A Mom Is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby – The Perfect Christian Baby Shower Gift or Postpartum Gift for New and Expectant Mothers

by Rachael Hunt Elmore

Rachael Elmore, a mother of two and a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in treating postpartum depression and anxiety, comes alongside new moms and gives them the practical tools and biblical wisdom they need to take care of themselves and become the connected and emotional healthy mothers God designed them to be. Most new moms know that the first year is going to be to be full of joys and challenges, peaks and valleys. But even though they've prepared themselves as much as they can, they still find themselves thinking, I knew this was going to be hard. But will it always be this hard? This wasn't what I was expecting, what if I don't know how to take care of this baby--or myself? Rachael Elmore has been there and knows on a personal and professional level how hard the early days and months of motherhood can be. In A Mom Is Born she takes her expertise as a licensed and clinical counselor and pairs it with her deeply personal story of overcoming postpartum depression after the birth of her first son. She comes alongside readers with practical tools--such as the New Mom Wellness Plan and a postpartum progress checklist--to help find the balance between taking care of their new baby and taking care of themselves. Using scripture and therapeutic insights, Elmore shows mothers how to A Mom Is Born gives moms the tools they need to stop spinning in the overwhelming emotions and anxieties of new motherhood and start taking care of themselves so that they can be the connected and emotionally healthy moms God designed them to be.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

MA LCMHC-S NCC

Reviews

[Erin Entringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Baby E hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m feeling so much more well informed about how to take care of myself as a new mom in the early postpartum days! I’ll review again a few months into motherhood 😊🙏🏼

Update: this book was really helpful! I did not struggle postpartum as much as I thought I might (praise the Lord!), but this book still had wonderful insights for me. Also a great book to read to know how to help my newly postpartum friends.

[Em Ledford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this book a systematic theology textbook covering God’s design, purpose for and ALL implications of what it means to be a mother? No.
Was this a wonderfully practical book providing mothers with tangible means to take care of themselves and their families while at the same time submitting to the Sovereignty of a Good God and the authority of His Word? Yes!

I’m thankful for Rachael’s willingness to share her story and give all due honor and glory to God. I listened to this as an audio book which was read by the author, and felt like I was listening to a friend share very personal and valuable wisdom. Highly recommend listening to the audio version.

There are plenty of books by Gospel-fluent women available to help you with your thoughts and heart posture towards motherhood - but sometimes you just need someone to give you ideas of what to DO now that you are a mother, seeking to bring glory to God in every ordinary moment. This book is perfect for that.

I appreciate the more-or-less centrist view the author took throughout the book on medication, mental health, breastfeeding, parenting styles, etc. in the life of Believers. Wonderful presentation on the Christian freedoms we have all been granted through Christ!

[Emily Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every new momma needs to read this. 🌷
Such great wisdom and Truth. I will definitely be reading this again and again.

[The Bibliophile Doctor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I shouldn't have requested this book so it totally makes it my fault but I'm not a follower of Christianity. The biblical references were just too much for me and they kept nagging me.

I really liked the book as it is about postpartum anxiety or depression and oh boy, believe me it hits home hard. And to make matters worse, even after me being a doctor I had little to no support so I don't know how other survive it really.

I knew already what was going to happen and yet I cried every night with my husband trying to soothe me and baby both. Must have been even more difficult for him given he had to work too but he did whatever he could and I'm grateful for him.

Now coming to the book, it's relatable and a good read if you believe in Bible. I for one would not suggest someone who doesn't follow it. Except biblical reference, this book is totally saver for those who are suffering from postpartum depression. It will help them.

Thank you Netgalley and Nelson books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Robynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has dealt with mental health struggles thanks to chaotic hormones, I was nervous about how my body would settle after pregnancy. Thankfully since our Brynne has arrived, I’ve been feeling so mentally well and rested by her company and all the bursts of oxytocin through her sweet coos and cuddles. However, I really appreciated the insights in this book because they spoke to a lot of what I’ve struggled with separate from having a baby and entering motherhood, making Elmore’s advice applicable to all sorts of life situations. She was so honest and personal about her own struggles and understanding of others that I had the thought several times, I wish she could be my real life counselor! I sensed her empathy through the pages and that reassured me, nothing I could tell her would shock her. She’d be so loving and responsive to any of it. This Christian living book didn’t direct what the Christian personality should look like. Instead it acknowledged that Christians too suffer from darknesses and can be rough around the edges. She admitted when anger and frustration “colored” her language and she acknowledged when she had thoughts that don’t exactly depict the sweet church lady, showing that this Christian life is not black and white. In the shades of grey, it’s so comforting to find a voice of Christian love and validation.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall and found much about it to be helpful! As I’m not a biological mother, some of the specifics of postpartum were not specifically helpful to me. However, they provided context for those around me who do go through the experience of birth and how to best love and support them.

