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Birth Vibes
The delivery room decoded—by the internet’s favorite labor nurse.
Childbirth is one of life’s most powerful experiences—but it can also be overwhelming. The internet is full of conflicting advice, scary stories, and rigid expectations. Too often, expecting parents are told to create a perfect “birth plan,” only to feel defeated or afraid when things don’t go exactly as envisioned. That’s where Jen Hamilton comes in.
A labor and delivery nurse, ER veteran, and unexpected mom herself, Jen has been a steady presence at thousands of births—and on millions of screens. In Birth Vibes, she shares her own stories, all while guiding readers through what to expect in labor and delivery with humor and heart. Jen busts harmful myths, breaks down what really happens in the delivery room, and gives readers the tools to advocate for the care they want. Instead of rigid plans, she encourages parents to focus on their birth vibes—the feeling and environment they want to create—and provides helpful scripts and insider advice to help get there.
Birth Vibes is the ultimate companion for anyone preparing to give birth—or support someone who is. Warm, funny, and deeply grounded in real-life experience, this is the guide every parent deserves.
Childbirth is one of life’s most powerful experiences—but it can also be overwhelming. The internet is full of conflicting advice, scary stories, and rigid expectations. Too often, expecting parents are told to create a perfect “birth plan,” only to feel defeated or afraid when things don’t go exactly as envisioned. That’s where Jen Hamilton comes in.
A labor and delivery nurse, ER veteran, and unexpected mom herself, Jen has been a steady presence at thousands of births—and on millions of screens. In Birth Vibes, she shares her own stories, all while guiding readers through what to expect in labor and delivery with humor and heart. Jen busts harmful myths, breaks down what really happens in the delivery room, and gives readers the tools to advocate for the care they want. Instead of rigid plans, she encourages parents to focus on their birth vibes—the feeling and environment they want to create—and provides helpful scripts and insider advice to help get there.
Birth Vibes is the ultimate companion for anyone preparing to give birth—or support someone who is. Warm, funny, and deeply grounded in real-life experience, this is the guide every parent deserves.
472 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
January 26, 2026
Jen is truly an angel. She gave me early access to her book ahead of my induction next week due to a cancer diagnosis, and I’m incredibly grateful.
This book left me feeling prepared, empowered, and confident to make the best decisions for me and my baby. Jen’s trauma-informed, evidence-based approach makes birth feel straightforward and digestible, especially for first-time parents who don’t know what they don’t know.
This book left me feeling prepared, empowered, and confident to make the best decisions for me and my baby. Jen’s trauma-informed, evidence-based approach makes birth feel straightforward and digestible, especially for first-time parents who don’t know what they don’t know.
January 19, 2026
Jen Hamilton is a MASTERCLASS in patient centred care and empathy. My eyes were watering at the end. All of her patients are so lucky to have her🥹
May 9, 2026
This book made me cry multiple times and I do feel a lot more prepared than I did before. I do think that these types of books can be challenging to write because everyone’s experience is so unique but I think Jen really takes that into account and gives a wide range of stories, advice, and comfort to a first time mom who is lowkey freaking out lol. Highly recommend.
April 10, 2026
An extremely practical guide for giving birth peppered with humor and stories along the way. If you’re not familiar with Jen’s excellent short-form video storytelling, you might be a little bemused by some of her Jen-isms (such as “coming through the sunroof” as a reference to being born by c-section), but this is largely for her fans. (Even though I hope it gets a larger audience than that!)
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy. Good timing so I could prepare mentally before Baby Girl shows up.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy. Good timing so I could prepare mentally before Baby Girl shows up.
May 1, 2026
Love Jen Hamilton and her book was fantastic! I just had my daughter a few days ago, I was reluctant to read any birthing books before hand, but when I saw she had wrote one and could get early access I figured that’s the one to read. 10/10 recommend if you want to read a book on birth, this is the one!
May 18, 2026
(Hi to all my friends and loved ones: not pregnant, simply adore the author.)
