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A Midwife in Amish Country: Celebrating God's Gift of Life
“Lyrically written and profoundly told … Kim Woodard Osterholzer’s story … embraced me on the first page and held me tight until the very last word.”—Leslie Gould, #1 bestselling and Christy-award winning author
“Inspiring in the best of ways.”—Stasi Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul
“A master class in respectful, woman-centered midwifery.”—Dr. Sara Wickham, author, midwifery lecturer, and consultant
Kim Osterholzer, a midwife who's caught over 500 babies since 1993, ushers readers behind the doors of Amish homes as she recounts her lively and life-changing adventures learning the heart and craft of midwifery.
In A Midwife in Amish Country, Kim chronicles the escapades of her nine-year apprenticeship grappling with the joys and struggles of homebirth as she tags along with the woman who helped her birth her own children at home. With drama and insight, she recounts the beauty and painstaking effort of those early years spent catching babies next to crackling woodstoves, under lantern light, and in farmhouses powered by windmills for running water and with outhouses for bathrooms.
Some births kept her from home for days on end; others she missed by heart-pounding seconds. Yet every birth enthralled her, whether she was halting hemorrhages, blowing air into tiny lungs, or bouncing through wild rides in ambulances. Too many times to count, Kim stumbled home feeling overwhelmed and inadequate—yet as she strained against her misgivings, self-doubts, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, those sacred moments transformed her into a woman of power and conviction.
Her experiences taught her the heart of true midwifery—stroking, smoothing, wiping, tidying, nourishing, comforting, hearing, encouraging, validating, and witnessing. Slowly, steadily, Kim learned to play her part as midwife to the Amish—women unflagging in their passion to welcome new lives—and at last, tried and tested, took her rightful place among them.
“Inspiring in the best of ways.”—Stasi Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul
“A master class in respectful, woman-centered midwifery.”—Dr. Sara Wickham, author, midwifery lecturer, and consultant
Kim Osterholzer, a midwife who's caught over 500 babies since 1993, ushers readers behind the doors of Amish homes as she recounts her lively and life-changing adventures learning the heart and craft of midwifery.
In A Midwife in Amish Country, Kim chronicles the escapades of her nine-year apprenticeship grappling with the joys and struggles of homebirth as she tags along with the woman who helped her birth her own children at home. With drama and insight, she recounts the beauty and painstaking effort of those early years spent catching babies next to crackling woodstoves, under lantern light, and in farmhouses powered by windmills for running water and with outhouses for bathrooms.
Some births kept her from home for days on end; others she missed by heart-pounding seconds. Yet every birth enthralled her, whether she was halting hemorrhages, blowing air into tiny lungs, or bouncing through wild rides in ambulances. Too many times to count, Kim stumbled home feeling overwhelmed and inadequate—yet as she strained against her misgivings, self-doubts, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, those sacred moments transformed her into a woman of power and conviction.
Her experiences taught her the heart of true midwifery—stroking, smoothing, wiping, tidying, nourishing, comforting, hearing, encouraging, validating, and witnessing. Slowly, steadily, Kim learned to play her part as midwife to the Amish—women unflagging in their passion to welcome new lives—and at last, tried and tested, took her rightful place among them.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2018
86 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Kim Woodard Osterholzer
6 books34 followersKim Woodard Osterholzer, CPM, RM is a homebirth midwife of seventeen years with an active practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kim’s attended the births of nearly 600 little ones, including those of her grandbabies. Her passion is helping families off to a good start, and her heart thrills to encourage, inspire, empower, and equip those she serves to live their lives to the full. She’s founder and proprietor of both Birth at Home Midwifery Services and Born For This: Giving Birth to a Happy, Healthy Family, and is the author of A Midwife in Amish Country, Celebrating God’s Gift of Life; Nourish and Thrive: Happy, Healthy Childbearing; One Little Life at a Time: Recommendations + Record Keeping for Aspiring Homebirth Midwives; Homebirth: Safe & Sacred; and Homebirth: Commonly Asked Questions. Kim lives with her husband Steven and together they revel in a blended family of five children, two children-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 2, 2018
This review will be a little different than most for, though like many people I’ve read the ARC, I’ve actually read the book three times. For you see, I’m Kim’s husband!
So what kind of review does one give the book of one’s wife? Well obviously it should be a good one, eh? “This book far surpasses Moby Dick, Gone With the Wind, and the Bible!” Ok…that may be going a bit overboard. But I will tell you this from the most honest and passionate corner of my soul: if I had never met Kim and had read it without much knowledge of homebirth, the Amish, or even Christianity, I would still be rendered breathless.
Why? Two reasons: she has a fantastic story to tell and she is a master storyteller. Those interested in homebirth will be moved to tears at the sacredness of it all. Not having experienced one myself, I was both awed and entranced at its intimacy. The incredible connections formed as life was ushered into this world, connections between not just mother and child, but of brothers and sisters being part of the birth as they ooh’d and aah’d over their tiny sibling. The important role of the father, so often minimalized to the role of spectator at a hospital birth, becoming a birth figure as strong in the birth as he’s strong in leading his family. Those interested in Amish life will be fascinated as Kim takes you into the kitchens, barns, and bedrooms of these hardworking, family-centered people. You may even feel you are Amish as your fingers trace the page!
Second, Kim’s a master storyteller. She truly has a gift with words, making it seem not just as if you’re witnessing the scene as if you’re really there, but that you’re part of the scene. You’ll run your hands over the hand-hewn table in the Amish kitchen, smelling the sweet delight of fresh bread in the oven, your ears hearing the voices of children chattering with excitement in German.
Most powerful of all, perhaps, you’ll likely feel a tremendous upwelling of emotion as you take it all in. For me the most powerful writing is when the father catches the baby. My arms raised in triumph for that Dad as his son slid gently into his hands and tears washed down my face as he wept with joy.
Throughout it all, Kim weaves the thread of her Christian walk. Her transformation from a defiant, rebellious teenager to whom her father thundered, “God has a beautiful plan for your life, Kimberly, but you’re missing it!” into a beautiful, strong-willed woman whose life centers on Our Holy Father, her transformation story will fill you with hope and inspiration as she finds strength and wisdom in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Truly, this book is magnificent.
So what kind of review does one give the book of one’s wife? Well obviously it should be a good one, eh? “This book far surpasses Moby Dick, Gone With the Wind, and the Bible!” Ok…that may be going a bit overboard. But I will tell you this from the most honest and passionate corner of my soul: if I had never met Kim and had read it without much knowledge of homebirth, the Amish, or even Christianity, I would still be rendered breathless.
Why? Two reasons: she has a fantastic story to tell and she is a master storyteller. Those interested in homebirth will be moved to tears at the sacredness of it all. Not having experienced one myself, I was both awed and entranced at its intimacy. The incredible connections formed as life was ushered into this world, connections between not just mother and child, but of brothers and sisters being part of the birth as they ooh’d and aah’d over their tiny sibling. The important role of the father, so often minimalized to the role of spectator at a hospital birth, becoming a birth figure as strong in the birth as he’s strong in leading his family. Those interested in Amish life will be fascinated as Kim takes you into the kitchens, barns, and bedrooms of these hardworking, family-centered people. You may even feel you are Amish as your fingers trace the page!
Second, Kim’s a master storyteller. She truly has a gift with words, making it seem not just as if you’re witnessing the scene as if you’re really there, but that you’re part of the scene. You’ll run your hands over the hand-hewn table in the Amish kitchen, smelling the sweet delight of fresh bread in the oven, your ears hearing the voices of children chattering with excitement in German.
Most powerful of all, perhaps, you’ll likely feel a tremendous upwelling of emotion as you take it all in. For me the most powerful writing is when the father catches the baby. My arms raised in triumph for that Dad as his son slid gently into his hands and tears washed down my face as he wept with joy.
Throughout it all, Kim weaves the thread of her Christian walk. Her transformation from a defiant, rebellious teenager to whom her father thundered, “God has a beautiful plan for your life, Kimberly, but you’re missing it!” into a beautiful, strong-willed woman whose life centers on Our Holy Father, her transformation story will fill you with hope and inspiration as she finds strength and wisdom in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Truly, this book is magnificent.
