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Redeeming Childbirth: Experiencing His Presence in Pregnancy, Labor, Childbirth, and Beyond
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. “Angie Tolpin has honored all of us by giving the world a book that guides, inspires, explores and reconsiders that there is a Grand Design in childbirth. Redeeming Childbirth honors God’s Word and speaks truth that families can and should remember His presence in the birth room.” ~Barbara Harper, RN, CLD, CCE, Founder of Waterbirth International and author of Gentle Birth Choices “Angie casts a beautiful vision for making Christ the center of your pregnancy and childbirth. Shedding light on areas of frequent idolatry in our own birth plans, Angie calls out the disunity amongst Christian sisters over birth methods. Through her own birth stories and those of others, Angie shows how God can be glorified in hospital rooms and birthing centers as well as home-births. ~Gretchen Louise, editor at Young Ladies Christian Fellowship “Redeeming Childbirth is a much-needed blessing for families and churches. I long for the day when I can buy a stack of this book, ready to bless each new expectant mother with what she really encouragement from a sweet friend, spiritual wisdom, and guidance to trust in God.“ ~Ann Dunagan, Co-founder of Harvest Ministry, Director of Daring Daughters, Author of The Mission Minded Family and The Mission Minded Child
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2013
About the author
Angie Tolpin
3 books52 followersAngie is an author & teacher at heart. Married to Isaac for 26 years, Angie has been homeschooling their nine children for 22 years and is expecting her fifth & sixth grandchildren! Angie is a bestselling author of Redeeming Childbirth and recently joined with her husband to write Courageous Parenting. The Tolpins are the founders of BeCourageousMinistry.org with the aim to impact 10 million legacies with transformative biblical resources including the long-running Courageous Parenting podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 26, 2026
I enjoyed this book overall and appreciated the author’s encouragements. It felt a tad bit hyper spiritual at some parts but there were many parts to glean advice/wisdom from too. It was refreshing to hear someone talk about natural birth from a wholly Christian frame of mind and not from the “new age” mindset. I saved a few passages where she was directly addressing epidurals and her attitude towards them, and I thought she did a great job handling the topic. There seem to be two ends of the spectrum: first where women are so caught up in natural birth that they begin to think it is a matter of sin or justification - that you can’t be a Christian and have an epidural, or you are less of a person if you have an epidural. And then there are the ladies who have no desire to even try a natural birth and are so fearful of pain that they schedule out a csection to avoid the experience of contractions and labor. I thought Angie did a good job of finding the middle ground… birth is an experience that God made our bodies to go through and submitting to his design means allowing him to take control of our births and recognizing that he CAN equip us with the strength we need to deliver our baby. But at the end of the day, whether we have an epidural or not, we need to give him the glory and thanks for the blessing of new life!
“Many do not have the desire to work hard or the perspective that one reason for their creation was for work. As our culture grows farther from that truth we grow more entitled. For many, that entitlement attitude leads to the belief that they do not deserve to experience and pain. The medical industry further exacerbates the problem by offering medications like candy. Both men and women today need to focus on reclaiming the curse of hard work and walking through trials and pain, for in doing so is a great reward. The reward is knowing God in a new way that comes only from being empty and experiencing His strength to accomplish a task” (pg 144)
“Medicine is typically used for illness and emergency. My personal view of birth is that it is not an illness or an emergency. We were made by God with this ability, although sometimes emergencies do happen in birth. Nonetheless, having an epidural does not make a woman less of a Christian or less of a mother. We need to guard our hearts against this judgmental lie. We need to recognize nothing we do can ever make us more of a Christian. Our human nature wants to puff itself up. It is the first sin of all mankind to want to be equal to God in knowledge and power. We need to recognize our sinful desire to be powerful or praised and flee from it. We need to be careful not to allow lies to make us self-righteous. Instead, we need to encourage one another with truth, pursue godliness, and holiness together, encouraging one another to pursue him in all things and pursue allowing him to sanctify us.” (Pg 195)
“Many do not have the desire to work hard or the perspective that one reason for their creation was for work. As our culture grows farther from that truth we grow more entitled. For many, that entitlement attitude leads to the belief that they do not deserve to experience and pain. The medical industry further exacerbates the problem by offering medications like candy. Both men and women today need to focus on reclaiming the curse of hard work and walking through trials and pain, for in doing so is a great reward. The reward is knowing God in a new way that comes only from being empty and experiencing His strength to accomplish a task” (pg 144)
“Medicine is typically used for illness and emergency. My personal view of birth is that it is not an illness or an emergency. We were made by God with this ability, although sometimes emergencies do happen in birth. Nonetheless, having an epidural does not make a woman less of a Christian or less of a mother. We need to guard our hearts against this judgmental lie. We need to recognize nothing we do can ever make us more of a Christian. Our human nature wants to puff itself up. It is the first sin of all mankind to want to be equal to God in knowledge and power. We need to recognize our sinful desire to be powerful or praised and flee from it. We need to be careful not to allow lies to make us self-righteous. Instead, we need to encourage one another with truth, pursue godliness, and holiness together, encouraging one another to pursue him in all things and pursue allowing him to sanctify us.” (Pg 195)
February 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It definitely gave me a lot of good mindsets to consider as I go into giving birth. The author definitely had a lot of wide ranging experiences giving birth so that was encouraging as well. At times, it was maybe more charismatic than I’m used to and occasionally it did seem to get a bit repetitive. Overall, I would say this is a great resource to read before giving birth though!
