Woven in the Womb: Peace for the Pregnant and Postpartum Soul

by Rachelle Keng

Pregnancy is a vulnerable and transformative time in a woman's life. As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, you may be filled with excitement - but also overwhelming anxiety! Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, the path of motherhood is filled with questions, doubts, and the unknown.



 Within these pages, you will

Devotions to guide, nourish, and encourage you through a purposeful pregnancy and the first weeks of postpartumHope for mothers who have experienced unexpected pregnancy and unconventional motherhood Biblical passages that offer peace and guidance for anxious mothers Practical tips on how to advocate for yourself during Labor and DeliveryPromises of God's presence, love, and support throughout motherhood

Woven in the Womb is a gentle companion and a steadfast reminder that you are cherished and empowered by a God who is intimately involved in the beautiful journey of motherhood. Find peace in God's perfect love as you prepare to embrace the gift of motherhood with open arms and an open heart.

294 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2024

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off: I'm NOT pregnant. (Nor trying to become pregnant!) But I saw this book featured in our local library and was curious what a devotional for pregnancy would be like - and I was blown away! I've been pregnant five times and have birthed three babies. The timeline surrounding pregnancy is a weird one: it feels like FOREVER. Whether it's waiting to become pregnant (who knew the ovulation cycle could be so LONG) or bringing a baby to term (those nine months seemed like an ETERNITY) the entire process is an exercise of patience and trust, realizing how little you control. This devotional is a beautiful reminder that the framework that surrounds both your life and your child's is one of grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This devotional is practical (written by an ob-gyn), Spirit-filled (with wonderful prayers throughout), funny (I laughed out loud several times), and personal (the author shares her own stories and struggles). I loved it; every women in your life should read this!

[Lynn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with faith and encouragement for pregnant and new moms. Rachelle's honest and tender devotions will bless you.

[Carolyn Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an obstetrician and mother of two, including a special needs child, Rachelle has earned the right to write this book. She doesn’t hesitate to talk about the challenges of bearing children. But, throughout, she offers hope and practical encouragement as she calls her reader back to trust and rest in the One who is both carrying her and weaving the child in her womb.

I have never carried a child. But as an obstetrician, a spiritual director, and a woman, I love this book. While Rachelle writes it primarily to mothers as they traverse the ups and downs of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, there is much wisdom here that is relevant for every one of us. For example:
"Our expectations affect the strength of our resilience when detours happen. . . . Our ability to get back up after bad news reveals our true expectations" (p. 12).
"A vessel’s responsibility is not to be perfect but to be pliable" (p. 106).
“The goal is not to win. The goal is to know our tender and all-knowing Coach” (p. 111).

The frequent glimpses Rachelle gives into the marvel of the anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy often brought me back to worship our Creator. For example, “mommy brain” is real! The hormones of pregnancy physically alter certain portions of the mother’s brain, preparing her to better bond with, comfort and protect her infant.

Women who are pregnant will find this book an insightful and encouraging companion. But I suspect many women who are not pregnant will also be encouraged by this book.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AMAZING book! Reading this book felt like a conversation with a heartfelt friend filled with care. It is beautiful to see what God has revealed about pregnancy and motherhood masterfully incorporated into the broader body of this work. This book has given me a greater capacity for empathy toward mothers because it walks through the emotional and physical experience of planning a pregnancy, being pregnant, going through labor and birth, and the early weeks with a newborn through a Christian lens. Dr. Keng is hilarious and a great writer. She includes various forms of writing throughout the book to connect with the reader: chapters, devotionals, prayers, reflection questions, anecdotes, and poems. Dr. Keng also explains the relevant anatomical and medical aspects of motherhood throughout the latter half of the book. I found it all to be very accessible and learned a whole lot. I really enjoyed this book because it challenged my perception on motherhood in so many ways, but with gentleness. This book is powerful, but it is bathed in prayer, grace, and mercy which softens the impact to be very palatable.

I would recommend this book to any woman (from beginning a family to a grandmother) and anyone who knows a woman in between those life stages. This book doesn't just teach you how to care over a mother in practicality (though there are some insightful tips), it teaches you to care because God does so greatly.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously guys, this book brought tears to my eyes from the very first chapter. I was reminded of the struggles and joys that I experienced throughout my motherhood journey so far, and I felt so SEEN! The author writes in such a heartwarming and genuine way, it feels like she's sitting right next to me, rejoicing and crying with me and providing encouragement and reassurance through every step of the way. I especially loved the way she brought the Gospel and various Scriptures into her writing and related it to the motherhood journey. For example, there was one BRILLIANT analogy that showed how the fruit of the spirit is embodied by mothers! And I love the part where she explores the concept of the "Eve Complex." The author writes from a unique perspective as an OB, a Christian, and a mother of a child with special needs. Not only is there practical medical information, but there is also so much Biblical teaching and life wisdom in these pages! And can't forget the super relatable anecdotes from her life that made me chuckle out loud. I will definitely be buying this book as a gift for every single one of my future pregnant friends!

