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The Gift of Giving Life: Rediscovering the Divine Nature of Pregnancy and Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth are not to be feared; they are divinely appointed processes that can be joyful, spiritual, and bring families closer to God. The Gift of Giving Rediscovering the Divine Nature of Pregnancy and Birth offers something that no other pregnancy book has before–a spiritual look at pregnancy and birth by and for LDS women and other women of faith. Through moving stories women in the scriptures, women from early Latter-day Saint history, and dozens of modern mothers, The Gift of Giving Life assures readers that God cares deeply about the entire procreative process. The Gift of Giving Life does not advocate for any one type of birth or approach to prenatal care, rather it intends to unify our families and communities in regard to the sacredness of birth. We also aim to provide you with resources, information, and inspiration that you may not have had access to all in one place before. Topics covered constant nourishment, meditation, fear, pain, healing from loss, the physical and spiritual ties between the Atonement and childbirth, the role of the Relief Society in postpartum recovery and more. Birthing women, birth attendants, childbirth educators, and interested readers of all faiths are invited to rediscover within these pages the divinity and gift of giving life.
521 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2012
43 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 15, 2013
I so rarely bestow a 5 star rating on a book. But, when I realized I only had 30 pages left of this book I started to bawl. That's how much I didn't want the book to end. Not even 500 pages of stories and essays could satisfy my desire to keep reading. I love this book.
I am pregnant with my 4th child and I wish I had read this book when I was pregnant with my first (though in truth, it didn't exist then). I have always loved pregnancy, birth, babies, and nursing. But this book made me appreciate and revere giving life more than I thought possible. I always enjoyed my pregnancy and birth experiences, but I did not look on them as "sacred" as I do now.
I have rarely read a book that has impacted me so much. This book shifted my paradigm of childbirth in a way I can't describe. I came to this book because I knew I wanted to have a natural childbirth (intentionally, instead of accidentally like with my 3rd), but my reasons for wanting a natural childbirth were mostly due to the fact that I hate epidurals and that I labor very fast. My reasons for wanting a natural childbirth are so different now, and much more purposeful.
I am so grateful for the women who talked me into reading this book. For the one who graciously gifted it to my friend, to my friend for being willing to pass her book around, and to the woman who put the book in my hands and told me to read it.
I am pregnant with my 4th child and I wish I had read this book when I was pregnant with my first (though in truth, it didn't exist then). I have always loved pregnancy, birth, babies, and nursing. But this book made me appreciate and revere giving life more than I thought possible. I always enjoyed my pregnancy and birth experiences, but I did not look on them as "sacred" as I do now.
I have rarely read a book that has impacted me so much. This book shifted my paradigm of childbirth in a way I can't describe. I came to this book because I knew I wanted to have a natural childbirth (intentionally, instead of accidentally like with my 3rd), but my reasons for wanting a natural childbirth were mostly due to the fact that I hate epidurals and that I labor very fast. My reasons for wanting a natural childbirth are so different now, and much more purposeful.
I am so grateful for the women who talked me into reading this book. For the one who graciously gifted it to my friend, to my friend for being willing to pass her book around, and to the woman who put the book in my hands and told me to read it.
April 18, 2015
My son's birth story is on pg. 331, VBAC Miracle.
July 9, 2012
Loved this book. I want to buy for all of the women whose baby showers I attend. It started out as a natural birth book, but morphed into so much more. I loved the inclusion of a spiritual cesearean birth, and other birth options. If you are truly in tune with the spirit, you will receive the revelation that is right for your birth. It is hefty at over 500 pages, but it can totally be read in teeny pieces. Tons of stories and for this birth, it was the best birth book I could have read. Finding the divine that is certainly inherent in our births...seeing the symbolism of birth. It was a lovley change from many birth books.
