Journey to Motherhood ... on Cloud Nine [Paperback]

I wish I could say that all books on pregnancy and childbirth were my favorites, but of course, that is not true. However, recently I read a book which I have totally fallen in love with that I am very excited to share with others. The book, "Journey to Motherhood...on Cloud Nine," is a compilation of essays from real-life mothers who have been pregnant and given birth, mixed with plenty of important information on the pregnancy and birth.

I read "Journey to Motherhood...on Cloud Nine" after I had already given birth to three children, but I wish this book was in existence 12 years ago! As I read it, I felt as though I had thirty women in my home talking with my personally -- telling me all the little, and big, details of their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. It was comforting to read that other mothers-to-be had some of the exact same thoughts as I did and to find out that I was indeed normal.

Overall, "Journey to Motherhood...on Cloud Nine," shows its readers a realistic view of pregnancy and the birthing process. After reading it, a mother-to-be won't be in the dark as what to expect and can go into each trimester, and the delivery room, with peace of mind and knowledge that they are an active participant in one of the most beautiful parts of life.

I highly recommend "Journey to Motherhood" to all women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant. It is also an excellent book to share with fathers-to-be, who themselves usually have questions on the birthing process. "Journey to Motherhood...on Cloud Nine" is a must for every mother-to-be who wants to read soothing, uplifting, and educational personal stories before their precious little one enters this world.

Having had four children myself, everything in this book is enjoyable to read-and I sat down and read the book in a couple of evenings! I, like many other moms, enjoy reading and comparing the birth experiences of my own children to others. Above that, the rich content Ms. Jordan offers in each chapter about the traditional and non-traditional opportunities available to women helps shed light on some of the questions that we face with each positive pregnancy test.

In addition to the facts and the birth stories, Lana also brings a touch of faith into the motherhood experience. In my opinion, the miracle of birth came from Above, and there is no better place for us to remember the powers of God, as in our miracles of birth.

New moms-to-be should enjoy Journey, as it brings to light many of the fears about pregnancy and birth. Although you may have to endure every birth story for miles around within your own life, reading this book allows you to contemplate what you really want out of your pregnancy and childbirth-at your own pace and considering your own needs.

But, I believe that the mother who has had at least one child will get the most pleasure from reading this book. After you have your first child, and you ponder more, you have the chance to look back on your pregnancy and birth experience-to decide if you want the same things all over again, or if a different approach would be better for you. Some women featured in the book chose a different route with each child, while some explained that they liked their first experience and returned to have subsequent children in the same way. Whatever route a woman chooses to take with childbirth, Lana Jordan gives you all of the facts from a layperson's point of view, so that you can make a decision based on your very own personal feelings.

This is not another medical directory, with terms that are based on Latin phrases that a normal person cannot understand...nor is it a book about the 40 weeks of pregnancy and each little piece of downy fluff that grows on your baby during gestation. This book focuses on the mother-the one person that makes birth possible. And, it focuses on some of the physical and emotional information that a mother craves for the birth of her baby.

Journey to Motherhood on Cloud Nine empowers a mom-to-be and a mother. Whether it's through the knowledge and experience of the varied `real women' experiences, or through Lana's own experiences - this book gives the reader the goods so that they can research the options for an enjoyable pregnancy and birth experience.