May 19, 2026
This would be a 5 star read if I was in fact giving birth, but I am not. It was very informative and practical and at times too much information for a non-pregnant woman. If you're wondering why I picked it up, honestly.... same!
I loved this book for the same reason I loved Nurse Hadleys. These nurses meet people in such vulnerable spaces and treat them with dignity, recognizing they're made in the image of God. These kind of stories just warm my heart 3.75 rounded up
I loved this book for the same reason I loved Nurse Hadleys. These nurses meet people in such vulnerable spaces and treat them with dignity, recognizing they're made in the image of God. These kind of stories just warm my heart 3.75 rounded up
May 5, 2026
Only read about half of it before I ended up getting induced but I love her approach in this book, and I’m just a huge Jen Hamilton fan. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to find a healthy approach to labor without stressing too much about having a step by step plan and instead just focusing on the vibes you want :)
March 7, 2026
I’ve seen Jen come across my FYP a couple times in the last few years. The first time I saw her, she was swaddling a chicken, so I instantly fell in love with whatever weird energy she was putting out in to the world. But the more she came across my FYP, the more I realized she does so much more than swaddle chickens (or dogs… or professors…). Her kindness radiates through all of her videos and she’s funny to boot!
So when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her book in the countdown to my second delivery, I jumped at the opportunity.
Her experience as an L&D nurse means this book is geared towards folks who expect to give birth in a hospital setting. But even if you aren’t, she goes over many of the choices you may face in any birthing situation and advocates for you to make the empowered choice for your own delivery. Your body, your choice.
This book contains many more mentions of birth and pregnancy complications than the other books I’ve read (which focus on home or birthing centre births), but that’s the reality of being in a hospital setting. You’re just not going to have a cesarean at home. So, knowing if I end up at the hospital, like I did with my first, I feel more prepared for the what-ifs. And having an experienced L&D nurse explain a situation much like my own first experience, it gives me more confidence to ask questions before having things done to me rather than for me.
She also brings humour in to her writing, much like in her TikTok videos. And now I can’t wait for my “indoor cat” to become an “outdoor cat” 😆
So when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her book in the countdown to my second delivery, I jumped at the opportunity.
Her experience as an L&D nurse means this book is geared towards folks who expect to give birth in a hospital setting. But even if you aren’t, she goes over many of the choices you may face in any birthing situation and advocates for you to make the empowered choice for your own delivery. Your body, your choice.
This book contains many more mentions of birth and pregnancy complications than the other books I’ve read (which focus on home or birthing centre births), but that’s the reality of being in a hospital setting. You’re just not going to have a cesarean at home. So, knowing if I end up at the hospital, like I did with my first, I feel more prepared for the what-ifs. And having an experienced L&D nurse explain a situation much like my own first experience, it gives me more confidence to ask questions before having things done to me rather than for me.
She also brings humour in to her writing, much like in her TikTok videos. And now I can’t wait for my “indoor cat” to become an “outdoor cat” 😆
April 2, 2026
Review of advanced copy by netgalley
Was excited to receive this before my due date. A lot of info was not new to me as a nicu nurse, but still informative not only as a first time mom to be and continued education as a nurse. A lot of helpful tidbits and reminders I’ll take with me into labor! Thanks Jen
Was excited to receive this before my due date. A lot of info was not new to me as a nicu nurse, but still informative not only as a first time mom to be and continued education as a nurse. A lot of helpful tidbits and reminders I’ll take with me into labor! Thanks Jen
May 10, 2026
Jen Hamilton is a wealth of knowledge and care who uses humour and heart to bring you into the world of labour and delivery in a hospital setting. If you have given birth, plan to give birth, or know anyone who has experienced birth, there is something for you in this book! The stories and suggestions can help you to process your own pregnancy/labour/birth, prepare for the kind of birth experience you hope to have, and have empathy for those you know who have gone through something similar. The book contains birth stories that focus on different "vibes" that you may want to consider as you prepare for your own birth experience, as well as a helpful breakdown of various scenarios and procedures that you may encounter during labour. Jen is hilarious and honest and kind, and I love the way that she honours all kinds of pregnancy and birth stories.