June 20, 2012
Reviewed by Molly Remer, Talk Birth (http://talkbirth.me)
Written for women who wish to delve into the divine nature of pregnancy and birth from a Christian perspective, The Gift of Giving Life is co-authored by several childbirth educators and doulas who are also members of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) church. The book is rich with the stories and experiences of dozens of LDS women who share their birth stories and reflections. These additional stories are sprinkled throughout the body of the text, making it very easy to read and “digest” in small sections. The stories represent a wide breadth of experiences—I anticipated many of them to gloss over the difficult parts of pregnancy and birth, but they address both the nitty-gritty, challenging aspects and the transcendent. I especially appreciated that women’s experiences with pregnancy loss and baby loss are integrated throughout the book rather than relegated to a specific subsection. A helpful touch is that stories dealing with loss are indicated with an awareness ribbon symbol, so that if a reader does want to avoid these stories, she is readily able to do so.
As a non-LDS woman as well as someone who does not identify as Christian, I did encounter many segments that had little relevance to my own experience of or interpretation of the world. For example, it was startling for me to come across repeated statements that seemed to hold a literal view of “Satan” as a real entity holding some kind of power or control over people. That said, I was impressed with how deeply and solidly integrated the text is with the spiritual teachings of the LDS faith. For women who wish to permeate their pregnancy and birth experiences with an intimate and intricately woven connection to Christian theology and scripture, The Gift of Giving Life is a faith-based treasure.
As I noted in my recent interview with one of The Gift of Giving Life‘s co-authors, I am fascinated by the concept of Heavenly Mother and really enjoyed the sections of the book that touched on the relationship with Her. I also enjoyed the book’s explanation of Eve’s pivotal choice in the Garden, which was very meaningful framing of the event in a way that was completely new to me.
The Gift of Giving Life has much to offer both to pregnant women and to birth professionals. It will likely have most appeal to those with LDS connections and to members of other Christian traditions who are familiar with scripture and wish to apply these messages to the childbearing year.
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Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
Written for women who wish to delve into the divine nature of pregnancy and birth from a Christian perspective, The Gift of Giving Life is co-authored by several childbirth educators and doulas who are also members of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) church. The book is rich with the stories and experiences of dozens of LDS women who share their birth stories and reflections. These additional stories are sprinkled throughout the body of the text, making it very easy to read and “digest” in small sections. The stories represent a wide breadth of experiences—I anticipated many of them to gloss over the difficult parts of pregnancy and birth, but they address both the nitty-gritty, challenging aspects and the transcendent. I especially appreciated that women’s experiences with pregnancy loss and baby loss are integrated throughout the book rather than relegated to a specific subsection. A helpful touch is that stories dealing with loss are indicated with an awareness ribbon symbol, so that if a reader does want to avoid these stories, she is readily able to do so.
As a non-LDS woman as well as someone who does not identify as Christian, I did encounter many segments that had little relevance to my own experience of or interpretation of the world. For example, it was startling for me to come across repeated statements that seemed to hold a literal view of “Satan” as a real entity holding some kind of power or control over people. That said, I was impressed with how deeply and solidly integrated the text is with the spiritual teachings of the LDS faith. For women who wish to permeate their pregnancy and birth experiences with an intimate and intricately woven connection to Christian theology and scripture, The Gift of Giving Life is a faith-based treasure.
As I noted in my recent interview with one of The Gift of Giving Life‘s co-authors, I am fascinated by the concept of Heavenly Mother and really enjoyed the sections of the book that touched on the relationship with Her. I also enjoyed the book’s explanation of Eve’s pivotal choice in the Garden, which was very meaningful framing of the event in a way that was completely new to me.
The Gift of Giving Life has much to offer both to pregnant women and to birth professionals. It will likely have most appeal to those with LDS connections and to members of other Christian traditions who are familiar with scripture and wish to apply these messages to the childbearing year.
–
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
January 10, 2015
I actually read this two years ago, but forgot to review it at the time. When I first read it, I was pregnant with my 4th child and desperately trying to figure out how to finally get the birth I wanted. I'd had an emergency c-section, an accidental home birth (assisted by EMTs), and a natural hospital birth, but most had left me feeling bullied (and occasionally assaulted) by the doctors and nurses involved, and I was dreading having to go through that again.