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was first pregnant with my kids, to read during late night feedings, early morning pumping. Though my kids are already toddlers, this book was still relevant to me in so many ways. I especially loved the chapter for Discouraged Moms and the "Prayer for a moody mama" and other Quick prayers that I can use when words fail me.Dr. Keng has a fresh, honest voice and each section is quick and easy to read for busy and tired moms who need to hear the gospel truth. I appreciate her perspective as a mom, Christian, and OBGYN physician. She has a deep-rooted knowledge of God's grace and mercy for us and how motherhood deepens our dependency on Him. I already bought this book for several of my friends who are pregnant and soon o become first-time moms because of all the encouraging uplifting truths. This book is a MUST-HAVE for expecting moms, postpartum moms, moms who have been moms for years.

[Bethany VanLeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently pregnant with my third baby and I wish that Woven in the Womb had been available with my earlier pregnancies. This book is so life-giving and encouraging! It addresses difficult topics like infertility, pregnancy loss, and children born with learning challenges. My favorite part of the book is the week-by-week devotionals for pregnancy. The devotionals combine scripture, typical developments/what to expect during pregnancy that week, and questions to ponder related to the topic of the week. There is also a four week section of devotionals for postpartum which I am looking forward to reading once my baby arrives next month - especially since this part of pregnancy is often exhausting and overlooked. This book is a must read for any one who is expecting for the first time or for seasoned moms who are expecting another. It’s also very helpful for anyone who works with women as it has Biblical wisdom for dealing with the emotional issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.

[Rachel Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Keng delivers a comprehensive, heartfelt, well-researched, personally lived word that speaks to the many facets of the motherhood experience. I felt like I was talking with a friend, sharing the struggles of a moment and being offered an empathetic word. Particularly for the Christian woman, this ties each word of encouragement and relatable storytelling to a piece of scripture. This does not come across as spiritual band-aid placement, as it sometimes can. It comes from the heart of someone who has truly found deep and lasting hope in some of the rockiest places of motherhood. For me this will be a baby shower/pregnancy announcement gift for many years to come. My own will stay nearby for reference and comfort. As Dr. Keng understands - Motherhood is not a pregnancy, birth, and happily ever-after. It is a roller coaster ride of vulnerability, beauty, brokenness, connection, disconnection, and humbling. Highly Recommend.

[Tawnya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where was this book when I was pregnant?! My children are in elementary school now, but I can’t put this book down. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of family planning, currently pregnant, navigating the hard adjustments additional children brings, or in the thick of it with trying to understand your purpose as a mother (like I am), this book is for you! The author really pulls at your heartstrings while reaching right through the pages and hugging you with encouragement, support, love, and biblical enlightenment. She really touched me with her own struggles as a mom to a child with medical complexities since my first born also has a rare genetic mutation. I used to feel so alone in my thoughts and struggles and a book like this in the early stages of my parenthood would have really helped pull me out of the trenches. God’s design is not flawed and this book really is a beautifully written must-read for any and every one!

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful resource for Christian expectant women!! I LOVE all the spiritual and emotional encouragement both during pregnancy and postpartum. It’s sooo vital to bring everything back to scripture as Believers.

The practical advice was also helpful, but there are some hospital policies/best practices spoken of in Chapter 2 that just totally depend on where you live when you give birth. Difference countries, different states and even different cities often do birth very differently.

That very small caution aside… I LOVED this book and already purchased 5 copies to give out to my pregnant friends and Christian doula clients!!

Soooo thankful for this new resource pointing mothers to hope in Christ!!

-Lexi Zuo
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, & Lactation Counselor
Pastor’s Wife & Mama of 5

[Sue Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this book to your list of MUST HAVES. Written by a practicing Ob/Gyn physician, at first glance it appears to have been written for expectant mothers. But after reading WOVEN IN THE WOMB, I found it to be an inspirational and valuable resource for ALL women and those who love them. Guiding the reader from considering pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, this book is both educational and reassuring at each stage. WOVEN IN THE WOMB would also be perfect for childbirth classes, women’s bible study, or book clubs as each section contains biblical references and reflection questions. Whether you are currently pregnant, hope to be, don’t want to be, have suffered the loss of a child, or are now a mother or even grandmother yourself - this book is for you.

[Rebecca Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words of Hope and Love for Those struggling with Infertility

Looking for an uplifting read? "Woven in the Womb" by Dr. Rachelle Keng is a fantastic choice. As someone who faced profound challenges with infertility, this book resonated deeply with me. Dr. Keng, a good friend and fellow author, shares her godly wisdom and insight with honesty, humor, and tenderness. Her words overflow with hope, offering perfect encouragement during the exhilarating yet daunting journey of motherhood. I've purchased multiple copies for women at various stages of their motherhood journey. Thank you, Dr. Keng, for your inspiring words of hope!

