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Redeeming Childbirth
This book is not about methods or techniques, but rather a tool to encourage women in their faith to engage this journey toward motherhood.
"Childbirth is more than an event that makes a woman a mother. This journey was designed to be a spiritual milestone that draws every woman’s heart back to the only Deliverer."
"Childbirth is more than an event that makes a woman a mother. This journey was designed to be a spiritual milestone that draws every woman’s heart back to the only Deliverer."
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2013
21 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Angie Tolpin
4 books48 followers I am a wife and mom of seven, a gardener at heart who owns and lived on a vineyard for almost a decade. We recently moved our family to Central Oregon for an adventure! I enjoy long RV trips with a snuggly kiddo, a hot cup o’ joe , and a stimulating book. In my spare time I write… a lot! My first book, “Redeeming Childbirth” released in Jan of 2013, RedeemingChildbirth.com launched in Oct. 2012! I write at Leaving A Legacy to encourage and inspire parents to embrace the role of leadership they have in raising up the next generation. My husband, Isaac Tolpin and I have been married for 16 years.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 9, 2022
I was so excited when I ran across this book as I too feel like childbirth needs to be redeemed in our culture. There was a lot I liked in this book: giving God the glory for designing childbirth, practical things to consider in childbirth, things to think about when planning for birth, Scripture and resources to go to, being a Titus 2 woman in sharing your experience with others and a note for husbands. Generally speaking I like what was written.
The downside of this book is her all but saying that natural childbirth is more spiritual than other births. She is very gracious in how she says it, but unfortunately there is a clear undertone in the majority of what she says. I also felt there was a lot of repetition in what she says and that the book could have been more condensed.
I would absolutely recommend this book for the resources and spiritual guidance it gives, but unfortunately I have to give a disclaimer when recommending it because of the first issue listed above.
The downside of this book is her all but saying that natural childbirth is more spiritual than other births. She is very gracious in how she says it, but unfortunately there is a clear undertone in the majority of what she says. I also felt there was a lot of repetition in what she says and that the book could have been more condensed.
I would absolutely recommend this book for the resources and spiritual guidance it gives, but unfortunately I have to give a disclaimer when recommending it because of the first issue listed above.
September 19, 2025
The message of this book is simple but necessary for our society to hear today: God is Lord over childbirth, as He is Lord over all things. If you really believe this, let Him control your birth and worship Him through it as a time of concentrated sanctification. Christian women need to return to this mindset.
I read the first half and then skimmed the second half because all of the reviews are correct: this book could be 150 pages and is exhaustingly repetitive. Yet, I’ve found no one else teaching the same message.
I read the first half and then skimmed the second half because all of the reviews are correct: this book could be 150 pages and is exhaustingly repetitive. Yet, I’ve found no one else teaching the same message.
October 9, 2023
This book had some really good truths and reminders and even good application on how to make sure you include God in your birthing experience. I just had a hard time getting through this big book because it was very very wordy and repetitive when it could have been summed up in just a few chapters and bullet points.
I also have an issue with her wording on hearing from God and feeling Him. I’m not sure if she believes she can actually hear God’s voice, and if she doesn’t believe that, I think it’s important to use clearer language to communicate what she experienced rather than implying God really spoke to her.
I also wish it was laid out in a more organized fashion. She seemed to jump around a lot and repeat herself in later chapters and that made it hard to want to continue through the book as some of it felt like a waste of time.
The book did have a lot of good material and encouragement on how to make God the focus of labor and delivery. She talks about making sure you have a right relationship with Him, relying on His strength, and being ok with His plan. I appreciated the birth stories she included as it helped me to prepare for the best and the worst in my own expectations.
I also have an issue with her wording on hearing from God and feeling Him. I’m not sure if she believes she can actually hear God’s voice, and if she doesn’t believe that, I think it’s important to use clearer language to communicate what she experienced rather than implying God really spoke to her.
I also wish it was laid out in a more organized fashion. She seemed to jump around a lot and repeat herself in later chapters and that made it hard to want to continue through the book as some of it felt like a waste of time.