The entire book is full of worthwhile essays, but at the time, it was the essay "Unity with Your Care Provider" that really hit home to me and made me realize how important it was that I have a doctor who listened to me and respected my wishes and worked WITH me instead of against me. Since with my current health care that was impossible (23 doctors rotate at the hospital, so the odds of having one deliver my baby who I'd even met were slim to none), I chose to find a midwife and have a (planned!) home birth instead. And it was by FAR my best birthing experience yet.
Now I'm getting ready to have Baby #5, and I decided it would be worthwhile to read this book again. This time around, I'm really struck by the wonderful variety of topics they cover-- this is not a book with an agenda. They aren't pushing home birth or hospital birth or any particular medical procedure. They are pushing for women to find the spiritual within the birthing process and to figure out how to make it work best of them.
And I love that. Because I think that's exactly how it should be. In the same way that I would never tell a friend who needed glasses that because I have 20/20 vision, she should "trust her body" and not use her glasses, I think it can sometimes be ridiculous how often women expect their friends to labor and give birth in the same way that worked for her. I feel like this book allows its readers to figure out the path that works best for them without judging, but instead tries to give as many options as possible so that each woman can fully consider them all.
And THAT is empowering.
The entire book is full of worthwhile essays, but at the time, it was the essay "Unity with Your Care Provider" that really hit home to me and made me realize how important it was that I have a doctor who listened to me and respected my wishes and worked WITH me instead of against me. Since with my current health care that was impossible (23 doctors rotate at the hospital, so the odds of having one deliver my baby who I'd even met were slim to none), I chose to find a midwife and have a (planned!) home birth instead. And it was by FAR my best birthing experience yet.
Now I'm getting ready to have Baby #5, and I decided it would be worthwhile to read this book again. This time around, I'm really struck by the wonderful variety of topics they cover-- this is not a book with an agenda. They aren't pushing home birth or hospital birth or any particular medical procedure. They are pushing for women to find the spiritual within the birthing process and to figure out how to make it work best of them.
And I love that. Because I think that's exactly how it should be. In the same way that I would never tell a friend who needed glasses that because I have 20/20 vision, she should "trust her body" and not use her glasses, I think it can sometimes be ridiculous how often women expect their friends to labor and give birth in the same way that worked for her. I feel like this book allows its readers to figure out the path that works best for them without judging, but instead tries to give as many options as possible so that each woman can fully consider them all.
And THAT is empowering.
July 26, 2016
This is a beautiful book. I loved reading others' thoughts about the childbirth symbols found in the scriptures and in the covenants we make.
Update July 2016:
The first time I read this book, I devoured it in probably two days. I loved the birth stories, I loved reading about the gospel connections others made (even if I didn't see things the same way), and I loved the positive way so many of these women made choices and framed their unique experiences. The five star rating was probably a bit of a fangirrrl rating for a book about topics I already loved.
This time around...just...wow. I read this slowly, over about six months. I didn't read the whole thing straight through; I circled around topics that I wasn't emotionally ready for, but when I did get there I found some rich treasures. I looked up references and discovered scriptures that now hold deep meaning for me. So much resonated with me from many different sections of the book. This book has really helped me process an emotionally difficult pregnancy.
I wanted to discuss several parts with my husband—he ended up reading the whole thing and says it should be “required reading”. He enjoyed all the stories from perspectives he had never considered before. He was particularly fascinated with how being a midwife used to be a calling in the church.
Update July 2016:
The first time I read this book, I devoured it in probably two days. I loved the birth stories, I loved reading about the gospel connections others made (even if I didn't see things the same way), and I loved the positive way so many of these women made choices and framed their unique experiences. The five star rating was probably a bit of a fangirrrl rating for a book about topics I already loved.
This time around...just...wow. I read this slowly, over about six months. I didn't read the whole thing straight through; I circled around topics that I wasn't emotionally ready for, but when I did get there I found some rich treasures. I looked up references and discovered scriptures that now hold deep meaning for me. So much resonated with me from many different sections of the book. This book has really helped me process an emotionally difficult pregnancy.