[Peter G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Keng uses understandable terminology to explain the bodily and emotional changes one can expect through the progressive weeks of pregnancy and new motherhood. She uses the sufficiency of scripture to provide emotional buoyancy to the hormonal and cultural influences that assault the well-being of mothers and their relationships, showing how Jesus and our dependence on Him helps us navigate the turbulent waters of pregnancy and motherhood. Truly a "must have" reference and devotional for every couple seeking to grow through the challenges of parenthood.

[Paula Romang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for Expectant Mothers!
This pregnancy guide is unlike others. It pairs the knowledge of an OB/GYN, and the compassion of a loving Christian friend. Dr. Keng thoroughly and honestly addresses the concerns of pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy through post-partum. Dr. Keng includes weekly devotionals corresponding to each week of pregnancy. With kindness, empathy, and truth Dr. Keng addresses everything from morning sickness and anxiety to the changing dynamics a new baby brings into the family unit.

[Rebecca Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman who struggled deeply with infertility, this book is a breath of fresh air! Dr. Rachelle Keng is honest, funny, and tender in sharing her godly wisdom and insight. Her words are dripping with hope and encouragement during a time that is God-sent, yet scary and uncertain at the same time. I bought several copies for different women at different stages of motherhood. Whether you have natural-born children or not, if you are a Christian woman, you should own a copy of this book! Thank you for your words of hope Dr. Keng!

[Kim Mosiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been 27 years since I carried a child in my womb, yet I remembered every moment like it was yesterday as I read this wonderful book. Memories of joy and fear, nausea and wonder flooded back with each entry. I appreciated the stories, the scripture and the short prayer at the end of each day.
I wish I’d had this book during my pregnancies as a gentle reminder to keep my eyes on God and the wonder of it all rather than simply counting down the days.
I ordered a copy for my daughter-in-law and will keep several on hand for gifts.
Well done, Dr. Keng!

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I had when I was pregnant and postpartum. Written from one mom to another, Woven in the Womb not only addresses the physical and emotional needs of new mothers, but the spiritual as well. From conception to the months following birth, the author writes to the heart of moms as she offers wisdom, encouragement, and the added experience that comes from being a physician herself. This treasure will make beautiful gift for yourself or for any new or expectant mom.

[Jessica Lyon Schwanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book! Dr. Rachelle Keng brings the knowledge of an obstetrician, the heart of a mother and the faith of a believer. Weaving together words of understanding and hope, wisdom and humor, while acknowledging the beautiful and challenging parts of motherhood. She is not afraid to discuss the what if's, fears and grief that motherhood can bring. She uses her voice to calm, encourage and lift up her readers. This is a great book for women in all phases of motherhood.

[Amber J Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle writes from a place of authority and compassion as an ObGyn doctor and also a woman of faith. Her motherhood journey has not been one of ease but of transformation, where God used those challenges to shape her and grow her faith. She shares these challenges and perspectives in her book with humility and grace. Her devotions within the book are also a beautiful soothing guide throughout the weeks of pregnancy and beyond.

[Rachel Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of peace and wisdom. If you want to gain knowledge and be set free from so many anxieties- read this book. It is an easy, yet powerful, read and so enjoyable. My husband has even enjoyed reading this book! I’m so thankful the author took time to share her life experiences with the word. This book is going to change lives.

[Dr. Patti Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST-HAVE for expecting, new, or experienced mommas! Motherhood is filled with uncertainties and questions and this gem offers devotions, encouragement, Scriptures, reassurance of God's presence, as well as practical advice.

Dr. Keng writes a beautiful, yet gentle companion reminding us we are loved and empowered by a God who is intimately involved in this journey of motherhood!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a doctor by a heart of a mama whose heart was broken and then beautifully restored by God's grace. A must read for all moms who will benefit from the support, practicality, and beautiful God-story. A must read!

[Tena Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle writes an honest, gentle, yet firm devotional that cheers you on, encourages your heart, and holds your hand through the hard realities. You can tell that she speaks from a vast vault of experience. Experience that has molded her and given her valuable insight. I appreciate how she acknowledges the disappointments of pregnancy and all things related at the beginning of her book. It feels as if she sees and knows the hurt, but she entreats the reader to continue in hope as she guides them through a weekly pregnancy devotional. I was blessed by this book!

[Annie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pregnancy & postpartum trigger all the feels…. And this book is written with transparency & compassion for the mama who needs a friend in this season. Solid Biblical Truth is weaved throughout this resource, and uplifting encouragement for the gal who needs support.