I had the privilege of getting the ILLO loan from the library of a book I need for my CBE education.
I was told that I had to read this book and by my surprise, it is also written by a doula. My first impression of the cover is pure enjoyment.
It reminds me of a female egg.
So I was told for the class to make a summary and an amazon like a book review. I plan to post it here in case people do wonder if they want to read the book and some of the information that the author gives us.
So the author has it split into four parts. So I am going to summarize each part. Give you what I liked and in the end, I need to explain my favourite chapter.
PART ONE: Welcoming Change
This Part has three chapters. The first is called “you got this”, while chapter two is on the tools for welcoming change, and chapter three is about cultivating balance: Easy self-care practices for every stage of pregnancy.
-The First chapter had some great charts and a feelings circle, and even some journal-like pages. It kept me intrigued and if I owned the copy I totally would have loved to participate if I was expecting.
-Tools for welcoming change really had the tools you would need to welcome change. It helped with tools and information on your changing body, the tough stuff (like miscarriage and sexual abuse) some other important information that was intriguing.
-Cultivating balance tips were amazing to inform you about exercise, breathing, and journaling through pregnancy. Something important to remember.
PART TWO: Through the Months: Your Growing Baby
This part also has three chapters based on each trimester so of course, chapter one is the first trimester, chapter two the second trimester and chapter three is the third trimester.
-Trimester One provides some great tips on your changing body at this current time. It has some great recipes and things to help you with the early months of pregnancy. Some great tips on nausea as well.
-Trimester Two was some more great recipes but also went over the different things you might feel or start to experience now. Like heartburn or bleeding gums, or what it feels like when the baby is moving around.
-Trimester Three has some more wonderful recipes and gives great detail on the different things that are happening in the final stages of it all.
PART THREE: Preparing for Birth
This part has four chapters and they are about to choose it then letting it go, choosing your birth environment, team, and preferences for you and your baby. Labour and the signs, stages, and interventions and finding comfort during labour.
-Choose it then let it go this chapter had a cute love letter template to Natural Birth. This chapter gave some awesome self-discovery tools.
-Choosing your birth environment, birth team, and preferences goes over the different type of people you want, some choices about baby, location options, what to pack/bring. Question ideas for doctor, midwife, or even doula.
-Labor: The signs, stages, and interventions this was my favourite chapter because I am fascinated by birth and labour. This goes over the medical lingo, and signs of labour, explains induction methods, and c-sections.
-Finding comfort during labour. This chapter has a wonderful checklist, there are methods on visualization, epidurals, nourishment, breathing, movement, and massage.
PART FOUR: The Postpartum Shift and Early Motherhood
The recovery path and helping heal your body is the first chapter of this part. Then nourishing and nurturing your baby is the second chapter and then you have the epilogue which is finding your new normal.
-The recovery Path speaks about your body after the baby is born. Different ideas to help with your body. Including snack ideas that are helpful.
-Nourishing and Nurturing your Baby is a great chapter. It talks about the stages of breastmilk, breastfeeding positions, latch tips, and how to know if your supply is to low.
-Finding your new normal is on the new you and what you might feel after childbirth and your new body.
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I think this book is a good five stars as it kept my attention and really was beautiful. The picture designs for different massages and positions were great for those who are still learning. I think my favourite chapter was chapter nine which was all about labour and the information that comes with such an event.
I think this author did a wonderful job of keeping track of every category. She did a wonderful job and is a wonderful book for any collection. I will have to save up for one to keep.
