4 days ago

17. Suffering In Birth & Motherhood is NEVER Wasted: A Journey of Healing & Hope with Olivia Wilcox

📌 Episode Summary:

Y'all you are IN for a treat with today's interview. I'm telling ya, you do not want to miss the encouragement & wisdom laced throughout this episode!

Today you'll hear as my sweet friend Olivia (from @thenotsoangrymom over on Instagram) shares her powerful journey through motherhood—from navigating very different birth experiences, walking through postpartum struggles & experiencing God's redeeming work in healing her burn-out induced mom anger.

While none of her four births were unmedicated, her story is deeply rooted in God's faithfulness and the way He brings beauty from ashes.

This episode is a must-listen for any mom who finds herself in the trenches, wrestling with unmet expectations, anger, or the weight of motherhood.

Olivia’s honest reflections and hope-filled encouragement will remind you that God redeems, restores, and walks with us every step of the way.

💡 What You'll Hear Discussed

Motherhood can be busy but doesn’t have to feel unbearable
How age gaps between children can be a beautiful blessing
Why birth plans are helpful—but flexibility is essential
How suffering can lead to healing and spiritual growth
The power of lament and speaking the hard things
The importance of surrounding yourself with a Christ-centered community
What it looks like to surrender anger, disappointment, and struggle to God
How God can transform “a nightmare” into something beyond a dream beautiful

📖 Scripture Mentioned:

Psalm 126:5-6 – "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."

🔊 Sound Bites:

"It's not hard, it's busy."
"Suffering is never wasted."
"Speak the ugly."

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background
05:00 – Motherhood and Family Dynamics
10:13 – Birth Experiences: The Journey Begins
14:51 – Navigating Birth Challenges and Expectations
20:08 – Mental Health and Motherhood
25:07 – Finding Support and Healing
28:09 – The Beauty of Ministry Born from Pain
31:45 – Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Faith
38:37 – Lessons from Birth Experiences
44:00 – Hope and Community in Motherhood

📚 Resources & Links:

Join the Natural Birth Prep for the Kinda Crunchy Christian Mom on Facebook
Subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter -- NO SPAM. Promise.
Follow on Instagram: @faithful.labor

Follow Olivia (NO SERIOUSLY DO IT!) on Instagram: @thenotsoangrymom

May the peace of Christ dwell in you richly this week, sisters!

Keep seeking, following & surrendering to the Lord in ALL that lies ahead of you!