The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby Review & GIVEAWAY

CONGRATULATIONS TO LEWALK
THE WINNER OF THE CHRISTIAN MAMA'S GUIDE BOOK!


An estimated 4.2 million babies are born each year, according to the CDC...and behind each of these babies stands a woman who thought her nine months of pregnancy would never end.

Erin MacPherson knows the feeling.  In The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby she stands ready to walk with women, trimester-by-trimester, through the sometimes hilarious and other times down-right miserable aspects of pregnancy.  With sass, non-stop humor and compassion, MacPherson guides pregnant women through everything from the moment when the pregnancy test read positive to those first sleepless nights of living with a new baby.  This mama of two (with another one on the way!) serves as that funny, wise friend who makes you laugh even when you're crying because you can't wear pencil skirts or eat sushi anymore.  This book is jam-packed with sound advice on navigating the ins and outs of the medical world. Pregnant women will also find thoughts on prenatal care, pregnancy resources to access, testing during pregnancy, labor/delivery and baby's first days.  Dad's will even find a complete chapter devoted to them written for them by other dads.  Guys will appreciate the humor and practical help.  MacPherson shares her personal journey with pregnancy and even tells that during the stress and emotions of pregnancy, she felt an overwhelming urge to draw closer to God.  She assures women that they will feel God's presence as they spend time reflecting and praying about their babies and their futures as parents.  MacPherson helps you find joy in the pregnancy journey through this amazing book.

My Thoughts:  I loved this book from page one!  I only wish I could have read this book with my first pregnancy almost 10 years ago.  I think not only would I have been a lot more prepared but I would have some good sound Christian advice too about the whole experience.  With my 2nd child, I was extremely nauseated and sick for several months. I sure could have used Erin's tip for "Scent-Induced Nausea Gals" to "buy nose plugs.  I know it's embarrassing to walk around with a clamp on your nose, but I can promise you that it's more embarrassing to throw up in a public place because you couldn't make it to the bathroom."  And oh the money I could have saved if I had been able to read Chapter 9 before our first child was born.  "What (and What Not) to Buy for Baby".  I was shocked to discover they do not need "79 baby blankets, 54 bottles and a wipe warmer like the baby superstore would like you to believe." 

I also determined that some of the advice in Chapter 11 applies whether you are pregnant or not.  It's all about "What Dads-to-be need to know about Pregnancy".  There are several lessons covered in this section but I really think Lesson #721 "There is no arguing with a pregnant woman" could really apply even if you aren't pregnant.  I mean, "there is no arguing with a woman", right?!  (did I just hear you say Amen, sister!) Of course, naming a baby was a challenge for David & I.  I love when Erin says "Foods just don't work as names.  There are exceptions-Olive, Rosemary, etc) but as a general rule, if you can eat it, you shouldn't name your child after it."  Who could forget those wonderful, necessary childbirth classes.  You will be very prepared for not only the class but the people you are going to encounter who are taking that class with you, thanks to Erin's book.  This section had me laughing so hard because her description of the "Types of People you may encounter at Childbirth Class" are so right on the money.  I also love how Erin shows you how to use your Bible as your pregnancy resource and how to use this time of waiting to really draw closer to God through prayer.  Not only is pregnancy a physical/emotional journey but a spiritual one as well. 

This is a fantastic book that will have you laughing out loud while helping you prepare for making some of the most important decisions you will face throughout your pregnancy journey.  If you've already had a baby, you should still read this book because it is a wonderful reminder of the gift of pregnancy and a great reminder of the amazing experience you went through.  Erin has graciously offered to give one of my readers their very own copy of her awesome book.  

MANDATORY ENTRY:

* Tell me what you look forward to reading about in this book

(and trust me, she covers every topic you can imagine in this book!)

EXTRA ENTRIES: (1 each)

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 #Win The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby ~ a book filled with advice, humor & inspiration @TheJohnsFamily http://tinyurl.com/5r4bf3n

CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 23 AT 11:59 PM CST.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry you complete. Leave a valid email address with each comment so I can contact you if you win. No email=No win!  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator and winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  I was given a copy of this book for review purposes only.  No monetary compensation was received.  The author is also providing the prize for this giveaway and will be handling the shipping of this prize as well.