I wanted to discuss several parts with my husband—he ended up reading the whole thing and says it should be “required reading”. He enjoyed all the stories from perspectives he had never considered before. He was particularly fascinated with how being a midwife used to be a calling in the church.
May 23, 2012
This book is the quintessential book on birth, not just for expectant mothers, but expectant fathers, friends, grandparents, and those who simply want to understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual underpinnings of birth as a process every human being undergoes. It is a text on the greatest gift of womanhood, whether or not one experiences it within her own body. It is beautiful and profound and empowering. Read it to understand your own birth. Read it to understand the magnitude of birth. Read it to understand how to give birth better, more peacefully, more powerfully. A hundred times better than What to Expect When You're Expecting.
July 6, 2012
I bought this because a friend recommended it with such raging enthusiasm I couldn't resist. I had high expectations and serious doubts ... how could a bunch of LDS birth stories not be corny and lame? But I was so surprised and impressed.
I've been a follower of Heather Farrell's blog for years, so when I saw that she was a main contributor I was willing to give it a go. So fantastic. Made me see myself, my body, my children, my husband, and God with new light. LOVE that.
HIGHLY recommended.
I've been a follower of Heather Farrell's blog for years, so when I saw that she was a main contributor I was willing to give it a go. So fantastic. Made me see myself, my body, my children, my husband, and God with new light. LOVE that.
HIGHLY recommended.
February 24, 2015
Some "out there" stuff, but mostly just really, really good information, inspiration, and food for thought. These authors obviously spent a lot of thought, energy, and time on this book. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it, and if I ever achieve my hopes of teaching birthing classes I would put this on the "recommended reading" list.
April 11, 2013
I've really enjoyed reading this book. It's helped me cope with the loss of my baby and to think about pregnancy and childbirth in a new way. I love the many birth stories shared and the talk of Heavenly Mother. A truly wonderful book.
March 12, 2013
The best book on motherhood I have ever read and its from an LDS perspective. Loved it becUse I have a different perspective now.
December 11, 2012
I don't often give 5 stars, so when I do it means a book changed my life.
This one did.
This one did.
March 5, 2024
At times reading this book, I considered giving it 2 stars. There were opinions presented as facts that I felt could be harmful to women who made decisions about pregnancy and childbirth that went against what the authors thought were best. At the beginning the book explained it was a book of opinions, but especially considering church culture the way many things were presented could be seen as the way it should be and leave women who did not have that experience feeling as less than. It felt pushy about certain ways of having children. That all being said, there was a lot of beauty in this book. Many of the experiences people shared were beautiful and some of the essays were very thought provoking. For me, there was some healing that happened as I read, but because of some of the presentation of opinions and unique non-doctrinal ideas it is not one I will be lightly recommending.
Read
September 1, 2012Could not have been more excited to receive this book!
However, before reading I started flipping through and landed on Rixa's piece about a ” Heavenly mother ” And using quotes like ” some ones stake president said once in a stake conference”. ...All I could think to myself was, ” really?? They went there?” Ugh. I have not yet picked it up to read the whole thing. It kind of jaded me. I feel like this pseudo doctrine stuff is why many women in the church are so detached from the incredible holiness and sanctity of pregnancy and birth. They see people getting all ” goddess worshipy” and shy away. I can't say I blame them. This is coming from a bona fide hippy homebirther who makes my own tinctures, herbal infusions, has done placenta encapsulation, etc. etc. I just don't have much patience for people twisting gospel around or philosophizing about it in ways that diminish its sanctity.
That being said, the whole premise of the book sounds wonderful to me. It is so necessary. I want to read this book and love it. Someone please talk me into it. I know it is comprised of many essays by several writers with all different backgrounds. I need to give it another chance..
UPDATE 7/24/2012 Giving it another try....