There are some theological nuances that I highlighted throughout the book. One being that one of the writer’s goals is to be an emotionally healthy mom. I don’t disagree with the goal, just simply believe it must be upheld in the context of our primary goal being pleasing Christ. Just helpful to think through some of the details she explains in light of the big picture, which I think she does often, but some miss.

[Hannah Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this book for moms with a small reservation that you approach the content, suggestions, etc. with discernment. That said, there are some wonderful tips about how to see your role as a mom in a healthy light as well as concrete examples of how to manage and thrive in this exhausting, full, and sometimes sad or confusing role as mom.

[Jacinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely blew me away! I want to give it to every new mom I know. Occasionally there were pages I skimmed (because they were less relevant to me) but many more parts that I read over and over and made me say “oh wow”.

The way she describes motherhood is so down-to-earth but inspiring that it made me tear up at the end (might just be the postpartum hormones!)

A great read even if you only experienced some baby blues or just want help processing the identity shift to being a mom. I look forward to rereading during my next postpartum season.

[Christina Truver Olache · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom gifted me this book about a month after I had my baby. I was deep in the trenches and was relying on so much help: my husband, my mom, my in-laws, my sister, my church friends, I felt like I was failing but what I quickly realized through this book is that I built a village, a community, a postpartum support pack, around myself and my family. They stepped up to help when I needed it. And this book was such a light for me to read in quiet moments to see the beauty and pain of motherhood and how I am not alone.
I plan to gift this book to my new mom friends!

[Stephanie Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to any momma out there. Although the framework of this book mainly discusses postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and baby blues - this read is full of biblical truth for all stages of motherhood. I would recommend reading this book prior to having babies as postpartum depression usually develops 2-6 weeks after birth.

Audiobook is available on Spotify.

[Heidi Low · Rating 4 out of 5]

Id say the biggest hurdle with self help books is how arbitrary or hard to apply some of the advice can be. I appreciate that Elmore tried to break down some of her concepts/tools into steps by going as far as to provide PDFs of some of the tools/resources that a new mom can apply into postpartum. I feel that I walked away with a list of things to try as we welcome our baby into the world, as well as a better understanding/mindfulness of challenges that i might face.

[Abbie Rommel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wish I would have read this book before having my first baby! As someone who experienced postpartum depression/anxiety, this book gave so many helpful tools and biblical wisdom for that season, I feel a lot more confident and prepared for postpartum the second time around having read this.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for any new moms. I wish I would have read it much earlier in my postpartum journey. It can definitely be helpful to anyone struggling with “mommy blues” or PPD.

[Glorianne]

This book (or at least the parts I read) is geared towards new moms struggling with postpartum depression. There is a big focus on convincing these women that they are not alone in their struggle. I imagine it would be encouraging for someone who was feeling isolated or having trouble acknowledging their depression.

I might be the outlier here, but personally, I found myself becoming more depressed as I read this. The constant emphasis on how hard the postpartum experience can be reinforced the emotions I was trying not to dwell on. The stories of other women’s struggles that were intended to make the reader not feel alone instead made me cry, and there were actually new negative thoughts that I hadn’t had before but started to have after reading about others having them.

This review is not to say there is something wrong with this book; it may be exactly what many new moms need, but for me personally, it had the opposite effect. I eventually had to stop reading it because it was making me feel more depressed than before.

[Sarah]

I was really interested in this book and was excited to read it on KU. It's primarily about pretty severe Postpartum Depression. While a helpful resource for that, as someone who is just dealing with fairly normal hormonal adjustments and not PPD, I found it stressful to read.
I think this would be a great resource for some and I will keep it in mind.

[Esther Jihye Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading before baby, finished reading after baby!

[Julia Eberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all new moms!

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for all post partum moms. I loved this book

[Jurene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any mom, but especially those facing PPD. This book wouldn't be necessary if we first equipped women for postpartum while they were in the first trimester. Every pregnant woman needs to make informed decisions about her labor and delivery. Don't just go with the flow!! All postpartum women need support beyond gifts. Make food. Have conversations, be there for her, and check in.

I highly suggest this book!

[Gretchen Prout · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I read this! I started this book prior to delivering my second son, and I am so glad I did. I used the tools and suggestions from this book before birth and I can see the difference from my first versus my second pregnancies already. Praise God!

