Made for This: The Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth Paperback – April 4, 2018

First off, I'm not Catholic, but I think every Christian mother-to-be could benefit from this book! There were a few sections that were a little "too Catholic" for me to use much, although I found the Catholic practices and traditions interesting (I know that, sadly, not all the different denominations are respectful of each other, so some evangelicals may have a hard time with that.)I was expecting my fifth child and was having anxiety about childbirth when I found this book. I had been looking online for a book I'd read when I was expecting my first, but it was more new-age and secular than I really wanted, but I was desperate for some encouragement! Amazon had this book in my search results, and I am so glad it did! This book was extremely helpful.I think one of the most important differences between this book and the secular birth books I've seen before is the clear explanations of God's design for birth, which is very encouraging and completely missing in our cultural understanding today. Also, the strong pro-life standpoint is so refreshing to include in a birth book! I appreciated the emphasis on natural birth (as we are designed to be able to birth our babies) but I don't think it was overbearing, and other birth methods are discussed and validated. The emphasis is clearly on respecting the mother as a person and her choices, so the only negative things about c-section or medicated births, for example, are when the mother is forced or coerced into having them without consent or full disclosure, which unfortunately happens a lot in US hospitals. A chapter on healing from childbirth trauma was very helpful for me as well.This book significantly impacted my birth experience for the better, and also my mindset as a mother. For a first-time mom, I think it would be very valuable. It doesn't have the weekly growth updates of a "What to Expect..." type book, so you may want to find a book like that, or just look for a good website with prenatal growth information to supplement. Also, I'd recommend a pregnancy journal like "40ish Weeks" which I've used for two of my pregnancies. I wish this author would make a religious pregnancy journal like that one though!

I had this book recommended to me by a friend while I was pregnant with my rainbow baby. I am so glad I read it! First and foremost, it is fact based and scientific. There is a wealth of knowledge and education to be found in it. But, for me, the lasting impact was being able to go beyond the science and relate this to my faith. This book helped reshape my thinking about pregnancy and motherhood in the context of faith. It honestly informed my prayer time and opened up so many mental doors for me to invite the Lord to walk with me during my pregnancy and birth. I was so grateful for that! I had a really rough labor and ultimately needed an emergency c-section. I know if I hadn't laid the foundation of inviting the Lord into the labor/delivery room with me, I would not have mentally been able to cope with the stress and pain. I truly mean that. This book was a literal God-send to me in helping me do that. I will definitely be recommending it to everyone!

This book was enlightening in so many ways. I was so happy to find that a comprehensive birthing book existed for Catholic mothers, combining a spiritual and very natural approach to birth. I found it towards the end of my third pregnancy and wish I had had it for the others. The spiritual approach beautified the natural birth that I was planning and the two others that I had already experienced. It reminded me of the importance of a mother's sacrifice in the birth of her baby, one which she can offer for others to God. Mary's beautiful explanations and use of other's women's experiences filled me with the strength and support I needed as I prepared for a third birth, which would be at home for the first time. I know it also helped me move closer to God so that he was present through the birthing process. It also prepared me spiritually so I was filled with love and not anger about the pain of childbirth, I felt so strong yet so humbled! This book is a testimony to the love of God through the amazing mystery of giving life to another little human being! I have loved giving it to other women preparing for birth as well. Thank you for writing this book, I will read it again and again!

This is the book that I have been looking for my whole motherhood! I've read many wonderful, but worldy birthing books. It makes me so tired to have to sift through the weeds to get to the wheat. Here is a book filled with wheat. Who knew holy birth is possible? Who knew birth was so important to God? It is also practically helpful too. I'm coming into the Catholic Church this year and this book made me so so grateful for Catholic theology! Buy it and buy three more for friends!

This book was the best thing - other than prayer - I did to prepare for birth. It helped ease my anxiety about the entire birth process and lift any guilt I had from caring so much about how it all went down. This book is so insightful and helps remind us that birth MATTERS, it’s not just an insignificant event bridging womb to world. This book weaves together concrete scientific evidence with beautiful theological ideals. If you do nothing else to prepare for birth, read this book which encourages us to be aware and in-tune with the beautiful life being knit together in your womb! I am so thankful I found this book when I was 37 weeks pregnant and I can truly say it was instrumental in allowing me to look back on my birth with such peace and positivity! Thank you for this beautiful, Catholic resource that is useful to every mother!

Despite its nice-sounding title, this book is not “fluffy”. It acknowledges how hard birth can be in the greater context of how beautiful and central it is to our Christian identity and theology. I highly recommend this!

Das ist mit Abstand eine der wertvollsten und vollständigdten Lektüren die man besonders als angehende Mutter lesen kann

I bought this book to prepare myself mentally (and maybe spiritually) when I was pregnant with my 1st child. Two years has since passed, and I'm glad to say this book helped me re-frame my mindset when I was wheeled into the labour ward. I managed to trust the Lord entirely because I knew He made my body ready that day.It's honestly a great read (especially if you're from the faith)! I've even lent the book around to other fellow Catholic expecting moms. 10/10 would recommend.

I would buy to any moms or parents to be.

This should be in the hands of every expectant mom.