The book did have a lot of good material and encouragement on how to make God the focus of labor and delivery. She talks about making sure you have a right relationship with Him, relying on His strength, and being ok with His plan. I appreciated the birth stories she included as it helped me to prepare for the best and the worst in my own expectations.
March 9, 2017
What an excellent book! And how I wish I would have had this when I was giving birth to our 8 children! Well, not just "while" giving birth, but throughout my childbearing years. I so appreciate Angie's gentle, but clear encouragement on how we, as mamas, can embrace the calling God has for us in this way. Really beautiful - though not always easy - message.
February 25, 2023
I couldn’t finish this. I can’t believe it’s over 300 pages. The entire book can be summarized like this “The Lord should be invited into our birthing process.” First of all, this book majorly needed an editor. It was wildly repetitive. But also, God doesn’t need to be “invited” into something. He’s involved in all things. We can merely recognize his presence.
I do not recommend this read.
I do not recommend this read.
November 14, 2025
Disclaimer: I skimmed rather than read the vast majority of this book. As other reviewers have noted, it is jumbled, repetitive, and in need of both line editing and copyediting. I just couldn't force myself to make it through when I have other things I want to read. To be clear, we're not just talking about spelling or punctuation errors (though there were those too), but a more fundamental need for editing for organization, in order to be able to follow the point she was trying to make in each chapter/paragraph/sentence. So it's not a question of graciously overlooking some errors here and there but an actual impediment to absorbing the content.
I also think she was trying to do two different (and mostly unrelated) things with this book, which also made it harder to follow: the book is both advocating for/suggesting how to prepare for a natural birth, and simultaneously an exhortation to see how God works spiritually through birth. So interspersed with Bible quotations and a few paragraphs on prayer you might have a random comment on how epidurals can slow labor, or a few sentences on why everyone should have a water birth. The problem is (1) there isn't nearly enough practical information there for someone trying to decide whether to have a natural birth, OR to help someone preparing for a natural birth, and (2) this frequently turns into the statement (direct or indirect) that having a medicated birth will make it harder to experience the Lord working through your birth. Even though I hope to have unmedicated births, I am concerned by the over-spiritualization of practical decisions like where to birth (not that we shouldn't seek the Lord's guidance frequently throughout our lives on "practical" decisions, but she seems to say that you can make either choice but one is clearly spiritually more mature/meaningful/preferable).
Generally, I think there were too many assumptions that the author's specific experience is universal to everyone (as in frequent statements along the lines of "Every woman thinks that..." and I happen to not think that or know another woman who does not). The author experienced the Lord working powerfully through her pregnancies/births, in which she did go the natural route, and therefore wants everyone to experience that, which is a kind impulse but just not going to speak to all women.
Lastly, I felt it was theologically weak — some verses seemed very dubiously applied, while others were appropriate but also nothing original. Suggesting that we should see the suffering and loss in labor/pregnancy/parenthood as something the Lord is using to teach us, for instance, is certainly an important viewpoint (and one I need reminding of), but would also be found in many Christian books on suffering.
In short — with the caveat that I did not read the whole book — I don't think I would recommend this to moms planning either medicated or natural births. There are better labor preparation books for those looking to go the natural route (such as Ina May's Guide to Childbirth) and better books on suffering and sanctification for those wanting to grow through the trials of motherhood.
I also think she was trying to do two different (and mostly unrelated) things with this book, which also made it harder to follow: the book is both advocating for/suggesting how to prepare for a natural birth, and simultaneously an exhortation to see how God works spiritually through birth. So interspersed with Bible quotations and a few paragraphs on prayer you might have a random comment on how epidurals can slow labor, or a few sentences on why everyone should have a water birth. The problem is (1) there isn't nearly enough practical information there for someone trying to decide whether to have a natural birth, OR to help someone preparing for a natural birth, and (2) this frequently turns into the statement (direct or indirect) that having a medicated birth will make it harder to experience the Lord working through your birth. Even though I hope to have unmedicated births, I am concerned by the over-spiritualization of practical decisions like where to birth (not that we shouldn't seek the Lord's guidance frequently throughout our lives on "practical" decisions, but she seems to say that you can make either choice but one is clearly spiritually more mature/meaningful/preferable).
