Resource Page:

Pregnancy to Infancy

Conception

We recommend that, as part of the preparation for bringing a child into the world, the prospective parents ensure that their spiritual life is well-placed - including daily prayers and other features of their prayer rule.

For some couples, conception happens quite easily.  For other couples, it does not - which can make for a much more difficult time.  While medical options are available, please speak with Fr Andrew for support and to discuss any potential ethical issues.

If you wish to ask the prayers of the saints, some who have worked powerfully in people's lives include:

• Conception: St Irene Chrysovalantou, St Sabbas the Sanctified, St Elizabeth (mother of St John the Baptist).
• Infertility: Sts Joachim & Anna, St Elizabeth the Grand Duchess

Pregnancy

A natural response to pregnancy is that of gratitude.  Pregnancy is a gift - joy, larger family - yet it is also a responsibility for us to steward.  Please speak with Fr Andrew to arrange a service of thanksgiving (at home or in church).

There are many other natural responses to pregnancy as well - fear for finances, support, isolation, wishing that something was different, and more.  If these describe your experience, please speak with Fr Andrew directly.

Tragically, a reality of pregnancy is that it sometimes ends in miscarriage.  Please speak with Fr Andrew to arrange for the appropriate service.

Lastly, please speak with Fr Andrew to discuss how this affects fasting in your family's circumstances.

Birth

There are a myriad of preparations for birth. 

Please remember to bring an icon and a prayer book in your birthing bag, as well as Fr Andrew's contact details in case of emergency (such as prayers for surgery or emergency baptism).

For the first forty days after birth, mother and child have a dispensation from attending church - to spend this time growing and bonding together, adjusting to this new life.  Fr Andrew asks fathers to make supporting their wife their top priority at this time - for some, this will mean staying home from church; for others, this will mean attending church and bringing any older children with him.

Infancy

The birth of a child is a joy - not only for the parents and family, but also for the community.

There are prayers for the child at this time.

• First Day: On the day of birth, the priest may be invited to read a short prayer of thanksgiving.  (NB: for reasons of practicality, this prayer is often combined with the Eighth Day prayers).
• Eighth Day: On the eighth day of life, the priest is invited to the house to read the Naming Prayers.  (NB: this according to the Jewish reckoning - e.g. if a child is born on Monday, then these prayers are read on the following Monday).
• Fortieth Day: On the fortieth day of life (or, in practice, the weekend after), child and mother are brought to the church, and the Churching Prayers are read - welcoming child and mother back into the physical presence of the community.

Another consideration is the Sacrament of Baptism.  We strongly recommend arranging this for soon after the Fortieth Day (though another common time is in the days immediately following birth). After baptism, the infant is brought to the Liturgy at the next opportunity, where Communion is given for the first time, and then to each Liturgy following. 

Please speak with Fr Andrew to arrange any of the above services or sacraments.

Resources

Please see below list of resources that may be helpful.

Resources from our Parish:

• Resource page on Baptism and Chrismation
• The Catechetical Talk on Baptism

Orthodox Books:

• A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul during Baby's First Forty Days
• Fertile Ground: A Pilgrimage through Pregnancy 
• Of Such Is The Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability 
• Under the Laurel Tree: Grieving Infertility with Saints Joachim and Anna
• Blueprints for the Little Church: Creating an Orthodox Home
• Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian Principles of Child-Rearing
• Raising Them Right: A Saint's Advice on Raising Children

FAQ

Q: What can be worn by infants when attending church?

A: Where possible, a similar dress code to parents would apply; however, it is known that this is sometimes less than feasible.  As always at our parish, attendees are asked to dress respectfully.

Q: Where can breastfeeding occur?

A: We suggest that the best place for feeding infants during services is in the Bojko Room.

Q: What do I do if my infant child makes noise during services?

A: Small children do have a tendency to do that!  It tends to be in the realm of parental discretion, but for guidance: if an infant is 'gurgling', no extraordinary action is required (it is not disruptive); however, one that is crying or screaming may need to be taken out of the worship space and settled (perhaps with any needs attended to) before returning. 

As children begin crawling, the opportunity begins for parents to intentionally teach their child how to behave in church.

Q: What if there is no question addressed here?

A: Please contact Fr Andrew directly.