Today’s guest blog is from author Natasha Harding who has written her first book From Bump to Baby: Positive Birthing Experiences. It’s a collection of inspirational birth stories for women told by women. Natasha is also a single mum to Zak (six) and blogs at frombumptobaby. We have ten copies of ‘From Bump to Baby’ to give away. To get your hands on a copy simply comment on this blog post and we will pick out ten lucky winners at random.
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Before I had my son, I worked full time at The Sun newspaper and had landed the job of Book 
Columnist as well as working on the woman pages. I thought I was pretty busy: what with working full-time, studying for a yoga qualification and commuting – little did I know what busy really meant…
I was lucky as having access to so many books when I was expecting meant I was able to devour everything and anything about birth and motherhood. However, I found a lot of them dull and what I wanted to know was how other women felt during labour and in the days afterwards. I swore back then I would write my own book one day.
I was determined that I wanted as natural a birth as possible – and because I was doing so much yoga, I was able to see first-hand how much it could help during pregnancy and labour too.
I had a five hour labour at home and can honestly say hand on heart it was the most empowering and wonderful experience. That’s not to say it was easy – I had a BIG baby and it was hard work to deliver him, but I did it and felt elated at the moment of birth – even though he ripped me to shreds, but we won’t talk about that.
Since that long-ago night, I’ve taught many other women who have had positive labours – and not necessarily natural – and I want to share with women that birth can be wonderful and that, although being a mother changes you profoundly, it is ultimately the best thing in the world. So the seed for a book was sown…
I remember those early days when Zak was tiny and motherhood felt like a smack in the mouth. My mum had died 18 months previously and I think whereas most people have their mums to turn to I felt quite alone and didn’t know who I could speak to honestly. Nothing prepared me for the changes ‘I’ would experience – and I’m not talking about my saggy tummy or HUGE boobs – I’m a completely different person now and I didn’t expect that.
I started collecting birth and motherhood stories a couple of years ago. Because I still teach pre and post natal yoga my life is full of mums-to-be and new mums who were willing to share their stories and thoughts on being pregnant, labour and what being a mother really means to them.
From Bump to Baby: Positive Birthing Experiences is the result of many long nights sat at my computer while my little boy slept. I separated from his father when he was just 18 months. So – in between writing my book column for the Sun each week, teaching 15 hours of yoga and being a single mum – I threw myself into work. It was either that or wine, and I’ve never been a good drinker (but that’s another story).
I’ve loved every moment of writing From Bump to Baby: Positive Birthing Experiences and if you decide to read it, I hope you love it too!
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Win a copy of From Bump to Baby
To win one of ten copies of From Bump to Baby simple leave a comment below and from all comments received by midday on 30th July we will pick out ten lucky winners.
There is a popular birth stories forum on Netmums. We love reading all the inspiring and amazing birth stories. Why not pop over and have a read and do add your own birth stories there too.
Don’t forget we have two other book giveaways at the moment – why not enter them all? Win Rosie Fiore’s book ‘Babies in Waiting’ and Marc Abraham’s book about pets. Good luck.
sounds like a book thats worth a read! it would be nice to here postive stories instead of all the horror storiea!
I’m ten days overdue at the moment! They’ll induce me in two days time which i really don’t want as i would love to deliver in a birthing pool which they won’t allow if induced! But on a good note, not long now until i meet my third child which is always a positive experience! Am both scared and excited!!! I love hearing others birthing stories as each is special and unique. (even the horror stories!) x
Would love to read this
I’m currently pregnant with my 2nd child and this sounds like my kind of book! I read everything I can get my hands on regarding pregnancy and beyond! Shall hang on until the 30th and if no luck, shall be straight out o buy my own copy!
I gave birth to my daughter 3 years ago in a pool at a birthing centre. It was possibly the best decision u have ever made. Being the first of my friends to have a baby I didn’t have much to compare it to. My sister on the other hand, is expecting her first baby. She is the last of her friends and she is terrified of giving birth as she has heard so many horror stories. She has opted for a c-section which is the best choice for her. I only wish she had come accross a book like yours before hand. It sounds like a fresh approach to the usual birthing ‘manuals’. I am intrigued! Best of luck x
Would love to win this, I’m currently 28 weeks pregnant and whilst I knew what to expect with pregnancy to some extent I’m so unprepared for what happens when the babies in my arms not my belly.
This sounds exactly like what most mums need! When you get pregnant everyone is more than happy to tell you all about their own horror stories, or the men will tell you how much pain you’re going to go through – you hardly ever hear or see positive birth stories. Having looked into hypnobirthing, based on the premise that the fear of birth leads to the pain, I’d say this is essential reading for mums. I for one would love a read.
looks like a brill book
if i dont win one i might have to buy this!
hi im 41 years old and 7 weeks pregnant would love this book to read more about pregnancy and birth
Sounds like a really good read. Would love to hear some positive stories.