[Ali C]

DNF. Very focused on PPD so probably not super helpful for a pregnant mom

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 // this is an absolute must read for anyone who is pregnant or a brand new mama! I absolutely loved this book! The way Rachael is so encouraging and supportive in every line! It truly felt like a warm hug from a dear friend every time I opened it! Her insight as a mom who went through her own experience postpartum, but also as a Christian and therapist is totally worth the read! As someone who has struggled with depression in the past I was a bit worried how I would feel postpartum and this gave me the peace of mind that I would have Christ-centered wisdom and tools to manage the hard moments if and when they came. My favorite take away is about our thought life and here’s what she said:

“Our thought life is incredibly important to examine. Our thoughts are the framework on which our behavior and our choices are built. Our thoughts are the battle cry to one of life’s biggest wars. Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. While we can’t control what random, horrible thoughts pop into our sinful heads, we can control what thoughts we dwell on.”

This was such a helpful reminder to me and is definitely going to be part of my routine to always stop and ask myself if any thoughts I have are 1. Are they true? 2. Are they noble? 3. Are they lovely? 4. Are they admirable? And 5. Are they excellent or praiseworthy?

I loved how this book was firmly centered on Christ, yet did not shy away from the reality that surrounds the struggles we may face postpartum. We are not going to wake up the first day as a new mom and know everything and be perfect. We are new to this and learning every day just like our newborn! And we are not meant to do it alone either! We need our support system. Whenever they say “it takes a a village”, they really mean it!! And at the end of the day, we are designed to rely on Christ for our every need and postpartum is not an exception to this! In fact this is a season to rely even more on the Lord!!

[Cheri Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for EVERY mom and mom-to-be! My children are grown, but everything that my firstborn goes through is still a first-time experience for me. This not-new empty nest mom found Rachael's New Mom Wellness Plan helpful on all five levels.

This book offers the reader a Biblical and scientific understanding of our bodies, and as a counselor, Rachael also provides emotional support that is so refreshing.
Many moms do not know that it is OK to ask for help, ask for affirmation, and share the thoughts that run through their minds when their children are placed in their arms.

A MOM A BORN is a resource that provides answers and questions to ask and points you to the Creator who made both baby and mother.
In addition to being a great baby shower gift, this book will also be a valuable mentor resource for me.

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was some of the best encouragement and advice I've ever received right after having my baby. Elmore's writing style is both reassuring and relatable, making you feel like you're talking and getting help from a close friend, I really enjoyed this book.

This book beautifully captures the essence of this transformative phase, guiding readers through a rollercoaster of emotions with warmth, humour (somewhat cheesy at times), and genuine empathy.

What truly sets this book apart is its authenticity. Elmore doesn't sugar coat the challenges; instead, she offers insightful perspectives and encouragement, empowering mothers to confidently embrace the ups and downs of this incredible journey.

It's a must read for anyone seeking guidance, reassurance, and a reminder that they're not alone on this amazing new mum path. I couldn't recommend it more!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mom is born truly is the practical guide all new moms needs. Rachael is like a new mom mentor walking your through this new journey. She offers insight that can immediately be utilized. Her step by step plan is provided right there in the book! She provides biblical truths to hold onto when you are going through motherhood. Even as a seasoned mother of 5 I was able to find so many applicable pearls to apply to motherhood.

[Reads By Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! As a new mama and health care worker, I really appreciate the combination of of personal experience and professional information shared by the author. She not only struggled with PPD but also helps women struggling with it as well. This title was extremely uplifting, informative and encouraging. I highly recommend for new moms as well as anyone who wants to understand how to help new moms.

[Carissa Van Bogelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I read this during my first 2 weeks postpartum with my first baby and there was some great insight for what to expect and when baby blues becomes PPD. I feel super equipped for the weeks ahead and so understood as a mom. I love her combination of therapeutic techniques with scripture! God really gave her a clear mission with her story and he is working beautiful things through this book.

[Caelah-Beth Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relentlessly hopeful and honest about mental health and motherhood. I'm glad I read this before giving birth to my first. I think by the title and the description I didn't know how centered it would be around PPD, but it was good to have a framework of how to think about it ahead of time in case I experience it.

[Jessica Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every new mom, and new-ish mom, should read this. I've been a mom for 5 years and there is so much I learned from this book. Rachael is so relatable and forthcoming about her life, and s also an eloquently spoken therapist, and a follower of Jesus, making this the most well-rounded book a new(-ish) mother can pack in her toolkit. Highly recommend!

[Shelby Semjenow · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. Not that it wasn’t good - it was just dense and long. Heavy on the counseling aspect. Prepares people to think through the logistics of postpartum. Postpartum is/can be a really hard season so I’m glad there’s a book out there to help people develop a plan if needed. Would be helpful for someone who’s preparing to have a baby for the first time or someone who’s struggled with ppa/ppd.