However, before reading I started flipping through and landed on Rixa's piece about a ” Heavenly mother ” And using quotes like ” some ones stake president said once in a stake conference”. ...All I could think to myself was, ” really?? They went there?” Ugh. I have not yet picked it up to read the whole thing. It kind of jaded me. I feel like this pseudo doctrine stuff is why many women in the church are so detached from the incredible holiness and sanctity of pregnancy and birth. They see people getting all ” goddess worshipy” and shy away. I can't say I blame them. This is coming from a bona fide hippy homebirther who makes my own tinctures, herbal infusions, has done placenta encapsulation, etc. etc. I just don't have much patience for people twisting gospel around or philosophizing about it in ways that diminish its sanctity.
That being said, the whole premise of the book sounds wonderful to me. It is so necessary. I want to read this book and love it. Someone please talk me into it. I know it is comprised of many essays by several writers with all different backgrounds. I need to give it another chance..
UPDATE 7/24/2012 Giving it another try....
June 16, 2013
I am just gleaning so much from this amazing (and divinely inspired, in my opinion) book and feel like I know each person that's contributed as a kindred spirit because of the connectedness. It seems as if Gift of Giving Life approached EVERYTHING about giving birth from a Mormon and Christian standpoint. Everything! I love the layout and can't seem to get enough of birth stories, so I was very pleased to read so many throughout the book that corresponded with the section they were in. As an avid reader and school teacher, I was very impressed with the amount of research, thought, and attention that was given to the testimonials, essays, and resources for further information.
Reading The Gift of Giving Life while pregnant with my fourth has reconfirmed the spirituality in parenthood and my own divine role as I do my part bringing such choice spirits into this world. The Gift of Giving Life is not just about childbirth, but realizing that we're all connected on this spiritual journey of learning and I am so privileged to have read it.
Reading The Gift of Giving Life while pregnant with my fourth has reconfirmed the spirituality in parenthood and my own divine role as I do my part bringing such choice spirits into this world. The Gift of Giving Life is not just about childbirth, but realizing that we're all connected on this spiritual journey of learning and I am so privileged to have read it.
August 6, 2015
Although it may seem strange to some people that I read this book written for mothers about childbirth, I am so glad I accepted my wife's invitation to do so. This was a powerful book about how amazing and divine pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood are, and reading it helped me appreciate even more everything my wife does to be a mother. It was great reading about childbirth from a religious perspective and understanding more about the symbolism and divinity of the role that mothers play. The stories really helped me to appreciate all the different ways pregnancy and childbirth can play out and see that God has everything in control and just expects us to do our part - not just in pregnancy but in everything we undertake. Above all, it helped me see ways that I can better support my wife in her role as a mother.
There were a couple stories and ideas that were a little strange for me, but otherwise I was very uplifted by this book.
There were a couple stories and ideas that were a little strange for me, but otherwise I was very uplifted by this book.
September 9, 2013
This was one of the most spiritually nourishing books I've ever read (besides the scriptures of course. :) I love how it likens natural childbirth to the atonement, where women literally have to go through the valley of death in order to bring life into this world. I love how they discuss the need to cry unto the Lord in labor as only He can bring the ultimate comfort and peace during this time. In addition, I love the section on our legacy as Latter-Day women of being mothers. In the section on pain one woman talks about how she always prayed for difficult times to go away. She realized that if she never experienced true pain she could never really experience true joy. She changed her prayers from asking for the pain to go away to asking for strength to better endure and learn from the trial. I can't recommend this book enough! Love love loved it!
July 15, 2012
It's fun to read everyone's birth stories, and especially from an LDS point of view. Heather Farrell's were definitely my favorite essays, as they were so well based in the scriptures and extremely thoughtful and insightful. I feel like people get so caught up in the method of giving birth, and that bothers me. The truth is that the beauty of the birth process is in the fact that we are serving to bring forth one of our Father in Heaven's children. That is sacred no matter what method of delivery. If you compare it to other birth books, however, they did a very good job of keeping it open to all perspectives and birth choices. Other birth books don't even try.
April 25, 2013
I read this book before I was even married, and the peace that I felt as I read was incredible. I love the authors, and their willingness to share personal stories, and to sacrifice so much to give women all of this wonderful information. Having a book like this on topics that seem to be taboo not only in general society, but in Latter-day Saint culture is a true blessing - so very inspiring. Every single woman, wife, and mother should read this book. I was so happy to see it on Deseret Book shelves in Utah County! It is one that I will be reading more than twice, and it is definitely worth the price.
