The title holds true to all of the information provided in this book! I am due in June, and I read this book through my first and second trimester. I heard about MariMikel through a family member that lived in Texas and had her first birthing experience through MariMikel's services. I also listened to MariMikel on a podcast, and I was hooked. I live in Illinois so unfortunately; I was unable to experience her birthing process in person. However, this book felt like she was with me every step of the way. Not many midwives are this in-depth and I have been following a lot of her protocols that I feel incredibly comfortable with and have seen great results thus far. It's nice to have someone lay it all out with reasoning behind every recommendation for an ideal birth. My doula has also made the purchase to read it with me as well! I am going through a birth center but, I highly recommend regardless of what birth you may be on or where you may be planning on having your birth! This information is worth way more than the price, and I can't wait for second one!

A GLORIOUS and informative book with everything you could possibly need for pregnancy and birth! I absolutely LOVED this book!! It is SO incredibly comprehensive and really has more than any other book I have ever read regarding not only pregnancy and birth but also conception and beyond. I have had 2 babies and been at many other births and I just cannot recommend this book enough to anyone that is pregnant or wanting to have a baby. She goes into so much depth and has something in there for anyone, no matter where or how they are wanting to give birth. It is a guidebook with real advice for what to do when pregnant, how to be as healthy as possible with vitamin recommendations, menu planning, recipes, AND has heart and soul with beautiful stories from women who have had a range of pregnancy and birthing experiences. LOVE LOVE LOVE it so much and hope every woman can get their hands on it to help them on their journey.

Spoiler: Midwife with HUGE PERSONALITY gives you all inside knowledge! Rejoice, all you inner crunchy nature divas. You can give birth at home with your pets and lover nearby and have a totally successful, spiritually connected experience that ROCKS! MariMikel lays out the plan and how to make it happen. The book is easily digestible, funny and provides so many facts! There are crazy details like which vitamins to pair with others at what time of day for best absorption, signs to look for in your body for dehydration, what's going on with hormones and body changes, how and where to find spiritual connection, what your practitioner should be doing, and how to protect and tune your mind and body into the correct mode. There are tips and conversations throughout the book about what is changing in your body and what to expect in different scenarios since each pregnancy and birth is unique. There are bonus meal recipes in the back that are designed for pregnancy and beyond - every recipe has one thing in common: they bolster a family's bond through healthy meals. Marimikel is here for you in this book, she sincerely cares and it's amazing to feel this connection throughout a pregnancy. The best part about this book is having a steady voice guide the way that has delivered over 3,000 babies naturally over 50 years-- with guidance she has received from amazing midwives before her. This is what old sage advice is. Right here, in this book. I'm all about it! Of note: Marimikel was our midwife for our 4 kids, 3 births. She is a legend in her field - Austin area ObGyns and nurses eyes widen with passionate fever when you mention her name, they want to hear more stories and anything else they can about her-- they take the lead from her. MariMikel seems to have limitless energy, knowledge, and passion to share. So happy for this juicy book!

Fantastic book! I purchased this book for my daughter-in-law who was expecting her first and I was completely blown away by the depth and breadth of this book. As a mother of two and someone who has battled health issues that have been resolved with dietary changes using whole, natural foods and listening to my body - this is the book I wish I had years ago!! The author covers everything from physical changes, as one would expect, but then throws in nutrition, the mental aspect, the many options available to women at all stages of pregnancy and so much more. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant or know someone who is pregnant - this is the book!!!