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.
June 25, 2026
I really wanted to give this book more stars. It has been on my wish list for a few pregnancies now, and I finally purchased it to read this time around. While it was from a thoroughly biblical worldview and sought to glorify God (which, in that regard, was absolutely wonderful compared to many birth books I have read), I found it very repetitive and that it contained many errors that should have been edited before printing.
Positives: Full of wonderful scriptures to meditate on, contains prayers that were very touching, biblical worldview and encouragement to surrender our births to God's will.
Negatives: Repetitive, contained editing errors, sometimes used Scripture out of context to force it to apply to her goal, and (the biggest by far) her absolute commitment to the premise that birth IS and WILL be painful by design. She uses the often quoted curse of Eve after the fall, but she fails to mention that the same Hebrew word translated as multiplying her "pain" in childbirth is not translated as "pain" anywhere else in the Bible but as "labor, or hard work." Her entire premise hinges on the assumption that birth will be extremely painful, but that God uses that pain to sanctity us by completely stripping us of our own strength and causing us to see our sole dependence on Him. I agree that the HARD WORK of labor (which can and is sometimes perceived as painful) sends us to our knees at the foot of Christ and is a tremendous life changing event, but that expecting and anticipating pain gives a woman into the fear-tension-pain cycle which will not only cause her more pain but can inhibit her labor and create harm for both herself and her baby. True trust, understanding, and surrender to the process does not flourish with the preception of pain. She often compels the reader to trust in God's design for birth, that our bodies were made to birth, and we need not fear it. I agree with her there, but she doesn't ever really go into the mechanics of physiological birth anywhere in the book. She never tells the reader what to expect or how our bodies were created to birth. She only gives a brief half page introduction to some of the hormones present in birth even though it goes on for over 330 pages.
If you have never thought about how God views you, your body, the blessing of children, or how He can use these events to sanctify both yourself and others invited into the experience, then there is much wisdom to gain from this book. If you already have a biblically sound belief system on those topics, it is probably not necessary for you to read this one. If you want to learn more about birth in order to trust God's design with knowledge of this wonderful experience, then you should look elsewhere.
Positives: Full of wonderful scriptures to meditate on, contains prayers that were very touching, biblical worldview and encouragement to surrender our births to God's will.
Negatives: Repetitive, contained editing errors, sometimes used Scripture out of context to force it to apply to her goal, and (the biggest by far) her absolute commitment to the premise that birth IS and WILL be painful by design. She uses the often quoted curse of Eve after the fall, but she fails to mention that the same Hebrew word translated as multiplying her "pain" in childbirth is not translated as "pain" anywhere else in the Bible but as "labor, or hard work." Her entire premise hinges on the assumption that birth will be extremely painful, but that God uses that pain to sanctity us by completely stripping us of our own strength and causing us to see our sole dependence on Him. I agree that the HARD WORK of labor (which can and is sometimes perceived as painful) sends us to our knees at the foot of Christ and is a tremendous life changing event, but that expecting and anticipating pain gives a woman into the fear-tension-pain cycle which will not only cause her more pain but can inhibit her labor and create harm for both herself and her baby. True trust, understanding, and surrender to the process does not flourish with the preception of pain. She often compels the reader to trust in God's design for birth, that our bodies were made to birth, and we need not fear it. I agree with her there, but she doesn't ever really go into the mechanics of physiological birth anywhere in the book. She never tells the reader what to expect or how our bodies were created to birth. She only gives a brief half page introduction to some of the hormones present in birth even though it goes on for over 330 pages.
If you have never thought about how God views you, your body, the blessing of children, or how He can use these events to sanctify both yourself and others invited into the experience, then there is much wisdom to gain from this book. If you already have a biblically sound belief system on those topics, it is probably not necessary for you to read this one. If you want to learn more about birth in order to trust God's design with knowledge of this wonderful experience, then you should look elsewhere.
March 25, 2026
This book was such a blessing to me. It really helped me with my mindset going into my 3rd birth / first home birth. Angie Tolphin perfectly articulates the biblical purpose to the pain of childbearing as a whole. This was crucial for me as I got through a difficult pregnancy and through the pains of labor. I am even repeating the sentiments to myself I go through a difficult postpartum. I recommend this book to everyone pregnant woman I know.
