The Lord of Birth [Paperback]

Jennifer A Vanderlaan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2005

The process of pregnancy and giving birth doesn't change because you are a Christian, but he way you handle the challenges of this special time does. The Lord of Birth helps you dig into what the Bible has to say about being pregnant and encourages you to use this spiritually fertile time to grow closer to God.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...the reader will be strengthened, encouraged and mentored in preparation of the great career of parenthood. -- Kelly J. Townsend; Founder of Cascade Christian Childbirth Assocation

Being spiritually fed in childbirth and pregnancy is essential and vital for producing healthy birth outcomes. -- Doran Richard, co-author of A Celebration of Pregnancy

About the Author

Jennifer Vanderlaan is a childbirth educator and doula living in upstate New York. She created the Birthing Naturally website, co-founded the Cascade Christian Childbirth Association and developed a local volunteer doula ministry. She received degrees in physiology and psychology from Michigan State University, studied through the Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth, Doulas of North America and trained childbirth educators through the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association. Her materials are used in childbirth classes around the country.

Product Details

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: Birthing Naturally (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976554100
• ISBN-13: 978-0976554103
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jennifer Vanderlaan has been working with new and expectant parents since 1999. With experience as a childbirth educator, doula and nurse, Jennifer has worked to improve maternal health around the globe. She is currently expanding her skills at Emory University in the Midwifery and Global Public Health programs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably Wonderful!, March 27, 2006

By 

M. Sieve (Ferguson, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lord of Birth (Paperback)

I am sorry to say I disagree with anyone who thinks the purpose of this book is to "guilt" anyone into natural childbirth. The truth is, women don't want someone saying their choice was wrong or endangering to their baby. Facts are indeed facts... medicated birth increases the risks to baby and mother. Sorry, it is just the truth, so don't shoot the messanger. It does not make someone mean or uncaring for saying so.

ANYWAY, I found that this Bible study was nothing more than a way to look past our own strength and look to our Lord Jesus Christ. I had so many reasons to go natural for my first child but it never occured to me that God should have been in the center of it all. This took my spiritual life to a whole new level and helped with my second natural birth. I am just glad someone put the two together. And I suggest that even if a natural birth is not what you are looking for to do this bible study anyway. It is a great tool to get through any stage of birth unmedicated (since you can't be drugged the whole time, ha ha). Besides, growing closer to Christ throughout your pregnancy or any time in your life should never be a negative thing.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT workbook for the expectant Christian couple, April 13, 2005

By 

Jennifer N. Riedy "Knitted in the Womb" (Allentown, PA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lord of Birth (Paperback)

As a childbirth instructor, I have used this workbook in my classes. It is GREAT. It is very thought provoking. If you are a Christian and are expecting a baby, you should be using this workbook. You will be led to examine the questions "does God care that I'm pregnant?," "Why does labor hurt?," "Where am I putting my faith--in God or in man?" You will be challenged to "invite God to your baby's birth."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Everyone, April 8, 2007

By 

M. Watters (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lord of Birth (Paperback)

This book should be read not only by the expectant mother or woman thinking of conceiving, but by teen girls, teen boys, and husbands. As a grandmother, I think the spiritual condition of the parents is vital to both the pre- and post-birth of a child.

This book encourages the reader to draw closer to God.

This book will help women to see the areas in the pregnancy and birthing processes where getting information in advance can help them to make educated decisions about what to do.

The spiritual concepts covered in this book reach farther than just the birthing process. This book gets to the fundamental core issues of Christianity. Do you trust God? Is your faith in Him?

This book helps the reader to see how fear is used to diminish joy and increase suffering not only during pregnancy and childbirth, but in every aspect of one's life.

I appreciate that the author has personal experience and education in what is being discussed, and that she wrestled with all the ideas and concepts put forth in this book.

What is even more exciting to me about this book, is that the spiritual discipline one can develop by doing the study will carry over into the raising up of the beloved child. What a blessing from God.

I wish this book had been available during my six pregnanancies. I know the results the medical interventions had on my body. To find out now there could have been another method used is depressing.