Spiritual Strength for Pregnancy and Birth

It’s natural for women to long to have children. But for a Jewish woman, this desire comes from an even deeper place, a longing in her soul to fulfill Hashem’s will. A woman who understands how precious this mitzvah is, and how much joy it brings in heaven, can go through pregnancy and childbirth with spiritual strength. That awareness gives meaning to the challenges and helps ease the burden.

1. A Deep and Lasting Privilege
   Bringing a pure soul into the world is one of the greatest honors. When a woman gives birth, she becomes a partner with Hashem in continuing creation. This is one of the most important mitzvot there is.

2. A Mitzvah That Opens the Door for Many Others
   The Book of Education says that the mitzvah of “Be fruitful and multiply” is the foundation for all other mitzvot, because mitzvot are given to people, not angels. By bringing children into the world, more souls can fulfill Hashem’s commandments.

3. Devotion to Hashem’s Plan
   When a woman chooses to bring a child into the world for the sake of Hashem, it brings Him great joy. She is taking part in His plan for creation, the reason He made the world and all its beauty.

4. Helping Bring Redemption Closer
   Our sages teach that when people take part in this mitzvah, they help bring the final redemption closer. There are many souls waiting to enter the world before the world can reach completion and the Messiah can come.

5. Hashem Is Waiting for Us to Say Yes
   There are many souls waiting to be born and eager to come into this world. Hashem waits lovingly for couples to choose to bring them in. He doesn’t force anyone. But when a couple chooses to be part of His kindness and welcome more souls, it brings Him deep joy.

6. Great Kindness, Even If the Soul Can’t Stay Long
   Even if a child isn’t able to live or accomplish anything in this world, bringing that soul into the world is still a great kindness. It gives the soul a place in the world to come. The Talmud tells how Miriam told Amram during Pharaoh’s harsh decree that even one moment of life is worth it.

7. Childbirth Is Challenging Because It’s So Important
   Because this mitzvah is so special, it also faces resistance. Negative spiritual forces that were created by sins since the time of Adam try to block it. That’s why pregnancy and birth can be so hard because they are spiritual missions with deep meaning.

8. Why Birth Is Painful
   The Shem Mishmuel explains that the pain of childbirth happens because something so spiritual is becoming physical. This union of body and soul is powerful and outside forces try to stop it. The effort to push through them creates the pain.

9. Nothing Is More Precious Than a Jewish Child
   There is nothing in this world more valuable than a Jewish child. If, G-d forbid, there’s a fire and you must choose to save either a child or all the world’s riches, even the holiest items, it’s clear: save the child. The soul of a Jewish child is priceless, beyond measure.

10. Understanding Brings Strength
    Knowing how important this mitzvah is and how much joy it brings in heaven can make pregnancy and childbirth feel lighter. When we remember the goal, we’re willing to go through a lot to get there.

Pregnancy and birth are big missions, full of physical and emotional challenges. But for those who are ready to face them with strength and love, they bring the amazing reward of welcoming a pure Jewish soul into the world.