Generally, I think there were too many assumptions that the author's specific experience is universal to everyone (as in frequent statements along the lines of "Every woman thinks that..." and I happen to not think that or know another woman who does not). The author experienced the Lord working powerfully through her pregnancies/births, in which she did go the natural route, and therefore wants everyone to experience that, which is a kind impulse but just not going to speak to all women.
Lastly, I felt it was theologically weak — some verses seemed very dubiously applied, while others were appropriate but also nothing original. Suggesting that we should see the suffering and loss in labor/pregnancy/parenthood as something the Lord is using to teach us, for instance, is certainly an important viewpoint (and one I need reminding of), but would also be found in many Christian books on suffering.
In short — with the caveat that I did not read the whole book — I don't think I would recommend this to moms planning either medicated or natural births. There are better labor preparation books for those looking to go the natural route (such as Ina May's Guide to Childbirth) and better books on suffering and sanctification for those wanting to grow through the trials of motherhood.
October 23, 2022
Read in preparation for the birth of my second child after a difficult first birth.
I think what I most appreciated was the addition of Scripture to the childbirth experience. While there were some expositions of Scripture of which I was a little skeptical, but a number of passages were highlighted that I felt were really helpful, and that I turned to while I was in labor with my sweet girl. (Second birth went much better - I appreciate the help that this book gave!)
My biggest issue with this was probably the editing, which was not great. It felt very self-published and I never enjoy that much.
Still searching for a favorite birthing book, but this was a step in the right direction.
I think what I most appreciated was the addition of Scripture to the childbirth experience. While there were some expositions of Scripture of which I was a little skeptical, but a number of passages were highlighted that I felt were really helpful, and that I turned to while I was in labor with my sweet girl. (Second birth went much better - I appreciate the help that this book gave!)
My biggest issue with this was probably the editing, which was not great. It felt very self-published and I never enjoy that much.
Still searching for a favorite birthing book, but this was a step in the right direction.
March 21, 2024
Not my favorite book on labor/birth (it seemed unnecessarily long) but it was still full of a lot of good truth from the Word. Loved this quote: “It is easy to praise God in the good times, but harder when you are in pain, so no amount of practicing and meeting God in praise, worship, and thanksgiving will ever go to waste.” What a sweet mindset.
P.s. my favorite book on labor/birth is Holy Labor by Aubry G. Smith
P.s. my favorite book on labor/birth is Holy Labor by Aubry G. Smith
February 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Gives a new, different, and refreshing perspective on childbirth. Great if you are a believer in Christ, which I am. Very glad I read this. In the edition I read, there are a lot of typos, but I can look past that to the heart of the book. Definitely recommend to birthing moms or birth partners.
January 21, 2021
This book could probably be half the length it is. Pretty wordy and repetitive at times. However, the main points on the spiritual and biblical applications of childbirth are awesome & I’m so glad I read it before our first birth!
July 10, 2022
I love the heart behind this book. Our birth experiences can be defining moments of praise and growth as we depend fully on Jesus. It was a little unorganized and repetitive, but again, such a helpful reorienting of the heart as I prepare for childbirth!
June 9, 2023
An excellent read for many reasons. Though it is extremely repetitive. She could have mentioned the other biases for hospital or home births. Not every book is perfect! But it is helpful if you can get through the repetition.
May 20, 2024
The concept of this book is excellent, and I wish there were more books like it. However, I have to rate it 3 stars because, like many of the other reviews, I found it incredibly redundant. What is a an over 300 page book could’ve really been reduced down to half of that, unfortunately.
March 31, 2019
This book inspired and change my feelings and emotions concerning childbirth. I hope that more women continue to read this valuable resource as we worship God and learn to redeem childbirth.
