The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby
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A Funny and Practical Guide to Pregnancy
The first thing I loved about The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby was the cover: A cute mom in her adorable maternity dress about to chow down on three scoops of ice cream...with chocolate sauce...and sprinkles. That's how I knew I was in for some laughs mixed in with the wisdom about having a baby. This is no medical guide to pregnancy and child birth. It's not going to be encyclopedic in its info or highly technical in its presentation. This is a girl telling the truth about pregnancy cravings (or "grrrrravings" as she terms them), the perils of morning sickness, maternity clothes, and prenatal care.
Right from the beginning, I was surprised by the spiritual insight and encouragement in the book. Dotted among the pages are tiny sections called "Time-Out for Mom," which include a Scripture verse or two and a prayer relating to the topic she's covering, like keeping healthy and making good food choices or not worrying (especially in the early days when you can't feel the baby move, can't see the baby, and are convinced that something is wrong.). I loved her reminders about how pregnancy grows us closer to God, as we learn to wait on Him, trust Him and not worry, and pray for our unborn babies.
I'm halfway through my fourth pregnancy now, so there's very little info about pregnancy that she gave that I didn't know or couldn't write the book on myself. But for a first-time mom, this would be such a fun "No, you're not crazy, yes this is what pregnancy really is like" read. I'd probably still encourage moms to have a more medical resource on hand to answer questions, but it's also easy to get so bogged down and overwhelmed with the calorie counters, weight charts, and risk statistics, and a good laugh and some realistic, practical mom-to-mom advice is refreshing. This book is also solely focused on pregnancy---not the growth of the baby----so don't turn here to find out how your unborn child is growing in the womb or even when to expect things like consistent fetal movement and such.
She is very careful to share info on home births, midwives and birthing centers, natural childbirth and the like, despite being a fan of hospital births, epidurals and having C-sections herself. Some women might not feel she goes far enough, those, for instance, who advocate natural child birth at all times for everybody. But I appreciated her attempts at balance and the encouragement to read up, seek counsel, pray over and make your own choices. Her reminders to plan out how you'd like the delivery to go but be willing to make adjustments are also invaluable. I know women who are devastated to find that their deliveries didn't go according to their carefully outlined birthing plan. We need the reminder that God's in control and we, really and truly, are not.
For a funny and down-to-earth take on pregnancy and all the joys and pains that go with it, this is a great book, especially for first-timers. Even more importantly, it's the only pregnancy book I've read with encouragement and insight on drawing closer to God when having a baby.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 : âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
May 31, 2013
"The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby" is a pregnancy book from a Christian mom's perspective. There are a lot of good pregnancy books on the shelves but it's rare to find one that's written with Christian mom's in mind.
Erin MacPherson brings a new perspective to pregnancy. She brings it back around to God, which is great because without God you wouldn't be pregnant in the first place. She offers tips and encouragement with a dose of funny. It's not a pregnancy book full of medical jargon you don't understand, it's a pregnancy book from an actual mom!
I liked most of the book but there were a couple of minor things I wasn't keen on. One was just a suggestion she made, to use a sling. A wrap is safer and suggested. The other was how she wrote about husbands. I understood why she wrote the way she did, it just didn't sit well with me. Not a deal breaker.
Overall, a pretty good book for a different perspective on pregnancy. It's going into my "library" of pregnancy related books.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own.
April 12, 2013
The Christian Mama's Guide To Having A Baby
The Christian Mama's Guide To Having A Baby by Erin MacPherson is a straightforward overview of what to expect during pregnancy. Erin gives great advice and points out both the negatives and positives of pregnancy. The book is full of helpful information, humerous stories, and Christian advice. Erin depicts those nine months of pregnancy well and really focuses on the important topics to learn about.
I found the book to be very helpful. Erin is able to share her knowledge and pregnancy experience in a comical way but also provides practical advice and spiritual wisdom. This book will prepare soon to be mom's well for what is in store for them and put them at ease about pregnancy. Erin speaks as if she is talking to a girlfriend and easily connects with the reader. She gets into nitty gritty details that not everyone would be willing to talk about. It is refreshing to hear someone speak so openly about topics every pregnant woman wonders about. This book is easy to follow along with and the infomation in it is presented in a clear manner. Overall, I was very impressed with this book and would recommend it to any woman preparing for the arrival of a new baby.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneezeî.com <http://BookSneezeî.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
April 5, 2013
The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Survive (and Love) Your PregnancyBy Erin MacPherson
Book Description
Everything you need to know about pregnancyâÂÂfrom weight gain to stretch marks to figuring out how to rely on Christ through the ups and downs of the next nine months.
This comprehensive guide is packed with information that every newly pregnant Christian mama needsâÂÂincluding:
help for pregnancy insomnia, morning sickness, weight gain and more
advice on how to maintain a godly attitude and outlook during pregnancyâÂÂeven when you're feeling anything but godly
what to expect from doctor check-ups, your encounters with the scale and labor and delivery
tips on how to survive food cravings, aversions, and even dreaded pregnancy exercise
healthy eating advice for pregnancy that doesn't outright ban ice cream sundaes
ideas on how to keep your marriage a priority when you're pregnant, including a guide for Christian dads-to-be and even pregnancy sex tips
This detailed guide takes you through each trimester with helpful tips, humorous accounts, and supportive spiritual advice--all with a girlfriend-to-girlfriend approach that will help moms feel comfortable as they navigate this life-changing time.
This is only the first in a âÂÂThe Christian MamaâÂÂs Guide Toâ series and looks to be an excellent set for any mom hoping to âÂÂtrain her child in the way they should go.â This book was super easy to read and very practical. I felt like it had the right amount of information. Not too much, not to little. It goes through each trimester giving information. I not only read it but I will pass it on at the next baby shower I attend.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 : âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
March 20, 2013
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