Birth is an incredible event, like a miracle unfolding before our very eyes. When all goes well, the parents are often filled with a fervent desire to thank God for the gift of life and parenthood which He has bestowed upon them.

During childbirth, it is considered commendable when possible to read from the book of Psalms, praying for the welfare of the mother and the baby. There are several psalms from which to choose that are especially appropriate for childbirth: 1, 2, 3, 4, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 33, 47, 72, 86, 90, 91, 92, 93, 104, and from 112 until the end of Psalms.

Upon seeing their daughter, as soon as it is possible for them to do so, the parents should express their joy and thanks to God by means of the blessing:

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this time.”

After the mother has recovered from the birth, it is customary for her to recite the blessing of HaGomel (“who bestows good”), like any other individual who has safely emerged from a position of danger. The HaGomel blessing must be recited in the presence of a quorum of ten men [minyan].

The formula of the blessing is as follows:

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who bestows good upon the culpable, who has bestowed all goodness upon me.”

Ashkenazim respond:

“Amen. May He who bestowed all goodness upon you always bestow all goodness upon you, Selah.”

Sephardim respond:

“Amen. May the God who bestowed all goodness upon you always bestow all goodness upon you, Selah.”

The husband may recite the blessing on behalf of his wife. In such a case, he should do so in his wife’s presence, and the blessing is recited in the second person: “Blessed are you, Lord…who bestowed all goodness upon you,” and his wife responds: “Amen.”

Further reading: For the halakhot of birth on Shabbat, see p. 439.