Official Review: Labor Like A Goddess

Okafor Prosper · Post by **Okafor Prosper** » 09 Apr 2020, 03:56

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Labor Like A Goddess" by Alexandria Moran and Lauren Mahana.]

4 out of 4 stars

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In Labor Like A Goddess: A Fearless Guide to Preparing for the 7 Gates of Transformation in Pregnancy and Birth, two birth doulas, Alexandria Moran and Lauren Mahana, attempt to guide pregnant women on their journey to an empowering birth. Employing different parts of the metaphorical story of a maiden goddess whose desire was to journey into the "unknown Underworld" to transform herself into a mother, in different chapters, the authors illustrate what the experience of crossing the 7 gates of transformation (The gates of courage and sovereignty, vulnerability, expectations, embodiment, sacred partnership, fortitude, and intentional surrender) will be like for pregnant women.

The authors' use and in-depth explanations of the metaphors employed in the maiden goddess' story was the first thing that piqued my attention in this book. The reader will follow the maiden goddess as she sacrifices so much for passage through the different gates, and this will help readers to easily relate to and understand the lessons the book aims to teach. The authors also include different real-life short stories about different pregnant women and the challenges they face in relation to each gate they attempted to pass. These stories not only help readers visualize different challenges they may face and how to overcome them, but they also showcase the authors' wealth of experience in this field and give readers good reasons to trust the authors' methods.

Furthermore, I like that the book touches on different ways of birthing and doesn't favor any one of them over the other. The book just continues to reiterate the fact that achieving an empowered birth is the most important thing. The role of a partner throughout pregnancy is also discussed extensively, and the authors show that there is strength in being able to ask for help. There was quite a lot to learn about pregnancy and even life generally, especially on dealing with shame and meditation.

I found some errors while reading the book, but the errors were minor errors and few and far between. This ensured that my reading was smooth throughout. The book was also well organized and referenced, showing how much research was put into writing the book. There wasn't much to dislike about the book. However, I would have liked the authors to include the meaning of several abbreviations, like EFT, EMDR, and SIDS, when used. The book also discusses the spiritual aspect of birthing, and some readers may not agree with the authors' opinions in this area, especially on souls choosing their parents and becoming one with a child at the point of birth.

Overall, this book is a solid effort at guiding women through pregnancy and even after pregnancy. A lot of lessons taught in the book can be applied to life generally. I got to understand that there are gates of transformation to pass through in achieving almost everything in life. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for its brilliant execution and the in-depth practical information dished out on empowered birthing. I would recommend this book to anyone in the process of pregnancy or considering pregnancy in the near future.

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Labor Like A Goddess
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Miraphery · Post by **Miraphery** » 10 Apr 2020, 04:36

I just love the book title, it got my attention. I also love that the book applies to life generally and not only to pregnancy. Thanks for the amazing review.

Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 10 Apr 2020, 10:49

This sounds like a great tool that can help many expecting mothers. I may not be the right audience for this book, but I appreciate your positive review. I'll be sure to recommend it to my friends. Thanks for the review!

Damis Seres Rodriguez · Post by **Damis Seres Rodriguez** » 15 Apr 2020, 15:17

I like the fact of not taking favor for any particular kind of birthing. And it is nice to read about pregnancy as something more than just a physical experience but as a whole process. I am a doctor, and I am very picky with subjects that might be related to what I do, because I like books where facts are clearly well researched (I tend to be upset when I find obvious errors in things authors claim as a fact) Do you think that the information provided was at least decently researched?

bookreviewmi1111 · Post by **bookreviewmi1111** » 27 Apr 2020, 05:57

Nice review. Wao I think I will need to find and read this book when "it's the right time". I love the name of the book, beautiful.

Okafor Prosper · Post by **Okafor Prosper** » 14 May 2020, 04:46

damis wrote: ↑15 Apr 2020, 15:17 I like the fact of not taking favor for any particular kind of birthing. And it is nice to read about pregnancy as something more than just a physical experience but as a whole process. I am a doctor, and I am very picky with subjects that might be related to what I do, because I like books where facts are clearly well researched (I tend to be upset when I find obvious errors in things authors claim as a fact) Do you think that the information provided was at least decently researched?

I think the authors put some effort into researching the information put into this book, including their experiences on the job. They also did well to advise readers to take their doctor's instructions seriously and focus on having an empowered birthing process.