More relevant than ALL other pregnancy/birth books
“I am so glad this book was written. I have read lots and lots and LOTS of pregnancy/birth/early parenting books, but I have never read a book as pertinent to me as this one. I bought 4 copies; one for my doula buddy, and the other 2 for my pregnant sisters. I can’t wait to give them away! THANK YOU ladies for all that you put into this work. Your time and hard work are evident, and The Gift of Giving Life will have a prominent place on my bookshelf and in my soul. Also, my husband is annoyed because reading it makes me want another baby. :)” – Amber
Most Amazing Book I have Ever Read
“I preordered a book and it showed up late last week… I have NOT been able to put it down. I’m only half way through, but it’s already one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. It has touched my heart and spirit in amazing ways. It has helped me to see the recent birth of my daughter in a much more spiritual manner. I already ordered another copy for a friend who just found out she is expecting with her first… I just want to buy a copy for everyone! Thank you so much all the sacrifice and love that went into creating this book.” – Michelle
It is for EVERY woman, regardless of age or parental status
I just spent two hours, outdoors, reading this incredibly beautiful book. I highly recommend it. It’s not just for women in the birthing years. It is for every woman, regardless of age or parental status. ♥ – Kathryn
Not just for pregnant women!
“I just talked to my Dad’s wife (my new step-mom) who is reading the book and she said that it is not just for pregnant women it is for all women. She is done having babies but said it makes her feel so amazing for being a woman.” – Felice
Life Changing Book
Here is a bit from an early review from Jocelyn on her blog We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ. Definitely go read the whole thing. But I loved these parts.
I’ll admit that when I heard about this book on my friend Heather’s blog, I wondered if it was going to be very granola…and TMI. I wondered if it was going to push certain ways to be a Mother. I wasn’t sure I’d fit into their recommended “way”.But from the taste that I received yesterday, I realized that this is going to be the adventure of a lifetime (times 22 women’s lifetimes)…as that is what giving the gift of life to another person is: the adventure of a lifetime.Although I’ve only just begun the journey through this book, I am able to say with confidence that this book is one of those life-changing books that “found me.”This is my book of the year! It is more than a book on Motherhood or giving birth. It is a book about placing your hand squarely in the Lord’s and saying, “Here am I, send me!”
Fulfilling as childbirth worker and mother
“Got my book yesterday, I cannot tell you how fulfilling as a doula, childbirth advocate and LDS mother this book has been so far. I can’t begin to thank you all” – Natalie
An amazing review by Bonnie Blythe on her blog
Never in my years of LDS study have I found such a wide-ranging survey of wisdom and personal experience in relation to birth as this 521-page treasure comprises. Nowhere else will you find the tenets of LDS faith employed with greater grace and wisdom to empower a birthing mother, and by extension, her entire family. – Bonnie
Regardless of where you are in your mothering journey:
Page after page, of this lovely book, brought back so many beautiful feelings, and memories, about the sacredness of giving birth, that for this, now Nana, also brought some tears of joy. The gift of giving life is the crowning blessing of being a woman. Whether you’re just beginning this magical journey, or find yourself at the place where you can look back on the miraculous process that you’ve already passed, it is an experience that will forever change how a woman looks into, and toward eternity. Kathryn
Honors ALL women regardless of how they birth
Here is the truly amazing thing about this book. It spoke to me as a natural birth advocate- it resonated with me. Then it went farther- this isn’t just a book for women who home birth or women who skipped the epidural- it is a book for all women. It honors all women in all the ways they give (or don’t) birth.
There are stories within about adoption, infertility, c-section, induction, unassisted birth, and everything within the spectrum of birth and motherhood. “The Gift of Giving Life” covers all the bases. It honors and embraces and respects all women as mothers no matter how they choose or must give birth.
“The Gift of Giving Life” really isn’t just for women who call themselves Mormon though. I think anybody who is interested in the spirituality and the divinity of motherhood and birth would enjoy this book. It fills in gaps left by the current natural childbirth literature and does so completely and with love and respect for all women. – Sarah from Mama Birth
Covers Every Issue You Could Hope For
It even met my expectations in that it covered just about every issue I hoped it would. I would say, for example, “I wish this had a section on VBAC,” and then I would find it in the next chapter. That happened many times. I can’t believe the diversity of topics covered. The book contains a great variety of birth knowledge, science, research, LDS quotes, scriptures, guide to meditation, thoughts on creating a spiritual baby shower, healing and forgiveness, beautifully written histories of LDS women, testimonies of Jesus Christ and the Atonement, and of course many personal stories of courage and triumph. “The Gift of Giving Life” can validate women no matter what birth choices she makes or has made, and increase her feeling of closeness to other women, both living and passed on.
This is not just a book about pregnancy and childbirth- though it is certainly is about that. In a world where women’s divine and sacred powers are frustrated and belittled, this book brings hope and empowerment. In a world that teaches us to rely on the “arm of flesh” this book helps bring back our trust in Heavenly Father. As I read about the Lord’s hand in the stories and essays, I realized that Heavenly Father is there- not just through our birth journeys– but throughout all of motherhood, to help and deliver us in a wide variety of circumstances. This is a knowledge that every woman can benefit from. – Mandy from Mandy Jane’s Designs.
Wonderful Insights for Adoptive Mothers Too
I am an adoptive mom, and have never physically “given birth”. But even with only reading about 20% of the book, I was able to draw connections between the process of birth and the adoption process. I received understanding that although I didn’t give birth physically, I did not miss out on the important lessons and growth discussed in the book. Through adopting my son, my capacity for patience, faith, and personal revelation was increased. The reading I’ve done so far helped me reflect on those concepts about my own process of becoming a mother, and I was able to draw a lot of parallels between birth and my son’s adoption. Consequently, I felt very empowered, even as an adoptive mom. I LOVE the book. I have told so many people about it. I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for writing and compiling such a wonderful resource. You’ve done a great and important work. -Heather Tolley
This is just the beginning! Join us for our Virtual Book Tour to find out what others will be saying about our book. It is such a joy to know that all our hard work will be blessing others, which is what our biggest desire was!
You can read many more full reviews on our Virtual Book Tour!
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I wrote a blog post about my experience with this book. You can read it at http://wp.me/p1DP4i-1yp
Helen, What a beautiful journey! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are honored to have played a small part in the beautiful experiences you've been given. Congratulations!