January 22, 2015
This book has changed my perspective on being pregnant and made me more excited for motherhood. I honestly didn't think of my last birth so spiritually, but I have already taken steps to include the lord more in this next one and hope my experience will be a better one. I took one star off because as an emotional, worrisome pregnant woman, some of the stories caused me more anxiety about this labor. I also respect those who feel right about doing home births, but I would have liked to see more hospital births (and without doulas-I can't afford one and have chosen to have my husband be my birth coach).
February 6, 2014
This book is truly amazing. I would recommend it to any woman. It addresses natural birth, epidurals, c-sections, miscarriage, adoption, infertility, and so much more. The overwhelming feeling that I took away from this book is how truly divine it is to be a woman. There were so many essays that changed the way I see so many things. The essays on the two trees in the Garden of Eden and the atonement and heavenly mother were some of my favorites. Such beautiful and uplifting doctrine! Read it!!!!!
October 20, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. It was a fantastic spiritual conversation about childbearing and motherhood, supporting all kinds of experiences and situations. I LOVED learning about birth as it relates to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it was a perspective I hadn't heard before. At least not in so much detail; can't imagine General Authorities and auxiliaries talking like that over the pulpit. But the book is sold at Deseret Book, which means they do support what's written in here! So I interesting and inspiring to read! Made me proud to be a woman.
April 28, 2018
I read this book leading up to the birth of my first child, and it had such a positive impact on my birthing experience. I delivered a 10-pound baby without drugs, and the positive and empowering messages of this book helped me to achieve that. I have since gifted it to every woman I know who is pregnant. There were some stories that I couldn’t relate to or that I skipped altogether, but overall this book is such a great antidote to the culture of fear and dread around birth. I can’t recommend it enough!
February 28, 2013
I have read many pregnancy and mothering books. This one is the best I have read by far. It is LDS but I believe any Christian woman would find value in it. It is wonderfully uplifting, positive and helpful. It provides information about every kind of birth and making positive choices and the joy of motherhood. It discusses all sorts of things and provides gospel perspectives and thoughts. I heartily recommend this book to all the women I know.
November 7, 2014
A fabulous book about the spiritual aspects of birth from a Mormon perspective. There are lots of unique stories and perspectives, as well as more in-depth articles about scriptural and spiritual accounts of birth. It's one I would recommend to any pregnant LDS woman, as well as those who are looking for a book about the spiritual side of birth from any faith.
July 10, 2013
There are some really good essays and some that border a philosophy or belief system that I am not sure I always entirely agree with. I will definitely keep this book and enjoy going back to it every now and again. I do like that it is full of both birth stories and birth essays. It makes the book a little more dynamic and useful to me.
August 28, 2013
The beauty of this book is that there is something here for everyone. You can find beautiful essays about natural home births, beautiful essays about scheduled c-sections, and everything in-between. It's all here. All are welcome and I think all will come away from this book edified.
Thanks to my MIL for letting me steal her copy!
Thanks to my MIL for letting me steal her copy!
September 4, 2015
Overall, a very interesting and valuable look at birth from a Christian and LDS perspective. But as with lots of books that have multiple authors, some of the articles are a mixed bag. Most are very good and doctrinally sound, others venture towards weird beliefs and gave off a new-age-y spiritualism vibe rather than being rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
March 24, 2020
2017: This was excellent! It gave a lot of encouragement, a lot of insight, a lot of new thoughts to ponder. I'll probably try to reread it at least once before the baby comes.
This book is a collection of essays and personal stories approaching pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period from an LDS perspective.
2020: rereading this in my second pregnancy.
This book is a collection of essays and personal stories approaching pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period from an LDS perspective.
2020: rereading this in my second pregnancy.
May 21, 2012
Loved this book and I think anybody would. It is for any woman on any journey through and to motherhood. I liked it so much I did a full review on my blog- http://www.mamabirth.blogspot.com/201...
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