.

Vitamin K is not neutral and neither is circumcision. They both come with risks. Informed consent matters. Circumcision has risk with no no true medical benefit. There is data on both sides of vitamin K as well. Research the data well, then choose once you have all the information.

I do support your choice to be informed and make the discison for both of these procedures that you decide is right for your family ❤️ I serve you. Let's Doula This!

Gracethroughfaithbirthservices@gmail.com

12/29/2025

WHY SIDE SLEEPING IS THE BEST AFTER YOUR FIRST TRIMESTER

Many mamas tell me, “Midwife Chiamaka, I used to sleep anyhow before pregnancy. Why is everyone now saying I must sleep on my side?” Let’s talk about it in a simple, honest way.

As your pregnancy progresses, your womb becomes heavier. When you lie flat on your back after the first trimester, the weight of your growing uterus can press on a major blood vessel called the inferior vena cava. This vessel carries blood from your lower body back to your heart. When it is compressed, blood flow to your heart, your placenta, and your baby can reduce.

That is why some pregnant women feel dizzy, breathless, nauseous, or uncomfortable when lying on their back. This is called supine hypotension, and side sleeping helps prevent it.

Sleeping on your side improves blood flow and oxygen supply to your baby. It also helps your kidneys work better, which can reduce swelling in your legs, feet, and hands.

Many people ask if there is a “best” side. The left side is often recommended because it allows better blood flow to the placenta, but the right side is also safe. The most important thing is avoiding long periods flat on your back, especially in the second and third trimesters.

If you wake up on your back, do not panic. Simply turn onto your side. You are not harming your baby by mistake. Your body often signals you to change position before any harm occurs.

To make side sleeping more comfortable, use pillows. Place one between your knees, one behind your back for support, or a pregnancy pillow if you have one. Comfort matters.

Pregnancy comes with many adjustments, and sleep is one of them. Side sleeping is a simple change that supports your comfort, your circulation, and your baby’s well-being.

Midwife Chiamaka

12/29/2025

✨ The Birthing Mother’s Bill of Rights — Know Your Voice, Know Your Choices

Every woman who gives birth has rights. Not privileges, not “if they allow it,” not “only if everything goes perfectly.” Rights. Too often, women are rushed, coerced, or spoken to as if birth automatically removes their ability to decide what happens to their own bodies. It does not.

The Birthing Mother’s Bill of Rights is rooted in the principles of informed consent, informed refusal, bodily autonomy, and respectful maternity care. It means:
You have the right to clear information about any test, medication, or procedure
You have the right to ask questions and take time to decide
You have the right to say yes
You have the right to say no
You have the right to change your mind
You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
You have the right to continuous support in labor
You have the right to be free from threats, bullying, or coercion
You have the right to know your options for pain management and coping techniques
You have the right to hold and stay with your baby unless there is a true medical emergency
You have the right to practice your faith, preferences, and cultural traditions as safely possible

Hospitals are places of care — not control. When you enter a hospital, you do not surrender your rights or your voice. You are not required to immediately agree to any procedure or intervention without understanding it. Except in rare, true emergencies, you are allowed time to think, pray, discuss with your partner, and ask:
What is the benefit?
What are the risks?
What are the alternatives?
What happens if we wait?
Is this urgent, or do we have time to decide?

This is not being “difficult.” This is being a fully informed patient and mother.

💬 Using clear language helps you advocate for your rights
Here are strong, respectful phrases you can use:
“I do not consent to that at this time.”
“I need more information to make my decision.”
“Is this an emergency, or do we have time to talk about it?”
“What are the risks and alternatives?”
“Please document that I decline this procedure after counseling.”
“I would like a moment alone with my partner to discuss.”
A doula can help remind you of your rights, support your decisions, and help you find your voice in the moment — but the authority remains with YOU.
Birth is holy, powerful, and deeply personal. Understanding your Birthing Mother’s Bill of Rights helps protect your body, your baby, and your experience. When women know their rights, the entire atmosphere of birth changes from pressure… to partnership, from fear… to confidence.

You deserve respectful care, informed choice, and real consent — every step of the way.

12/29/2025

I know this man is not perfect. He is simple flesh and there is no perfect flesh outside of The Word becoming flesh. However, he's a man on fire for Jesus. I love what he teaches. We seek a high and a mind change because we have original pain and hurt that we try to fill. But the only thing that fills that is the high that we get seeking the presence of the Lord.

When your mind feels overwhelmed, anxious, or under constant pressure, it can feel impossible to find peace. This message breaks down how to find true peace ...

12/28/2025

Thank you

12/28/2025

🌿✨ Pregnancy in 2026: A Beautiful Year to Care for Your Body & Baby ✨🌿

As we step into 2026, this is the perfect time for expectant mamas to refocus on the simple, powerful foundations of a healthy pregnancy. Your body is already doing something incredible — creating new life — and small, consistent choices can support both you and your baby in beautiful ways.

Here are a few evidence-based ways to start the year strong:

💧 Hydration matters
Water supports your blood volume, amniotic fluid, digestion, and energy. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day.

🥩🍓 Nourishing, real food
Choose protein-rich foods, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and nutrient-dense meals that truly fuel your body. Your baby receives building blocks from what you eat.

🚶‍♀️ Gentle daily movement
Walking, stretching, and prenatal-safe exercise can reduce aches, support circulation, and even help prepare your pelvis and baby’s position for birth.

🌞 Fresh air & sunlight
Time outdoors supports mood, immune health, vitamin D levels, and stress relief. Even 10–20 minutes of fresh air can make a difference.

📚 Learn about physiological birth
Understanding how your body is designed to labor and give birth can lower fear and increase confidence. When we learn how hormones, movement, positions, and uninterrupted labor work together, we are empowered to make informed choices.

🤍 Your birth, your journey
Every pregnancy is unique. Every birth is unique. Education + support can help you feel confident, calm, and cared for throughout the process.
If you’re pregnant in 2026 and would like childbirth education, doula support, or resources on physiological birth, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Wishing all my expectant mamas a year of strength, peace, and healthy beginnings.

— By Grace Through Faith Birth Services LLC
Certified Doula & Childbirth Educator



Gracethroughfaithbirthservices@gmail.com

12/28/2025

12/28/2025

I highly recommend the comb method for coping during contractions

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12/28/2025

Please secure all button batteries.

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