I feel like no one is saying what I read in this book and would summarize it as follows: Pregnancy and birth are hard. It’s okay that they are hard, you’re not doing anything wrong or being irresponsible. You still have to have self control and in fact can use this time to cultivate the fruits of the spirit (by the power of the holy spirit) to a tremendous degree. It is worth it even if it’s hard!! And it doesn’t mean you have to stop having kids. Your entire family will benefit from the sacrifices required for mom to be pregnant and give birth. God allows for hardships in childbearing and while we should ask for healing (because He is our healer!) we should not neglect to acknowledge the growth that is possible if he chooses to allow us to continue on in our suffering. Childbirth is a sacred time when we get to intimately call on God for HIS strength when ours is quickly spent. Amen!! Thank you Angie Tolphin.
I didn’t end up finishing this because I as got closer to delivery I needed a break from thinking about the fact that I was still pregnant. But I read most and got the gist of this book pretty quickly. I will say that this book could have used a much better editor and a lot of editing in general. Probably could have been about 1/2 the length and hit even harder. That is my reason for 4 stars. Still so great though! I will reread this and probably finish it when preparing for future pregnancy and birth.
I feel like no one is saying what I read in this book and would summarize it as follows: Pregnancy and birth are hard. It’s okay that they are hard, you’re not doing anything wrong or being irresponsible. You still have to have self control and in fact can use this time to cultivate the fruits of the spirit (by the power of the holy spirit) to a tremendous degree. It is worth it even if it’s hard!! And it doesn’t mean you have to stop having kids. Your entire family will benefit from the sacrifices required for mom to be pregnant and give birth. God allows for hardships in childbearing and while we should ask for healing (because He is our healer!) we should not neglect to acknowledge the growth that is possible if he chooses to allow us to continue on in our suffering. Childbirth is a sacred time when we get to intimately call on God for HIS strength when ours is quickly spent. Amen!! Thank you Angie Tolphin.
I didn’t end up finishing this because I as got closer to delivery I needed a break from thinking about the fact that I was still pregnant. But I read most and got the gist of this book pretty quickly. I will say that this book could have used a much better editor and a lot of editing in general. Probably could have been about 1/2 the length and hit even harder. That is my reason for 4 stars. Still so great though! I will reread this and probably finish it when preparing for future pregnancy and birth.
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.
May 27, 2026
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 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.
April 15, 2026
A much needed resource for the Christian woman to prepare her heart for childbirth. Angie’s wisdom is very motherly and kind, but she is not afraid to speak the truth and give her own opinion. The book isn’t very practical when it comes to all the nitty gritty details of pregnancy and birth, but it is a necessary companion to all of the secular resources out there to keep the Christian woman grounded in the truth of God’s Word and the importance of letting this season of life strengthen your faith. My main takeaway was the constant reminder that my pregnancy and birth experiences are not about me. They are about bringing glory to God. Angie was helpful in pointing me to Christ and His kindness to me in being my main comfort and motivation to let my body do what it was designed to do in bringing forth children. Could have used some better editing and was a bit repetitive at times, but I’m grateful for the work!
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.
May 7, 2026
This book changed my perspective on birth for the better. A big takeaway was birth is not about me or what I want, but like all things it is about the Lord and bringing him glory. I was not looking at birth in a biblical way and was giving into fear beforehand and this book was like a Titus 2 woman snapping me out of that! I didn’t finish it because I found it repetitive and some parts not relevant or written well. I still think it’s the best resource I’ve found for thinking biblically about childbirth and pregnancy!
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.
October 5, 2025
The content of this book was decent, and I did get some really helpful things to meditate on and consider. Despite sharing the author’s faith and many of her convictions, I honestly didn’t relate to a number of her examples. I also found the book in need of editing (spelling and grammatical errors) and both repetitive and disorganized in content; enough that it was really distracting for me through the entirety of the book. That being said I do commend what she has done and the example she has set for her family and other women..it just wasn’t quite the clear, comprehensive, or inspiring book on Christian childbirth that I was expecting overall (it pains me to wax negative on a book the author really poured her heart into and which had good bones overall, and I expect there are other women it will connect with better than me).
May 25, 2021
This book challenged me to see God in my birth experience. To see redemption and deliverance in a whole new way. The author is straightforward in her approach, which could bother some, but I think it is needed in our society today. Deep conviction and an ability to speak truth are rare. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the chapters weren't always laid out accurately. It did feel like the author repeated herself often. But overall it was a helpful book in preparation for the delivery of my baby.
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.
October 29, 2021
Poorly edited, to the point where it's a headache to get through some sentances. The overall message is good, and it had helpful info on what a medicated birth does to the body and baby during and after labor.
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