"Grief is just love without a place to go and sometimes pouring that love into helping others going through the same thing can elicit healing."
-Jen Hamilton, Birth Vibes (epilogue)
I cannot recommend this book enough; as a bonus, Jen's audio book narration is fantastic. Go read it!
"Grief is just love without a place to go and sometimes pouring that love into helping others going through the same thing can elicit healing."
-Jen Hamilton, Birth Vibes (epilogue)
I cannot recommend this book enough; as a bonus, Jen's audio book narration is fantastic. Go read it!
March 19, 2026
I’m grateful that the author and publisher allowed for a set amount of early releases for this book! Reading this felt like a bestie sitting you down and giving you all the tea about what to expect (good and bad) in labor. The data cited throughout the book is up to date and has allowed for me to research certain topics even further if I wanted more data points.
May 15, 2026
I've been hesitant to read the typical pregnancy books but something about Jen's persona online and the glowing reviews this book has been receiving made me pick it up. I am so incredibly glad that this is where I started and would highly recommend this book to anyone, pregnant or not. I at least feel prepared that I'm past the fear of the unknown, and can move deeper into certain themes that this book touched upon with further reading.
Jen is a story teller but is also laying out the facts. These two sides of the coin came together beautifully. I laughed at times and cried at others.
Jen is a story teller but is also laying out the facts. These two sides of the coin came together beautifully. I laughed at times and cried at others.
May 19, 2026
This book is GREAT for someone with zero OB experience or knowledge! If you are expecting your first or even just expecting a baby soon in general it is fantastic for giving you an overview of what to expect, things that are normal happenings in L&D and postpartum.
If you are in the OB world there is no new info lol. I do enjoy her story telling so it was entertaining to listen to lmfao.
If you are in the OB world there is no new info lol. I do enjoy her story telling so it was entertaining to listen to lmfao.
March 17, 2026
So thankful I got early access to this book! Extremely informative and left me with lots to think about and process. There were moments I was crying and lots of moment filled with laughter as Jen told stories of loss, healing, and strength.
May 18, 2026
I genuinely feel so much more prepared for labor and birth because of this book! Might have Lincoln read the second half so he knows what is going on. Highly recommend (even for healthcare workers with a bit of experience) so you are prepared and know your options!
May 14, 2026
I may have no plans to birth a baby, but this was such an enjoyable book! Jen is a natural raconteur and her many different names for our lady regions made me giggle all throughout 😅
May 18, 2026
Loved :’) Highly recommend to all my preggo friends
May 19, 2026
Do I ever plan on having more kids? Absolutely not. Did I read this entire book? Absolutely did.
Jen is a wealth of knowledge. I wish I had something like this when I had my children!!
Jen is a wealth of knowledge. I wish I had something like this when I had my children!!
Read
May 8, 2026This was great. I’d recommend for anyone who is curious about birth or is pregnant. Most of this was not new information, but I ended this book thinking that Jen Hamilton is a GEM and I’d love to be friends with her
May 16, 2026
Jen Hamilton is a gem. I wish she could be my nurse and I wish this book existed before giving birth to my first. It’s informative, empowering, and the right amount of funny. I’m a long-time social media followers of hers and love her storytelling so I opted for the audible version of this even though I typically prefer physically reading books (she narrates it herself and it’s great).
May 10, 2026
Absolutely love this book. As an OB/GYN, I hope all my patients read this book.
Read
February 18, 2026Grateful for my advanced copy so that I could read this before my due date. I loved the stories that were shared and the important take aways from each one. This book covered so much but never felt overwhelming.
February 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this. For the most part it was light hearted and funny while still providing unbiased, thoughtful information.
April 15, 2026
This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC.
