Spiritual Expectations and Experience of Women with Newborns

This hermeneutical phenomenological analysis of the lived experience of women with newborns was conducted to search for a clearer understanding of their perception of a spiritual connection, awakening or encounter during the childbirth experience. Having reviewed the literature, I concluded that the time of pregnancy and childbirth is a physically and emotionally challenging time for most women. It can also be a transformative, life changing experience for women. The literature also indicated that the experience can also represent a time of deep spiritual reflection. This study looked at eight women, each expecting their first child. The participants volunteered from two sources: the Pickering Presbytery of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and Prenatal classes held in the same geographical area. Each participant was interviewed in their third trimester of pregnancy, and again six to eight weeks post-partum. The research was organized into five emerging themes: community, reality of becoming a mom, sense of wonderment, control, and response to labour outcomes and five spiritual needs: support of family, recognition, encouragement and acceptance, support of spouse/partner, presence of mom’s mom, and scripture, prayer and worship. The findings demonstrate that each of the women experienced a spiritual connection with the divine at some time during the childbirth process. This thesis concludes with outlining how these findings can be applied in the pastoral setting.Doctor of Ministry (DMin