May 14, 2024
I didn’t quite finish this book this time around before I gave birth. Second pregnancy reading it. And I highly recommend it to any lady that is pregnant!!
October 16, 2024
It was an amazing read, but the author needs to hire an editor!
January 10, 2026
Liked the book overall, especially the prayers. It could’ve been condensed to about a third of the size, lots of repetition
December 25, 2022
The only christian book on pregnancy and childbirth you need. It deals with heart attitudes, as well as with some practical things. Recommend for any pregnant lady - first time mama as well as the experienced woman.
For a while I didn't read because I thought it is only promoting homebirth and I wasn't ready for that. But it actually doesn't. Author clearly shows that you can glorify God in hospital birth, too. But the book really encouraged me to take more natural route, and trust in God more during these childbearing years.
For a while I didn't read because I thought it is only promoting homebirth and I wasn't ready for that. But it actually doesn't. Author clearly shows that you can glorify God in hospital birth, too. But the book really encouraged me to take more natural route, and trust in God more during these childbearing years.
March 24, 2022
When the Lord gave me a desire to have our 4th baby at home naturally, I started to research books on natural childbirth in order to prepare. I bought Ina May's book and read about half of it, but could not read it all the way through. While there were many tips and amazing birth stories, there was also so much I didnt agree with as a Christian woman. I found this book on amazon and decided to give it a shot, and it has surpassed my expectations. Its everything I wanted as a Christian momma in preparation for a home birth. Over and over the theme is to rely on the Lord, to surrender to His will. And to believe that He created our bodies, specially designed for birth. He is with us through every situation, and He is the one who delivers our babies ! I've been so blessed by this book.
January 16, 2014
Redeeming Childbirth gives a unique, God-centered view of pregnancy and childbirth. Tolpin encourages women to release their fears, worship God in labor, use pregnancy as a time to restore broken relationships and strengthen healthy ones, and focus on the truth of Scripture. It really encouraged me to think about how God wants to use my pregnancy and birth to bring me closer to him. I also really appreciated the letter to husbands written by the author's husband.
There were a few things that made it difficult for me to get through the book. There are a LOT of typos and grammar mistakes. I really doubt they used a professional editor on the manuscript, and it really distracted me from the message. And this book is really long - over 300 pages. It wouldn't be bad if a lot of the passages weren't repetitive. I ended up skimming a lot of it because I felt the author was saying the same thing over and over. And finally, the Kindle version was hard to navigate. There aren't chapters, just 4 parts with titled sections, which made it feel a bit disorganized and difficult to look up a specific topic if I wanted to.
Overall, it was a book I benefited from, even if it was flawed.
There were a few things that made it difficult for me to get through the book. There are a LOT of typos and grammar mistakes. I really doubt they used a professional editor on the manuscript, and it really distracted me from the message. And this book is really long - over 300 pages. It wouldn't be bad if a lot of the passages weren't repetitive. I ended up skimming a lot of it because I felt the author was saying the same thing over and over. And finally, the Kindle version was hard to navigate. There aren't chapters, just 4 parts with titled sections, which made it feel a bit disorganized and difficult to look up a specific topic if I wanted to.
Overall, it was a book I benefited from, even if it was flawed.
August 4, 2016
The editing was SO, SO bad. I'm sorry, but I could not get past it. Actually, it doesn't seem like there WAS an editor involved. I'm not talking about a missing comma here and there. I'm talking about glaring mistakes like unfinished sentences and repeated paragraphs!
The book was incredibly repetitive, and the writing was poor. I appreciate and agree with many of the author's ideas, but they could have been condensed a lot.
The book was incredibly repetitive, and the writing was poor. I appreciate and agree with many of the author's ideas, but they could have been condensed a lot.
July 12, 2013
This is my #1 recommendation for newly expectant moms. LOVE this book. Complete review on my blog. www.greenandgrateful.com
December 31, 2020
Medically dangerous and unbiblical teaching
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews