Transformed by Birth: Cultivating Openness, Resilience, and Strength for the Life-Changing Journey from Pregnancy to Parenthood

by Britta Bushnell

“Transformed by Birth is the much-needed remedy for all of us striving to do motherhood ‘right.’” —Ellie Knaus, founder and host of the Atomic Moms podcast

As expecting parents, you have access to more information than ever about the “right” approach to pregnancy and childbirth, and you’re likely bombarded by a multitude of opinions about how to give birth. How do you navigate the oceans of information and opinions to discover what matters most to you personally while also preparing for the incredible transformation that can come from bringing a child into this world? With Transformed by Birth, unabridged and read by the author, Dr. Britta Bushnell has created the transformative, intelligent, and empowering pregnancy and childbirth guide you’ve been waiting for.

This audiobook embraces birth as a rite of passage in which you open to the unbidden, embody your own wisdom, and gain freedom from limiting beliefs.

Parents giving birth today do so within a society highly influenced by underlying ideals—including a need for control and certainty, vilification of pain, and reverence for intellectual knowledge and technology, among others. Dr. Bushnell brings clarity and awareness to these foundational ideals and offers daily practices, rituals, exercises, and more to help you cultivate resilience, power, and connection during this transformative time.

Childbirth is more than just having a baby. Transformed by Birth invites you to discover that childbirth is an experience that alters your knowing of who you are and lasts long after pregnancy and birth are over.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help

Audio CD

Published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[Herbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found pregnancy really difficult, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Physically, my pregnancy was littered with the usual unpleasantness, from carpal tunnel to constant heartburn to nausea. And of course the twin pregnancy just ends with this insane huge phase from 31-38 weeks or so where I couldn't sit in normal chairs or walk for more than a few minutes at a time. Mentally, Shannon and I were dealing with trying to figure out how we were going to house and provide for twins without breaking our family finances, and doing constant financial planning, house/apartment hunting, space rearranging. I was finding a new OB and birth providers. And most especially, emotionally. It's hard to do justice to how daunting it feels to march toward the birth of your TWO children. To have them present with everything you do. To eat protein all day every day hoping to gain the appropriate amount of weight and maximize the chances the babies won't come prematurely. To contemplate the rigors of giving birth, to frankly try to wrap your brain around how a baby's freakin head is going to come out of you. And for me there was an additional layer: I was basically dealing with an identity crisis as pregnancy caused the world -- medical providers, written resources, colleagues, strangers -- to greet me over and over unequivocally as a woman. As someone who has always identified as genderqueer, transmasculine, trans, butch, and who is a dad and papa to my children, this chafed me in small and large ways day in and day out.

So all that is prelude to say that I was consumed by pregnancy. And part of the way I consoled myself and coped was by doing a lot of reading (as well as listening to podcasts) about pregnancy and birth. And this was, easily, my favorite and most well-worn resource.

I want to say so much more, and maybe I'll come back and write more later.

[Mychal Shifrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my 5 years of work as a doula, I rarely come across a book that prepares people for the emotional and spiritual aspect of birth in such an in-depth and creative way. This inclusive book walks you through how to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. It is a must read for people who are planning for an unmedicated birth, a cesarean birth, a medicated birth, and even those who are unsure. I have worked with about half a dozen families who have either read this book or taken Britta's in person class, and they are by far the most prepared for the journey that lies ahead. You will not regret this one.

[Allison Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite birth prep resource so far. Very balanced between natural and medical birth, practical, and involves emotional, physical, and mental prep. Also a great overview of postpartum tips and strategies. I wish I hadn't gotten it from the library so I could have underlined and bookmarked.

[Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Feels like a great source of information and a great relief, to navigate pregnancy and parenting humbly and accept there are may ways of doing things, none is better than other and we just need to be open to transformation and change.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best birth, postpartum, and parenting preparation I've ever read!

[Lynn Sodergren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best resources I’ve found so far on the mental, spiritual, and physical preparation for birth, labor, pregnancy, relationship navigation, and early parenthood in addition to building confidence in finding parts of the self again after all of the above. It was written in a captivating and non biased way in comparison to some
Of the other “natural” resources I’ve read up until this point. the author had a calm, helpful and loving demeanor in her writing style and didn’t come off as trying to change your view point or convince you
Of anything. Just gooey good stuff

[Marosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very practical and down to earth book.

It’s my second pregnancy, I wish I had read this book before. It helps you grasp the childbirth journey (and postpartum) in terms of making meaning through metaphors or ancient stories (Artemis/Apollo or the goddess Inanna‘s story)). It also helps you put things into perspective, when things don’t go as you expect them.

[Stephanie Cornais · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I flew to California to have a private childbirth class with Britta when we were pregnant with our daughter. It was one of the best decisions we made, and now you can have a similar experience reading her book! This is a must read if you are pregnant!

[Jackie Knight Wilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was recommended by the doula teaching our birthing class series and I am so grateful. Britta does an amazing job of leaning into the naturalistic complexity of pregnancy, birth and parenting. I particularly appreciated how several points were presented from an anthropologist perspective and emphasized the uniqueness of each pregnancy experience. I HIGHLY recommend this for any expecting parents.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were really helpful in putting words to my current experience but I was disappointed to see a lot of her advice taken from other sources I’ve read through this journey and those sources not be credited.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I would give this closer to a 4.5, rounded up.
I am birthing a baby next month and I really enjoyed the practical parts of this book. Bushnell did not shy away from telling you that birth is painful. It is also beautiful.
The tips and tricks for getting through labor and beyond was really helpful, and I even liked the sections that supporting partners can utilize.
Only thing that irked me was the audio when you could hear very prominent sniffs or inhales. It would break me out of the concentration I had. Other than that, it was very good.

[Brooke Bayliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thousand stars. Helped me understand and process parts of pregnancy, labor, delivery and parenthood better than I ever could have imagined.

[Christian Zal-Herwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the one. This is the best one! If you want to get a sense of all that you are likely to experience as a pregnant person and new parent, with compassionate honesty and thoughtful perspective--and who doesn't want these things?--then this is for you. My wife and I went through several books, and none weaved together all that we were feeling and wanting to know more effectively than this one. Don't hesitative on giving this a read!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was refreshing to read. I saw this book recommended by someone on Instagram and I’m really thankful to have come across it. It covers everything from one’s support team during birth to what to expect after birth. The part of the book which resonated with me most was how to think of birth and to ultimately realize how not in control we are about the process. While we may have preferences or “birth plans” there is so much that we cannot control. It was a harsh reality to read at first but I am grateful for her sharing this wisdom because it has definitely shifted my perception and not be so anxious.

The writing was written in a tone that was calm and comforting and exactly what I am needing as I navigate my first pregnancy. Highly recommend to anyone who is either pregnant or knows someone who is.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really focuses on the mindset for managing the labor & delivery process. It goes into physical details as well, but the mental strategies provided in this book really helped me in my own journey. I read the passages I had highlighted in this book during labor and it really helped me focus mentally. Highly recommend to applicable audiences :)

[Haley Honeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with an interest in supporting birth (doula), this book was a comprehensive look at childbirth. I've never seen such a wholistic overview in a book about birth from the physical to the spiritual. This book has an incredible focus on the 4th trimester that is unlike other birth preparation books I've read. The author's focus on myth also makes for an engaging read about a transformational life experience.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely going to be recommending this book to my doula clients. This book walks the tight rope between the unmedicated and medicated birth world while using archetypes and metaphor to engage the reader.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly profound. I recommend this book to all of my pregnant friends now!

[Hannah Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air! I think every expecting person and their partner, if they have one, would benefit from reading this book.

[Megha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suggested by my Doula, this is an Amazing read about pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. I found it extremely useful to prepare for labour and childbirth. It has some good suggestions on how to cope with contractions and prepare mentally for labour.

[Julia Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most helpful books I’ve read so far during this pregnancy. While there is some medical / factual knowledge covered also, the majority of the book is geared toward the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges and changes that pregnancy, birth and parenthood brings with it, and how to prepare for something that really can’t be prepared for by adjusting your mindset. Much of the time is spent on building resilience, preparing to meet change with optimism, strength, and a focus on growth. Also a lot of reminders that this is all a lifelong process, it will take time, you will find things that work and that don’t, but persevering, being patient, and having grace with yourself will bring the pieces together with time. Very helpful.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the birth book modern parents need! Transformed By Birth dodges the trap of flowery mantras and rigid birth preparation philosophies, and instead offers couples a transparent, practical, and heartfelt guide for giving birth. It goes in deep and honest where other birth books won’t. You want to know what birth is REALLY like and what it will REALLY ask of you (and also how to prepare mentally and physically for the unique challenge it will be)? Then read this book! So much wisdom, and so much good stuff that other birth books completely miss.

[☾ Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and insightful book about the realities of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I wish I’d read it before my older sister gave birth as I would have been able to support her so much more!

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for mothers/pregnancy/fathers to plan and also to know what to expect. I particularly enjoyed her chapters about going from coupledom to parenthood and the importance of still nourishing your relationship as well as techniques for self care post partum.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing!!! Feeling ready to take on birth and parenthood by releasing expectations and self judgment, tools to help me cope as well as be curious, and remember it’s all part of a journey. Absolutely loved this book, the life lessons, moving metaphors, and encouragement.

[Peyton Zeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I'll be able to tell until reflecting on it down the road in parenthood whether it was truly helpful. For now, though, I did really like the tone of her words and found it thought-provoking, something that you could return to and revisit.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read it earlier

[Dayna Locaciato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough to expecting (especially first time) women! Plus, it had pictures!

[Tarah Awai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on birth, yet!

[Lindsay Grosz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a beautiful and encouraging book for this FTM.