This book felt like a gentle conversation with a great friend. I absolutely love seeing Jen Hamilton’s videos pop up on my feed on social media. When I saw she wrote a book, I knew I had to read it. I found myself envious of people who get to have her as their labor and delivery nurse when it’s time for their baby to be born, or even encounter her in any capacity when they are pregnant. I enjoyed reading the birth stories she shared, and I truly appreciated her tone throughout the whole book. It’s not often that a book can make me laugh out loud and cry while reading and I genuinely did both multiple times while reading this book. I’m so appreciative of her dedication to taking care of people and helping them through what they’re going through. “I knew immediately upon meeting them that they were the kind of nurses I could only dream of emulating one day- strong, smart, quick witted, and deeply caring.” Never having met her, but reading this book, I’d say Jen encompasses all of these qualities.
This book is a must read if you’re expecting, planning on being pregnant, or already have kids. 10/10
This book felt like a gentle conversation with a great friend. I absolutely love seeing Jen Hamilton’s videos pop up on my feed on social media. When I saw she wrote a book, I knew I had to read it. I found myself envious of people who get to have her as their labor and delivery nurse when it’s time for their baby to be born, or even encounter her in any capacity when they are pregnant. I enjoyed reading the birth stories she shared, and I truly appreciated her tone throughout the whole book. It’s not often that a book can make me laugh out loud and cry while reading and I genuinely did both multiple times while reading this book. I’m so appreciative of her dedication to taking care of people and helping them through what they’re going through. “I knew immediately upon meeting them that they were the kind of nurses I could only dream of emulating one day- strong, smart, quick witted, and deeply caring.” Never having met her, but reading this book, I’d say Jen encompasses all of these qualities.
This book is a must read if you’re expecting, planning on being pregnant, or already have kids. 10/10
May 15, 2026
5 ⭐️
Absolutely 10000% recommend to read this book. I loved every minute of it, the stories, the medical insight, patient perspective, the educational aspect of it. All of it.
I couldn’t stop thinking about how this book NEEDS to get into the hands of every patient who is pregnant & for their support people to read too. Maybe given during routine prenatal visits? Idk it just seems like such a great resource to get a glimpse of everything pregnancy and birth and postpartum and what to expect. I feel like the patient experience would be 10x better if more people had the knowledge that’s in this book!
I DIED laughing at the end. The vaginal vignettes 😭😭😭 oh my GOD I couldn’t relate more because so much funny stuff happens in the OB setting sometimes 🤣 hilarious.
I cried. I laughed. My heart was so touched many times reading this because this is my job too and this is what I get to do every time I go to work- and it reinforced how special my job truly is, for me.
If you’re pregnant, read this. If someone you know is having a baby, read this. If you’re an L&D nurse or provider, READ THIS. Honestly if you’re a human you should read it because labor and birth is such a special thing and we should be doing everything we can to keep it that way 🫶🏼
Absolutely 10000% recommend to read this book. I loved every minute of it, the stories, the medical insight, patient perspective, the educational aspect of it. All of it.
I couldn’t stop thinking about how this book NEEDS to get into the hands of every patient who is pregnant & for their support people to read too. Maybe given during routine prenatal visits? Idk it just seems like such a great resource to get a glimpse of everything pregnancy and birth and postpartum and what to expect. I feel like the patient experience would be 10x better if more people had the knowledge that’s in this book!
I DIED laughing at the end. The vaginal vignettes 😭😭😭 oh my GOD I couldn’t relate more because so much funny stuff happens in the OB setting sometimes 🤣 hilarious.
I cried. I laughed. My heart was so touched many times reading this because this is my job too and this is what I get to do every time I go to work- and it reinforced how special my job truly is, for me.