January 22, 2018
* I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. *
Every now and then you come across a book that you lose yourself in. This is such a book. I found myself not only caught up in the awe of the birth-stories, but also in the story of the author's life.
The author details her struggles, her fears, and her triumphs as she journeys from the first inkling of her calling to be a midwife to the passing on of knowledge to an apprentice. As you read, you become aware of not only the wonder of her calling, but the simple nobility of the people that she serves.
I highly recommend this book.
Every now and then you come across a book that you lose yourself in. This is such a book. I found myself not only caught up in the awe of the birth-stories, but also in the story of the author's life.
The author details her struggles, her fears, and her triumphs as she journeys from the first inkling of her calling to be a midwife to the passing on of knowledge to an apprentice. As you read, you become aware of not only the wonder of her calling, but the simple nobility of the people that she serves.
I highly recommend this book.
April 30, 2018
I'm sad I've finished reading this gorgeous book. I want more!!! :D Thank you so much, Kim Woodard Osterholzer, for opening your life to us. Just reading your book has helped soothe some of my own lingering stings from life and made me feel more a part of a special fellowship. Your book is a blessing. I guess I will go read it again! I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, and boy am I glad! :)
January 22, 2018
This is a lovely celebration, indeed! The writing style gently invites the reader to engage, and the stories are so beautiful as to sweep one away into an awe struck yet restful time of pure enjoyment. I have 3 small children and finished this in a weekend, if that tells you anything! Part birth story, part autobiography, all warmth and love and beauty! Don't miss this gem of a book!
January 30, 2018
I have read a high number of Amish books; however A Midwife in Amish Country is by far the best I have read. The very first chapter grabs you and starts you on a journey you never want to end. This book yanks on every emotional heart string In you body . You will laugh, cry, rejoice, become angry, be touched, and be given hope in Christ, who sometimes seems far away. Kim writes with an honesty that is refreshing. I will be reading this book again and highly recommend this as a must read book.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for my honest opinion.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2018
At a time in America when real birth--birth as it is meant to be, birth with options, support, and respect--is critically endangered, A Midwife in Amish Country: Celebrating God's Gift of Life by Kim Woodard Osterholzer is a refreshing and needed contribution to the narrative of midwives. Chronicling the author's apprenticeship as a midwife among the Amish and other birthing women, the book recounts nearly every birth she attended for the families she cared for during this time in her life, sometimes detailed so quickly it leaves the reader wanting much more! However, it is easy to step alongside Osterholzer as she travails through the myriad of emotions of a midwifery apprenticeship. So honest and open is she to the joys and hardships in the life of a midwife.
The book also diverges to recount other events from this midwife's life, such as her mission work with struggling teens and their life stories, recollections of her husband and children (oh, how Brent comes to life on the page!), and her personal medical struggles, not to mention an ever-present, incredibly personal, and heartwarming view of her relationship with God. These elements painted a fuller picture of the author and gave her a vivid sense of humanity.
Although an advanced reader copy of this book was given to me for review purposes, I have been following Osterholzer's blog for years and was eagerly anticipating this book. I found her same voice and compelling story within its pages, and was not disappointed.
The book also diverges to recount other events from this midwife's life, such as her mission work with struggling teens and their life stories, recollections of her husband and children (oh, how Brent comes to life on the page!), and her personal medical struggles, not to mention an ever-present, incredibly personal, and heartwarming view of her relationship with God. These elements painted a fuller picture of the author and gave her a vivid sense of humanity.
Although an advanced reader copy of this book was given to me for review purposes, I have been following Osterholzer's blog for years and was eagerly anticipating this book. I found her same voice and compelling story within its pages, and was not disappointed.
January 27, 2018
Wonderful book!! Kim shares stories of her life as a wife, mother, and midwife. I was held spellbound by this book and finished it in one day. I learned a lot about the birth of babies, I have given birth to 3 and was there when my daughter had her baby, and coached my niece and sister-in-law, so I do know a bit about the birthing process. But this book was an education on another level. That being said, it's a delightful book. The author is honest and open about her experiences and her life.
I laughed and I cried. I hurt with her and rejoiced with her. I found myself wishing that I had a midwife like her when I had my children all those years ago.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it.
I laughed and I cried. I hurt with her and rejoiced with her. I found myself wishing that I had a midwife like her when I had my children all those years ago.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it.
January 27, 2018
This book is amazing! This is so much more than a book about birth. This is a book about life. Kim's life. The lives of the Amish. The joy new life. The loss of life. The life of a midwife. As I was reading, I felt as if I was right there beside Kim, It is so raw and so real. This book make me laugh and cry and everything in between. Kim has an beautiful way with words and is a fascinating story teller. I was so sorry to finish this book because I could not get enough of it!
*Although I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, I have pre-ordered a hard copy of this book and I can't wait to read it again when it is released!*
*Although I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, I have pre-ordered a hard copy of this book and I can't wait to read it again when it is released!*
January 30, 2018
When Kim writes, you the rooms of women who are working tirelessly to bring life forth. You can hear their low growls, and feel their brows, damp with sweat. Dust and earth fill your nostrils as you stare at a woman, half hidden in the candlelight.
Tears of joy are spilled as a new light os introduced into our world. Coos of delight and cries of hunger alike ring out in a land void of modern amenities.
These stories are riveting, they grab your hand and say, "Look, look at this miracle before you!" They remind you of the gentleness and overwhelming love of a mother. These are stories to be passed down to our daughters so that they can see the strength in their body.
I received this as an advanced copy.
Tears of joy are spilled as a new light os introduced into our world. Coos of delight and cries of hunger alike ring out in a land void of modern amenities.
These stories are riveting, they grab your hand and say, "Look, look at this miracle before you!" They remind you of the gentleness and overwhelming love of a mother. These are stories to be passed down to our daughters so that they can see the strength in their body.
I received this as an advanced copy.
January 27, 2018
Late one evening, I began reading this book and was instantly enraptured. Except for a few brief hours of sleep, I was reluctant to put it aside until I'd turned the last page.
Osterholzer's account of her journey from a child enthralled with the mystery of birth to a practicing midwife regularly witness to the miracle of life is skillfully woven with the story of how her relationship with Christ deepened as she grew into adulthood. A Midwife in Amish Country delivers an intimate portrait of the earth of a midwife for the families she serves. Don't miss this treasure!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
Osterholzer's account of her journey from a child enthralled with the mystery of birth to a practicing midwife regularly witness to the miracle of life is skillfully woven with the story of how her relationship with Christ deepened as she grew into adulthood. A Midwife in Amish Country delivers an intimate portrait of the earth of a midwife for the families she serves. Don't miss this treasure!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
January 22, 2018
I just finished reading this wonderful book! I don't think I will be able to convey how much I enjoyed it, it was so SO good and so real. Kim tells her story amazing and raw and powerful story of becoming a midwife. I cried many times, I laughed many times and I felt like I knew her even though we have never met. I think any women any mother would love this book. I am not a midwife just a mom but many parts of her story feel so close to home. She shares her lessons and her whole heart. With in th first chapter I had goose bumps when I read "Trust is a thing only to be earned, and time is its currency". Thank you to Kim for writing this book! I highly recommend you read it! It is well worth your time and money! I received an advance reader copy from the publisher.
January 20, 2018
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this. Some books are read, others are experienced and "A Midwife in Amish Country" is firmly in the latter category. In my opinion, it is the mark of a well written book when the reader can forget the fact she is reading and seems simply to absorb the words. AMIAC is informative, entertaining, and really quite challenging to an aspiring birth worker such as myself. I did receive an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher and I expected to enjoy the read because of my own interest in the topic, but upon completing this book I can unreservedly recommend it to all.
January 22, 2018
Fantastic account of what birth should be like! Not just a few hours long, but a relationship between midwife and birthing family that continues on well past delivery! Kim’s accounts of her experiences are not only informative, but entertaining and even humorous at times! I highly encourage folks to read this book! It’s one you won’t be able to put down! I know that I couldn’t!
November 12, 2018
To sum it up, I found my own heart on every page.
March 5, 2018
This is my first time reading a book on the Amish and I was excited to uncover the lifestyle beyond what we hear/see from the general media. This is an intriguing book written by a midwife whose spent 9 years catching babies amidst the community.