I would like a copy pleeeease!:)
Looks and sounds like a great book would love this to help me towards the end of my pregnancy and birth thanks
this sounds like a great read i am currently 18 weeks pregnant and would find it very beneficial having this book
sounds fab im 27 weeks pregnant with baby no 2 xxxx
How nice to hear some positive birth stories, especially when you only really hear the bad ones (like mine). This would help to show women that positive births do exist Well done
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Sounds like the type of book you need when the going gets tough
17 weeks pregnant with my first baby. Would love to read your book to help me through the stages of my pregnancy and birth. I can then pass it onto friends to help them through their special time.
I can add this to other ‘must read in pregnancy’ books. These stories should help negate all the negative, scaremongering stories you most often hear when pregnant….
I had a bad birth experience with my first little boy and I am now currently 21 weeks pregnant with my second little boy. I would love to read a book that is full of positive birth stories as it would give me hope that positive birthing stories do exist!
What a super idea for a book! Having a baby definitely has changed me and my interests, one now being nosey and enquiring about other people’s labour stories! A new ‘baby world’ has my interest! I had my second lil boy 7 weeks ago, an unplanned home birth (!), and this has sparked even more interest for me in the subject! I would love to get my hands on a copy of this book!
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I’ve only just found out I’m pregnant and already am planning a natural home birth. I’m planning to continue exercising through my pregnancy and do yoga as you did. I would love to read some positive stories to help me keep calm and relaxed through my pregnancy.
Never underestimate the power of positive thinking and attitude. Someone told me to have a positive attitude towards giving birth. I believe positive birth stories might help to keep calm and think positive. I would love to win your book.
@gholmes724
Please enter me in the draw – thank you.
I would love to read this book-anything natural is what I am hoping to go for.
Hi
Book sounds fab Im a first time mum and looking for all the advice and info I can get! x
This books sounds like a good read, I’m thinking a long soak in the bath with a box of Malteasers and this book…. Fingers crossed I win one!
Would love to have a copy of this book! As this is my 1st Pregnancy and i would love to know a lot more.
This books sounds so intresting to understand someones experience first hand!
Sounds like a brilliant book, finally telling the birth experience as positive and a journey rather than some thing to fear.
Sounds like a great holiday read!
Wow!! Your name is very similar to mine!!! Are u expecting a little one soon???
I’m pregnant with my 2nd and I would love to read about some positive experiences for a change. My last birth was not one I care to remember, so I am trying my hardest to be positive this time around. I’m even planning on going to a MW led birthing centre to stop me begging for an epidural and having the luxury of a water birth – fingers crossed x
This book seems like something i can totally relate to at the moment, im currently pregnant with my 2nd child and enjoy reading and learning about preganancy and motherhood, esp from other mums, i find it really helps me to relate it to my own parenting and being a supermum to my princess! Look forward to reading Natasha’s book
Am pregnant with my first baby and have always said that I would want a home delivery with my mum and my husband with me. Unfortunately most people who I mention it to, including my mother, suggest that it’s best to be in hospital where all the resources are. Not sure which way to go now and it would be nice to hear about other peoples experiences.
An inspiration to all single mommies out there!!! It’s a great achievement managing a baby by yourself, but it also makes you realise how grateful you should be if you are in a relationship!!! Make sure you still meet new mummy friends and never judge a single mom!!!!
Mums forever x
Sounds like a really good book to guide you through the stages of pregnancy and birth. A def must have for mums x
This sounds like a really useful book. I’m pregnant and a first time mum and although I feel accomplished in life I feel pretty unprepared about what is to come. I’m sure this book would help to get rid of some of my fears.
An inspirational read!
I would love to pass this on to my friend who is currently 18 weeks. I found the only stories you heard were awful drama filled birthing experiences, so this would make a lovely gift to help with the unknown
great book
Please enter me
Good Luck everyone!
sounds brilliant xx
i love reading pregnancy books, as we all know, it never goes like it does in the movies!
Looks like a good book keeping my fingers crossed
I would love to win this!
I’m yet to have the pleasure of being pregnant but am hoping to be over the next few years
I would love to read this to get more clued up! X
would love to read this book and not only learn about the pregnancy side of things but to read about how other mums feel
Sounds like a good book to read, I love hearing stories of how babies are born, even the horror stories!
Would love to read this book. I am 31 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby, but really love listening and reading about other mums experiences of pregnany, labour and birth.
Please enter me, sounds like a great read
x
Sounds like a brilliant book! I have 2 daughters but would love to have more children, i have wimped out and had epidurals with both. I would love to read some positive stories it may empower me to go without the pain relief if i have anymore
please enter me, i’m trying for my first baby, and need all the info i can get
The book sounds great when you say your pregnant everyone tells you of their ‘ horror’ stories and it would be lovely to read some positive ones.
It would be a lovely gift for my daughter in law who is expecting my first grandchild in January!
my friend is planning for 2nd kid. It might help her if I get and give her as a gift:)