If you’re pregnant, read this. If someone you know is having a baby, read this. If you’re an L&D nurse or provider, READ THIS. Honestly if you’re a human you should read it because labor and birth is such a special thing and we should be doing everything we can to keep it that way 🫶🏼
April 5, 2026
This book was fantastic. It was informative, had humor, included a lot of raw emotions, situations that can happen, and overall calming. I would recommend this book to anyone who is even curious about what happens or what CAN happen during birth. I am such a visual person, this was really helpful for me to understand what may or may not happen during my upcoming birth. Not to mention I could visualize Jen telling me all these things as if I was watching one of her tiktoks :). If you asked me a year ago if I was ready to give birth I’d say hellll no; but now I’m so ready to get it over with-this book confirmed a lot of feelings I was having & also helped me see how others might view their birthing experience. It’s a lot of information but it is broken down so well & easy to understand it has made me feel more confident and even more ready for my baby’s arrival. 10/10 for anyone who wants easy, but informative information on how birth in hospitals can go. Once my physical copy comes in & u wanna borrow it lmk :)
May 17, 2026
Not just a pregnancy book! I am a medical healthcare provider, and I serve birthing persons, I’ve also had my own unique birth journey- so this read has healed me in reflection and will also be a reference for supporting my pregnant friends. this book is revolutionary for how Jen considers caring for all birthing friends: black, brown, LGBTQ+ and those who are grieving loss! Oh if only I had this in my tool kit right next to ‘what to expect’ before I had my kids. My birth plan and outcomes probably wouldn’t have changed very much, but I probably wouldn’t have blamed myself for the zigzag- hence the healing nature of the postpartum read. Jen Hamiltoe (not a misspelling- this is what she calls herself in the book) is hilarious, a refreshing story-teller and a kind educator. Highly recommend if you are a birthing person, care about a birthing person or provide medical care to birthing persons. Also because I delivered I Jen’s hospital I know nurse Mel from the epilogue- she was my first L&D nurse and she is that amazing. Hits close to home- literally.
April 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It’s okay to be scared, because I’m not.”
This book felt like chatting with a big sister. Jen manages to always find the correct balance between information and humor. As a second time mom, there were some things I was familiar with, but also plenty that I was able to learn as well.
I used Jen’s birth vibes to think about what I want my labor to look like this time around and feel empowered to make informed decisions should things change. I also appreciate that Jen does not shy away from the hard things - from systemic racism to stillbirth, she treats every topic with grace and her patient in mind.
I honestly think that every expecting mama (and their support person) should read this book. Thanks, Jen, for imparting your expertise!
“It’s okay to be scared, because I’m not.”
This book felt like chatting with a big sister. Jen manages to always find the correct balance between information and humor. As a second time mom, there were some things I was familiar with, but also plenty that I was able to learn as well.
I used Jen’s birth vibes to think about what I want my labor to look like this time around and feel empowered to make informed decisions should things change. I also appreciate that Jen does not shy away from the hard things - from systemic racism to stillbirth, she treats every topic with grace and her patient in mind.
I honestly think that every expecting mama (and their support person) should read this book. Thanks, Jen, for imparting your expertise!
April 19, 2026
finishing this book off after giving birth as things progressed quicker than intended for reading purposes but that does not change the impact of this read.
jen hamilton is so brilliant and compassionate and is a true gold standard for labor and delivery nurses. I was so lucky to have my team of nurses had the same ethos and passion that jen does and it was life changing for such a scary experience.
speaking of scary experience, jen does a wonderful job of being able to walk you through and help you prepare for every possible scenario during labor and after, walking you through patient stories and how to implement what you just read about into your birth experience.
11/10 recommend this book and will be buying it for ever future first time mom that I know
jen hamilton is so brilliant and compassionate and is a true gold standard for labor and delivery nurses. I was so lucky to have my team of nurses had the same ethos and passion that jen does and it was life changing for such a scary experience.
speaking of scary experience, jen does a wonderful job of being able to walk you through and help you prepare for every possible scenario during labor and after, walking you through patient stories and how to implement what you just read about into your birth experience.
11/10 recommend this book and will be buying it for ever future first time mom that I know
Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews