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The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
From the popular YouTube channel Mama Natural, this is the first week-by-week natural pregnancy book for soon-to-be moms.For the last half-century, control over childbirth has been in favor of doctors. Many pregnancy guidebooks are conventional, fear-based, and written by male physicians deeply entrenched in the old-school medical model of birth. But change is underway. A groundswell of women are taking back their pregnancy and childbirth and embracing a natural way. Genevieve Howland, the woman behind the enormously popular Mama Natural blog and YouTube channel, has created an inspiring, fun, and informative guide that demystifies natural pregnancy and walks mom through the process one week at a time. The Mama Natural’s Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth is the modern (and yet ancient) approach to pregnancy and childbirth. “Natural” recognizes that pregnancy and birth are normal, and that having a baby is a wondrous biological process and rite of passage—not a medical condition. This book draws upon the latest research showing how beneficial and life-changing natural birth is for both babies and moms. Full of weekly advice and tips for a healthy pregnancy, Howland details vital nutrition to take, natural remedies for common and troublesome symptoms, as well as the appropriate (and inappropriate) use of interventions. Peppered throughout are positive birth and pregnancy stories from women of all backgrounds (and all stages of their natural journey) along with advice and insights from a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) plus a Registered Nurse (RN), doula, and lactation consultant. Encouraging, well-researched, and fun, The Mama Natural’s Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth will be an essential companion for women everywhere to embrace natural pregnancy and reap all the benefits for both baby and mama.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2017
988 people are currently reading
1838 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
January 19, 2020
I'm all for natural and low interventions however this book discourages vaccines, antibiotics, and encourages things like castor oil to induce labor which is dangerous. As well as other wishy washy "science"
Why can I not find a "natural" pregnancy and child birth book that is actually backed by SCIENCE without having to deal with tin foil hat people who think our cell phones are harmful.
Why can I not find a "natural" pregnancy and child birth book that is actually backed by SCIENCE without having to deal with tin foil hat people who think our cell phones are harmful.
August 21, 2019
There is some good info about natural childbirth, but WOW some wacky stuff too. Couldn't get passed her glossing over immunization since "vaccines are very controversial in the natural community". Um what?
January 10, 2024
This book is a slightly crunchier version of What to Expect When You're Expecting. If you want to be fear mongered with a touch of "natural" this is the book for you. If you want to know every single test, intervention, vitamin, mineral, danger, etc with a touch of "natural" this is the book for you. Unfortunately it was not for me. The author does promote, as expected, things like nontoxic household products, a healthy diet, not keeping your cell phone on your body, etc— all things that are not surprising suggestions in the natural circles. But she seems to be scared to offend or take a solid stance when it comes to the things that really count. The book reads like this: Tylenol has been linked to ADHD and other neurological issues so don't take it while pregnant but definitely take it if you have a fever because fevers are dangerous. Vaccines are controversial in the natural community but the flu shot might be right for you and you should definitely get the Johnson and Johnson rhogam shot no questions asked. You should maybe have a home birth because it may be safer but also really dangerous so here's tips and tricks from only state-certified midwives that don't attend home births. Genetic testing is really important but nevermind the fact that your provider will heavily pressure you to terminate the pregnancy if any anomalies whatsoever pop up (literally no mention of this). Natural antibiotics and remedies like garlic can work but remember their healing is only temporary so you're probably still going to need conventional antibiotics.
This book would have been great if the author stuck to lifestyle related information (diet, household products, nontoxic baby products, etc) that would create a healthy pregnancy instead of touching lukewarmly on medicalized aspects of pregnancy. I guess I'm too radicalized in this area to not see through the wishywashiness. Sorry
This book would have been great if the author stuck to lifestyle related information (diet, household products, nontoxic baby products, etc) that would create a healthy pregnancy instead of touching lukewarmly on medicalized aspects of pregnancy. I guess I'm too radicalized in this area to not see through the wishywashiness. Sorry
September 28, 2017
I LOVED this book. This is my third pregnancy (one miscarriage), and it is everything I was looking for during my first two pregnancies but didn't find.
The format of the book was great. It is a week-by-week guide, with the first page of each week sharing "what's up with baby?" and "what's up with Mama?" during that specific week. I would save that page to read for when I hit that week in pregnancy, but continued on with the rest of the chapter because those pages aren't necessarily specific to that week.
WHAT I LIKED:
- this book is for ANY woman who is pregnant, not *just* those wanting to go natural
- Howland provides an incredibly fair, honest and realistic picture of pregnancy and L&D from many perspectives
- covers a wide variety of topics and conversations
- it never felt pushy or forceful about an opinion or way of doing something; never trying to make you feel guilty or like you "should" be doing something
- some opinions or advice in the crunchy world don't always have many studies or hard science to back them up (yet). I really appreciate that Howland acknowledges this where relevant and doesn't try to state facts if they aren't facts, but instead shares conclusions she's come to from her own experience and input from others.
- I love the recipes throughout the book. A range of entrees, snacks, drinks and sweet treats.
- the design is pretty and overall well-done. Beautiful illustrations rather than actual pictures made for a "cozy" feel to the book.
- I went natural with my first baby and this book made me feel even more confident and empowered in my resolve to do so again.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I truly can't think of something I didn't like, other than the layout of some blurbs that had red text on top of a red background (making it harder to see).
I can't recommend this book highly enough to any woman who is expecting, regardless if this is your first baby or last!
The format of the book was great. It is a week-by-week guide, with the first page of each week sharing "what's up with baby?" and "what's up with Mama?" during that specific week. I would save that page to read for when I hit that week in pregnancy, but continued on with the rest of the chapter because those pages aren't necessarily specific to that week.
WHAT I LIKED:
- this book is for ANY woman who is pregnant, not *just* those wanting to go natural
- Howland provides an incredibly fair, honest and realistic picture of pregnancy and L&D from many perspectives
- covers a wide variety of topics and conversations
- it never felt pushy or forceful about an opinion or way of doing something; never trying to make you feel guilty or like you "should" be doing something
- some opinions or advice in the crunchy world don't always have many studies or hard science to back them up (yet). I really appreciate that Howland acknowledges this where relevant and doesn't try to state facts if they aren't facts, but instead shares conclusions she's come to from her own experience and input from others.
- I love the recipes throughout the book. A range of entrees, snacks, drinks and sweet treats.
- the design is pretty and overall well-done. Beautiful illustrations rather than actual pictures made for a "cozy" feel to the book.
- I went natural with my first baby and this book made me feel even more confident and empowered in my resolve to do so again.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I truly can't think of something I didn't like, other than the layout of some blurbs that had red text on top of a red background (making it harder to see).
I can't recommend this book highly enough to any woman who is expecting, regardless if this is your first baby or last!
February 20, 2018
While at storytime at my local bookstore this weekend, I picked up the closest adult book. This one. I opened to a random page and it described how women do genetic testing of the fetus to gain reassurance that their baby will be healthy or to prepare for having a sick child. There was literally not a word of discussion that the majority of pregnant people who learn their child will have a major illness have an abortion -- and that's why they do the test to enact this option if necessary.
If Genevieve Howland wants readers to make informed choices then she needs to inform them. This is intellectually dishonest.
Side note: I brought the book to the manager of the bookstore and pointed this out to her. She was aghast and explained it was a used book they had recently bought. She discounted it to $1 so I would buy it and not get in the hands of anyone else. She also agreed to not purchase any new or used copies.
If Genevieve Howland wants readers to make informed choices then she needs to inform them. This is intellectually dishonest.
Side note: I brought the book to the manager of the bookstore and pointed this out to her. She was aghast and explained it was a used book they had recently bought. She discounted it to $1 so I would buy it and not get in the hands of anyone else. She also agreed to not purchase any new or used copies.
June 13, 2024
I read this over the course of my last trimester, so not really during my early months of pregnancy, but I still enjoyed it nevertheless. I thought it had nice information I mostly didn’t know already, good advice/tips & even some helpful recipes. As many pregnancy books are, this is all-encompassing, so it talked about many things to “be prepared for” that I did not experience during my pregnancy or birth because I birthed at home. She talked about home birth a *small* amount, but it still being a relatively unpopular birthing option, she did not give it much time on the pages. Despite all that, I still enjoyed & would say this is helpful for those who are pregnant. If I get pregnant again I’ll read it from the beginning!
January 12, 2020
I've been reading through this book since the early stages of my pregnancy and WOW... It has been so helpful and interesting to read. I love the week by week format, although I decided to read ahead and finish up early (just in case!).
There is so much I loved about this book - the illustrations, the friendly and relaxed style of writing, the recipes, and sooo many helpful tips and suggestions throughout each chapter.
While this book is definitely written from a natural perspective, I was glad that Genevieve talked about BOTH the medical and natural side, giving the pros and cons of doing things one way or the other. It gave me a lot of food for thought.
This was really the only pregnancy book I read and enjoyed... and I will definitely be referencing it again in the future!
There is so much I loved about this book - the illustrations, the friendly and relaxed style of writing, the recipes, and sooo many helpful tips and suggestions throughout each chapter.
While this book is definitely written from a natural perspective, I was glad that Genevieve talked about BOTH the medical and natural side, giving the pros and cons of doing things one way or the other. It gave me a lot of food for thought.
This was really the only pregnancy book I read and enjoyed... and I will definitely be referencing it again in the future!
July 7, 2017
This is by far my favorite pregnancy book. The author provides a balanced perspective, with the "natural"/physiological options given first. She brought in midwives, doulas, and plenty of reference evidence throughout the book, and balanced out advice with affirmations, recipes, and anecdotes. This was enjoyable and easy to read. I highly recommend it as a pregnancy guide!
April 10, 2018
Great pregnancy book! Does a good job balancing natural and more medically based birthing ideologies without being too preachy.
April 18, 2020
Anti-vacx mentality and bullshit natural remedies such as soaking your SOCKS in apple cider vinegar against fevers...get out of here
March 11, 2025
Yes, you could say this is an announcement.
Loved the week by week format of this book!! So helpful for knowing what to expect and when to start thinking about certain choices/things to prepare for. There are some super crunchy things in this book that I will definitely not implement, but I appreciate that the book really wasn’t written in a pushy or judgmental tone that you so often hear nowadays related to important health decisions.
Loved the week by week format of this book!! So helpful for knowing what to expect and when to start thinking about certain choices/things to prepare for. There are some super crunchy things in this book that I will definitely not implement, but I appreciate that the book really wasn’t written in a pushy or judgmental tone that you so often hear nowadays related to important health decisions.
June 10, 2025
A helpful book filled with great tips and written in a very joyful and encouraging way (which I loved!), although I definitely had to sort through things that leaned a little too crunchy for my tastes (No, I won’t be having acupuncture needles in my feet while incense made from mugwort burns near the outside of my pinky toes if I ever have a breech baby….)
Though Howland seeks to provide a week-by-week guide, I never felt like there was too much unnecessary information about every possible circumstance one could experience while pregnant (I read a few chapters of What to Expect While You’re Expecting, felt overwhelmed with information, and never picked it up again😂) She’s also supposedly a Christian, so I found her outlook on pregnancy to be similar to my own which was so sweet!
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone going through their first pregnancy, and I especially liked her healthy recipes, weekly to-do lists, and natural remedies for common pregnancy symptoms.
Though Howland seeks to provide a week-by-week guide, I never felt like there was too much unnecessary information about every possible circumstance one could experience while pregnant (I read a few chapters of What to Expect While You’re Expecting, felt overwhelmed with information, and never picked it up again😂) She’s also supposedly a Christian, so I found her outlook on pregnancy to be similar to my own which was so sweet!
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone going through their first pregnancy, and I especially liked her healthy recipes, weekly to-do lists, and natural remedies for common pregnancy symptoms.
April 5, 2022
An excellent resource, especially for first time mamas!
July 24, 2022
Ok, so I really had mixed feelings about this book.
I would recommend it for a few different reasons: 1) Howland breaks things down, week by week, into easily understandable and actionable bits. I love her to-do lists at the end of each chapter. 2) Her recipes each week look amazing. 3)She covers topics that don't always get it hit in pregnancy books, including dealing with loss, a birth not going "to plan", and how to have a "gentle caesarean". 4) She brings up a lot of good questions and, in general, knows her stuff when it comes to evidence-based pregnancy options.
HOWEVER. Here's my big beef with Howland's book: it is presented as one big opinion piece. If you read allllll the way to the end, after the acknowledgements and before the index, you will find a tiny little pink box that says "references" and tells you to go look at her blog for works cited. (She tells you to go to her website a lot, actually, which got a little annoying.)
It REALLY bothers me that a lot of her sections where she does "risk/benefit" analysis or tests/procedures/interventions she is actually making a recommendation based on what she thinks is best and/or what she did in her pregnancies. That does not sit well. In my opinion, even if you know your research, your job is not to impress your own preferences on parents, but instead present them with risk and benefits and let them make their own decisions. It is also curious to me what she decides to devote her word count to--for example, she had an entire chapter on electro-magnetic pulses...but didn't even present risks/benefits for some standard pregnancy medications, such as Rhogam.
Additionally, and I think because she wasn't forced to cite within the text, Howland plays fast and loose with terminology. For example, she stated that BOTH circumcision and c-sections are the most commonly performed "surgical procedure" in the US. That cannot be. Perhaps she meant for males and females, respectively? She also keeps referring to blood-draws or shots as being "totally non-invasive and therefore risk-free". A needle entering your body is quite literally the definition of an invasive procedure. Necessary? Perhaps. But it still enters your body. There is also a teeny, tiny, miniscule risk of infection whenever a needle enters your body, so no, it's not risk-free.
Overall, it was a good read. I would still recommend it to mamas who might get overwhelmed by heavier reading. But I would offer a BIG caveat and tell them that if something piques their interest, go find the source. Don't just take Howland's word for it.
I would recommend it for a few different reasons: 1) Howland breaks things down, week by week, into easily understandable and actionable bits. I love her to-do lists at the end of each chapter. 2) Her recipes each week look amazing. 3)She covers topics that don't always get it hit in pregnancy books, including dealing with loss, a birth not going "to plan", and how to have a "gentle caesarean". 4) She brings up a lot of good questions and, in general, knows her stuff when it comes to evidence-based pregnancy options.
HOWEVER. Here's my big beef with Howland's book: it is presented as one big opinion piece. If you read allllll the way to the end, after the acknowledgements and before the index, you will find a tiny little pink box that says "references" and tells you to go look at her blog for works cited. (She tells you to go to her website a lot, actually, which got a little annoying.)
It REALLY bothers me that a lot of her sections where she does "risk/benefit" analysis or tests/procedures/interventions she is actually making a recommendation based on what she thinks is best and/or what she did in her pregnancies. That does not sit well. In my opinion, even if you know your research, your job is not to impress your own preferences on parents, but instead present them with risk and benefits and let them make their own decisions. It is also curious to me what she decides to devote her word count to--for example, she had an entire chapter on electro-magnetic pulses...but didn't even present risks/benefits for some standard pregnancy medications, such as Rhogam.
Additionally, and I think because she wasn't forced to cite within the text, Howland plays fast and loose with terminology. For example, she stated that BOTH circumcision and c-sections are the most commonly performed "surgical procedure" in the US. That cannot be. Perhaps she meant for males and females, respectively? She also keeps referring to blood-draws or shots as being "totally non-invasive and therefore risk-free". A needle entering your body is quite literally the definition of an invasive procedure. Necessary? Perhaps. But it still enters your body. There is also a teeny, tiny, miniscule risk of infection whenever a needle enters your body, so no, it's not risk-free.
Overall, it was a good read. I would still recommend it to mamas who might get overwhelmed by heavier reading. But I would offer a BIG caveat and tell them that if something piques their interest, go find the source. Don't just take Howland's word for it.
July 14, 2017
I've adored Mama Natural's website for years, and I bought this book to add to my resources collection (I'm a Birth Doula). I figured I would skim through it and make sure it was as reliable as I anticipated, but I ended up reading it cover to cover - all 500 pages. It's now my #1 suggestion for anyone who asks about the best pregnancy/childbirth-related educational book. The information is for moms of all birth plans - the perfect modern day resource for just about every question you could think to ask about pregnancy and birth. Whether you read one chapter each week or you use each chapter for reference as needed, you will not regret having this book.
August 19, 2017
Very surprised this book got such high ratings. I was deeply disappointed with the poorly researched and frankly dangerous ideas she presented in many of the chapters. For a book to help prepare for an intervention free/unmedicated childbirth, I would go elsewhere. There are many well-researched, evidence based books and guides to a healthy, natural, intervention free pregnancy and childbirth that do not present false information based on scare tactics and Facebook feeds.
November 11, 2019
The recommendations in this book made me extremely anxious despite its good tone. I had to abandon it.
December 6, 2025
Finished in the nick of time
Very accessible and info packed book. It was very helpful that it was organized into each week, makes reference easy. Sometimes a little too crunchy but something more parents and people who desire to be parents should read
Very accessible and info packed book. It was very helpful that it was organized into each week, makes reference easy. Sometimes a little too crunchy but something more parents and people who desire to be parents should read
May 21, 2022
Excellent week by week resource especially for 1st time moms!
March 10, 2025
This book is easy to read and so informative for all expecting mamas, regardless of if you are planning on having a natural birth or medicated one. Lots of great info and references to studies about everything throughout pregnancy. I feel much more prepared to make decisions for myself and my baby. Also, lots of good natural remedies for all the pregnancy symptoms.
December 14, 2017
This book has great tips for pregnancy and I especially loved the hospital birth day packing list, it had things on there I wouldn't have thought of.
April 24, 2025
incredible! so helpful to go week by week, all the information was so well laid out. hearing also from other women’s perspectives in most of the topics felt so personal knowing it’s not going to go the exact way it’s explained. every chapter was jam-packed with information but was written in the most non-judgmental way!! and you could understand everything she is saying and it’s not just medical jargon. this book is set up so perfectly and easy to go back and reference (which i’ve already done numerous times!)
June 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. It was so fun to read through week by week. I didn’t realize I’ve been reading it for almost a year since I started it before we got pregnant. It has a lot of helpful information and more natural ways to go through pregnancy. However, I wouldn’t agree with all the suggestions or ideas in the book.
April 10, 2025
I don't know why I stuck with this. I didn't find there was sufficient science or evidence to back up some of the recommendations. Additionally, I found it very annoying how gendered the entire thing was. From flipping back and forth calling baby "he" and "she" (why not just say "they?") to making assumptions about the reader having a nuclear family and further insinuating that that family had to consist of a "mama" and "papa", was not inclusive which made it feel very dated despite being written in 2017.
August 3, 2025
4.5🌟
I loved reading this each week of my pregnancy!!! 🤰 It was such a sweet ritual that I had every Sunday to read the next chapter of my pregnancy journey 🥰 I’d definitely only recommend this to more crunchy girlies, hence the title, duh 😂 Take everything with a grain of salt through your own personal lens bc I didn’t agree with everything. Overall, I loved this in prep for my first baby.
I loved reading this each week of my pregnancy!!! 🤰 It was such a sweet ritual that I had every Sunday to read the next chapter of my pregnancy journey 🥰 I’d definitely only recommend this to more crunchy girlies, hence the title, duh 😂 Take everything with a grain of salt through your own personal lens bc I didn’t agree with everything. Overall, I loved this in prep for my first baby.
September 16, 2024
Another good resource for pregnancy and childbirth from a more natural perspective.
October 21, 2024
This book is a must-read for all expectant mothers who want better than what is offered by your typical OB or even some midwives. This book will help inform you, prepare you, and be a fun companion on your pregnancy journey.
April 30, 2022
This was a great book for me; very helpful. The tone is pretty upbeat and chipper, which can be good or bad depending on what you are looking for.
October 20, 2025
Highly recommend for anyone expecting, lots of great resources and info I’ll be referring back to!!
March 21, 2021
Gifted this upon expecting my first child...
It was a little hard to give this a fair rating on the basis that I resided in Australia and there were are a lot of chapters more geared towards American audiences - with information pertaining to their specific healthcare systems. I have tried not let this discrepancy impact the overall rating... But have other thoughts that have definitely impacted the rating.
Although I appreciate that this book is geared towards a more natural approach, I feel like the the 'research' and evidence base discussed within the chapters was selective at times.
For instance, there was a discussion about advanced maternal age (AMA) as a higher risk factor for pregnancy, with the author contraindicating this point with a number of sources - fair enough... But then also somehow mentions that the only 'evidence' that supports the notion of AMA being associated with difficulties in conception CAME FROM THE 1600'S..... ? I mean.... No. There is a surmountable body of research linking different pregnancy outcomes to AMA.
Difficulties with conception
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/178/2/183...
Other pregnancy outcome considerations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
https://dl.uswr.ac.ir/bitstream/Hanna...
The ones listed above are free access publications that were sourced within 2 minutes just as a point, but the practitioner journal access options are much more vast. Granted all forms of research have limitations and weaknesses, with the findings always being considered within the parameters of those limitations - but at least give recognition to the research that has not stemmed from the 1600's when attempting to present balanced views of a claim.
I know I am harping about this one point, but it is an example that I can give to the numerous times when little alarm bells signaled as me and my partner read through.
I am unsure if this is a reflection on the lack of access the author had to journal publications or her selectiveness in choice of articles to support the 'natural' narrative, but it made me question other areas of the book when I previously had no concerns.
The weekly updates about the baby and mama were nice and I did appreciate the affirmations placed throughout the book. The book also allowed my husband and myself to have many discussions about or pregnancy trajectory that we may have considered prior.
Overall a 2 felt appropriate although I could not fully justify why. Interesting read for people who want to learn about pregnancy options outside of the typical medical model we are exposed to. Just evaluate points that are made.
It was a little hard to give this a fair rating on the basis that I resided in Australia and there were are a lot of chapters more geared towards American audiences - with information pertaining to their specific healthcare systems. I have tried not let this discrepancy impact the overall rating... But have other thoughts that have definitely impacted the rating.
Although I appreciate that this book is geared towards a more natural approach, I feel like the the 'research' and evidence base discussed within the chapters was selective at times.
For instance, there was a discussion about advanced maternal age (AMA) as a higher risk factor for pregnancy, with the author contraindicating this point with a number of sources - fair enough... But then also somehow mentions that the only 'evidence' that supports the notion of AMA being associated with difficulties in conception CAME FROM THE 1600'S..... ? I mean.... No. There is a surmountable body of research linking different pregnancy outcomes to AMA.
Difficulties with conception
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/178/2/183...
Other pregnancy outcome considerations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
https://dl.uswr.ac.ir/bitstream/Hanna...
The ones listed above are free access publications that were sourced within 2 minutes just as a point, but the practitioner journal access options are much more vast. Granted all forms of research have limitations and weaknesses, with the findings always being considered within the parameters of those limitations - but at least give recognition to the research that has not stemmed from the 1600's when attempting to present balanced views of a claim.
I know I am harping about this one point, but it is an example that I can give to the numerous times when little alarm bells signaled as me and my partner read through.
I am unsure if this is a reflection on the lack of access the author had to journal publications or her selectiveness in choice of articles to support the 'natural' narrative, but it made me question other areas of the book when I previously had no concerns.
The weekly updates about the baby and mama were nice and I did appreciate the affirmations placed throughout the book. The book also allowed my husband and myself to have many discussions about or pregnancy trajectory that we may have considered prior.
Overall a 2 felt appropriate although I could not fully justify why. Interesting read for people who want to learn about pregnancy options outside of the typical medical model we are exposed to. Just evaluate points that are made.
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