Inspired by her first pregnancy and birth, Sadie Hestekin took advantage of a "polar vortex" winter with a clingy newborn to write the type of book she wanted to read during pregnancy. A second baby and some years later and it's finally available. Combining personal experience with research, this book aims to share the realities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in a way that will leave you feeling empowered.

Every person has a unique story, and so the second part of the book is a collection of birth stories shared by others. These range from hospital to home birth, birth as planned to completely unexpected, and all stages of the process. All together, Open Up and Let the Train Run Through You is a positive birth book written to make you feel good, make you laugh, and make you feel well prepared for your own journey.

From the raw emotions of becoming a new parent:

"I hope to always feel this way, to feel the edges of intensity and, at times, to spill over into new territory. Having a child is like finally having myself... I am more in love with who I am than ever. I am more aware of my power, of how my weaknesses are also power."

To humor, as always, guiding the path to confidence:

"…up with the adult diaper and back to resting…I sashayed back into the room because, let's face it, there aren't many times when you can simultaneously be wearing a diaper and feeling like a goddess."

Easy to read, this roughly 200 page book isn't too long, allowing you to enjoy it while not interrupting your limited time as a new parent. Grab it and toss it in your bag. Arm yourself with openness and positivity. You've got this.

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