As I sat down to discover her world and journey with the Lord, I am comforted with the fact that even though Kim Woodard Osterholzer self-doubts her capabilities, God made it certain to her that He has appointed midwifery as her calling.
I could relate to some of the struggles she went through; learning to grow up as she juggled the home front and studies at the same time. I've learnt so much as Kim shares her personal life stories interwoven with the birth stories, and brings tribute to those many great midwives we seldom hear of or even think about in our current modern age.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
As I sat down to discover her world and journey with the Lord, I am comforted with the fact that even though Kim Woodard Osterholzer self-doubts her capabilities, God made it certain to her that He has appointed midwifery as her calling.
I could relate to some of the struggles she went through; learning to grow up as she juggled the home front and studies at the same time. I've learnt so much as Kim shares her personal life stories interwoven with the birth stories, and brings tribute to those many great midwives we seldom hear of or even think about in our current modern age.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
January 26, 2018
Wow! I saved the book a few days until I could read it in mostly quiet, and then read it in two sittings (and until it was well past midnight). This book touched me. While I always love reading about birth, and this book certainly did not disappoint there, I found myself encouraged, challenged, and even strengthened in my faith. The author gave me much to think upon and talk through in prayer. Thanks to Kim for her openness, honestly, and forbearance as well. Oh how'd I'd love to meet her! I'd thank her for sharing this story of God's direction and work in her life with us her readers. It is a blessing.
April 30, 2018
Beautiful memoir full of real life moments painted so lusciously with words for the reader. The author has such a great way of stringing together words into a song. I was impressed with her writing style. I could see the events of the book happening. She was genuine and raw; letting the reader into her innermost thoughts and feelings surrounding the life events she experienced... highs and lows and everything in between. I learned so much about home birth and the Amish because of this book. It was a perfect balance of God, medical, family, love, Amish, etc etc. some of my favorite things. I loved watching the Lord guide and direct her on his path for her life. Great easy read. Loved it.
I received a digital copy of this book as a member of the launch team in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book as a member of the launch team in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2019
Based upon the description of the book I was expecting a book introducing me to midwifery with the Amish culture. This book really is not that at all. I feel like a woman who went back to read her journals decided she could put together a biography and publish it. It really wasn't that interesting and the involvement, details or experiences of the Amish were quite limited through out the book, had very little detail and did not provide much insight into Amish births. The writing style of the author was also amateurish. It felt like with all the adjectives and unnecessary extraneous details she included that she was fulfilling a high school writing assignment and used a thesaurus to make it sound more educated. I was hopeful, but disappointed with this book. I really would have rather had more insight into the Amish lifestyle and birth experience than read about some random woman.
February 5, 2018
From captivating opening scene to joyous conclusion, Kim drew me in with irresistible storytelling and bearing of soul and spirit. I found myself transported to many a farmhouse along her journey in emerging a genuine midwife; I knew her clients, held their babies, heard their whispered conversations. I laughed along with them, and I cried too. Kim, with endearing frankness and breathtaking imagery, imparts not only the tales of her apprenticeship but the story of her life - her purpose, imbued by the Creator, the journey of Faith that weaves through and holds up all she does and all she is. This is a spellbinding, spectacular read and I sincerely hope just the first of many books she will produce!
February 6, 2018
I have read several books about midwives, but I have to say, this one is the best so far. The author does such a wonderful job of telling her midwifery story, telling the stories of the families she has attended, and also combining her home life story which by nature has to have some separation. Kim’s dedication to remaining as unobtrusive at the births is refreshing, and her enthusiasm seems limitless. At the same time, how she handled her seasons of darkness and grief remind us that when everything is at its bleakest, God will make a way. Both for babies to enter the world, and for us to enter our next phase of life. That gives me hope.
I read and reviewed this book from an advanced readers copy from the publisher.
I read and reviewed this book from an advanced readers copy from the publisher.
January 27, 2018
I received this book from the author as an early reader. I'm so glad I was able to read this book so I can highly recommend it to others. It is wonderfully crafted, and beautifully descriptive. From beginning to end I was captivated by her words and story. This book should be read by anyone interested in midwifery or Amish but it is a joy for EVERYONE to get insight into Kim's life story and vocation. Keep the name of this author at the top of your must read list!
January 26, 2018
This. Was such an amazing read. I cried, I smiled, I felt I was right there with her....I’m ready for book two. 😄 I’m passionate about home births and love reading birth stories. My midwife, who has caught 5 of my babies, is amazing and we have such a great relationship. Seeing births through Kim's midwife eye has given me an even greater appreciation for what my midwife does when she’s with me, sitting for hours with me while I labor. Thank you. Kim, for all the work you put into making this book a reality. I enjoyed it oh so much and will probably read it again very soon. My oldest daughter, 13, is asking to read it after hearing me talk about it. 😁 One of the best parts was Kim's sharing the Gospel several times and telling us her story of becoming a child of the King of Kings. So exciting that she's a sister in the LORD!! I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
January 26, 2018
Loved this book. Kim's vivid descriptions took my breath away. I had a hard time putting the book down and did not want it to end!! Having been raised near some of the towns mentioned, and having homebirthed with great midwives, it was like hearing from an old friend to read this book. Can't wait to hear more from this author!! I intend to purchase hard copies of this book for some friends and for myself when it is released. I read an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
February 26, 2018
This book is amazing!! I happen to love reading about birth, learning about birth, and reading about birth in different cultures, so this book was already right up my alley. Kim has an amazing way with words and her vivid descriptions make you feel like you are right in the middle of the story! Her ability to bring her story to life is more effective than many movies and TV shows who have the advantage of sound and visuals.
There is so much more to this story than midwifery. While it centers around midwifery it also touches on marriage, faith, parenting, education, relationships, leadership, and so much more. Kim's faith and perseverance through her journey of becoming a midwife were inspiring but she was so real and vulnerable that I never had a thought of jealousy for her accomplishments but was rooting for her all along the way.
I probably felt every feeling possible while reading this story. I felt angry, happy, sad, excited, anxious, concerned and more. You feel so connected to Kim you can't help but sharing her feelings throughout the story. I didn't agree with all of Kim's thoughts, opinions, or decisions but was rooting for her all along and in some cases learned something from her actions that were contrary to what I thought I would have done.
This is a riveting memoir that was hard to put down and resulted in a few nights of lost sleep (only a few because it only took me a few days to read)!
Kim was even nice enough to include a list of recommended reading and her letter of (extremely honest and candid) advice for those interested in pursuing a career in midwifery!
I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are genuinely mine.
There is so much more to this story than midwifery. While it centers around midwifery it also touches on marriage, faith, parenting, education, relationships, leadership, and so much more. Kim's faith and perseverance through her journey of becoming a midwife were inspiring but she was so real and vulnerable that I never had a thought of jealousy for her accomplishments but was rooting for her all along the way.
I probably felt every feeling possible while reading this story. I felt angry, happy, sad, excited, anxious, concerned and more. You feel so connected to Kim you can't help but sharing her feelings throughout the story. I didn't agree with all of Kim's thoughts, opinions, or decisions but was rooting for her all along and in some cases learned something from her actions that were contrary to what I thought I would have done.
This is a riveting memoir that was hard to put down and resulted in a few nights of lost sleep (only a few because it only took me a few days to read)!
Kim was even nice enough to include a list of recommended reading and her letter of (extremely honest and candid) advice for those interested in pursuing a career in midwifery!
I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are genuinely mine.
February 28, 2022
I enjoyed the book, the author has some incredible stories both personally and professionally to share, but take issue with home birthing being described as "natural" birth. I guess any baby born in a hospital is unnatural? At the end the author shares how maternal and fetal death rates are lower than hospital births but conveniently overlooks the fact that a midwife is not supposed to take in complicated cases and will hand any birthing emergencies over to modern medicine... Let the unnatural doctors tackle what we can't. 🙄 I have nothing against home births, but I think homebirthers tend to get a little culty and superior when talking down to women who choose to not take similar risks. And before you come at me about how she served the Amish who religiously eschew hospitals, this collection of journal entries was not about the Amish. It was about her career path, which included people from all walks of life, not just the Amish.
Also, the constant references to babies being yummy, delicious, scrumptious, and juicy was grating. Babies are friends, not food!
That being said, if you are curious about what it's like to have a homebirth or be a midwife, this is an entertaining, beautiful, and faith-filled book. Enjoy.
Also, the constant references to babies being yummy, delicious, scrumptious, and juicy was grating. Babies are friends, not food!
That being said, if you are curious about what it's like to have a homebirth or be a midwife, this is an entertaining, beautiful, and faith-filled book. Enjoy.
April 30, 2018
This book draws the reader in quickly. Kim is a wonderful story-teller, walking us through her journey of becoming a mid-wife and interapursing bits of family life and God moments. I was so sad for it to end, I think I could have continued for days (I finished in one long sitting). Kim's purpose and determination will fill your heart.
January 26, 2018
What an amazing collection of birth stories, and a personal story of preservance for her calling and faith journey! Kim has a way of transporting you right into the middle of the birthing room. A wonderful peek into the everyday lives...and also a peek into the magical beauty of bringing life into the world. ❤️ I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.
February 15, 2018
Books like these are not the kind I usually would pick off a shelf, but I'm glad I chose this book. I was intrigued by the title, especially since I like the PBS show Call The Midwife, and wondered if the show was anything like real life. Also, in my studies to be a pastor, I found that medicine, in all different kinds, shows up a great deal. A Midwife in Amish Country: Celebrating God's Gift of Life gave me a great perspective on what birthing is like for lots of moms-new or experienced, especially since I am not one myself. Not only was this a glimpse of what home birthing can be like, but it was also a great look into Kim's life-where she shares her struggles, joys, pains, and sorrows not only with her apprenticeship but with her personal life including her own health challenges, raising a family, and discerning what God had in store for her. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone wondering where faith and science could collide.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher.
February 9, 2018
A Midwife In Amish Country
I absolutely LOVED reading this book!!! I knew before I ever picked it up that I'd enjoy it, because I've followed Kim's blog and like her writing style. What surprised me was how MUCH I enjoyed it!
This book is more than just a collection of birth stories, which is what I kind of expected. It is a window into Kim's life.
We get to watch as Kim grows from the young girl who was never going to have children, into a young lady called to be a midwife!
We get to watch as she grows from a single girl, to a married woman, to a widow, and again a married woman.
I especially enjoyed the peek into Kim's spiritual growth through all the challenges she goes through. All in all a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend to anyone!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely LOVED reading this book!!! I knew before I ever picked it up that I'd enjoy it, because I've followed Kim's blog and like her writing style. What surprised me was how MUCH I enjoyed it!
This book is more than just a collection of birth stories, which is what I kind of expected. It is a window into Kim's life.
We get to watch as Kim grows from the young girl who was never going to have children, into a young lady called to be a midwife!
We get to watch as she grows from a single girl, to a married woman, to a widow, and again a married woman.
I especially enjoyed the peek into Kim's spiritual growth through all the challenges she goes through. All in all a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend to anyone!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2018
Three times I have started a review for this book and deleted them all.
My review cannot give this book justice. I received an advanced reader copy after applying for the launch team on a whim. But I feel that I was meant for this launch. A healing journey while I read, after birthing 4 babies C-section, this book opened up so many emotions and feelings I had unconsciously hidden away.
Kim's words are beautiful and poetic, leaving the reader wanting more... I cannot wait for the next book and will anticipate it anxiously!!!
An added joy is her open discussion of her walk with Jesus through ups and downs in life as well as the journey through midwifery.
The narration is wonderful and I felt as if I was visiting with a friend. Well worth the read!!!!
My review cannot give this book justice. I received an advanced reader copy after applying for the launch team on a whim. But I feel that I was meant for this launch. A healing journey while I read, after birthing 4 babies C-section, this book opened up so many emotions and feelings I had unconsciously hidden away.
Kim's words are beautiful and poetic, leaving the reader wanting more... I cannot wait for the next book and will anticipate it anxiously!!!
An added joy is her open discussion of her walk with Jesus through ups and downs in life as well as the journey through midwifery.
The narration is wonderful and I felt as if I was visiting with a friend. Well worth the read!!!!
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