Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth

by Jen Hamilton

The delivery room decoded—by the internet’s favorite labor nurse.

Childbirth is one of life’s most powerful experiences—but it can also be overwhelming. The internet is full of conflicting advice, scary stories, and rigid expectations. Too often, expecting parents are told to create a perfect “birth plan,” only to feel defeated or afraid when things don’t go exactly as envisioned. That’s where Jen Hamilton comes in.

A labor and delivery nurse, ER veteran, and unexpected mom herself, Jen has been a steady presence at thousands of births—and on millions of screens. In Birth Vibes, she shares her own stories, all while guiding readers through what to expect in labor and delivery with humor and heart. Jen busts harmful myths, breaks down what really happens in the delivery room, and gives readers the tools to advocate for the care they want. Instead of rigid plans, she encourages parents to focus on their birth vibes—the feeling and environment they want to create—and provides helpful scripts and insider advice to help get there.

Birth Vibes is the ultimate companion for anyone preparing to give birth—or support someone who is. Warm, funny, and deeply grounded in real-life experience, this is the guide every parent deserves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Parenting, Health, Memoir, Education, Adult

352 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Bailey Barrett Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen is truly an angel. She gave me early access to her book ahead of my induction next week due to a cancer diagnosis, and I’m incredibly grateful.

This book left me feeling prepared, empowered, and confident to make the best decisions for me and my baby. Jen’s trauma-informed, evidence-based approach makes birth feel straightforward and digestible, especially for first-time parents who don’t know what they don’t know.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never given birth and I will never give birth, but I love Jen Hamilton, and I find pregnancy and birth fascinating. I contemplated not rating this because it wasn't written for me (the second half of the book is about creating a birth plan lol) but she has such an awesome average rating right now and I want to support her, so five stars! She deserves it. (The audiobook was great.)

[Charlotte Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Hamilton is a MASTERCLASS in patient centred care and empathy. My eyes were watering at the end. All of her patients are so lucky to have her🥹

[Lia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry multiple times and I do feel a lot more prepared than I did before. I do think that these types of books can be challenging to write because everyone’s experience is so unique but I think Jen really takes that into account and gives a wide range of stories, advice, and comfort to a first time mom who is lowkey freaking out lol. Highly recommend.

[Sara Kaner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to this at 33/34 weeks pregnant. It provides a great guide for preparing for birth, and I appreciate the way that Jen tackled each topic with kindness and pragmatism. Helpful read for any soon-to-be birthing folks!

[Katie Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single healthcare worker needs to read at least the first half of this book. It is a masterpiece in modeling empathetic, patient centered, holistic, consensual care, regardless of your specialty. The language she utilizes to explain things in a way her patients can understand is something to marvel at.

[Gretchen Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely practical guide for giving birth peppered with humor and stories along the way. If you’re not familiar with Jen’s excellent short-form video storytelling, you might be a little bemused by some of her Jen-isms (such as “coming through the sunroof” as a reference to being born by c-section), but this is largely for her fans. (Even though I hope it gets a larger audience than that!)

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy. Good timing so I could prepare mentally before Baby Girl shows up.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Hi to all my friends and loved ones: not pregnant, simply adore the author.)

[Kelly Fulkerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. Could be a decent book—but I couldn’t get past the first chapter due to all the politically correct “pregnant person” and “pregnant friends” lingo aimed at including anyone but women in the birth experience.

[Ali | literary_delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so helpful to read going into birth! This laid out a direct path to navigate the flawed healthcare system as a pregnant person. I’d recommend this to anyone going into labor/birth! As somebody with anxiety, this book communicated information in an empowering way rather than using fear-mongering or being dismissive. Jen was affirming that it’s ok to have and enforce a birth plan. She offered a balanced perspective of benefits and risks to medical
Interventions. There were also chapters/ parts of the book I skipped that could be triggering to some. I was appreciative that those sections were clearly marked with content warnings. I also loved that Jen herself narrated the audiobook.

[Maggie Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Jen Hamilton and her book was fantastic! I just had my daughter a few days ago, I was reluctant to read any birthing books before hand, but when I saw she had wrote one and could get early access I figured that’s the one to read. 10/10 recommend if you want to read a book on birth, this is the one!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Jen Hamilton for a couple of years at least. She is so funny and relatable and her compassion and kindness never ceases to amaze me. I strive to be a good kind human like her. Definitely recommend following her if you aren’t!

I wish I had this book when I was pregnant the first time. This book is real and raw and truthful and scary about the beautiful experience of giving birth. I would have felt so much more comfortable with this resource to prep me. I swear I ended up doing most everything mentioned and I had never heard of them before.

I had a 3 lb premie via C-section then 3 years later a 8 day late VBAC. I was getting high fives in the hallway and I was like okay, I did good?
I had a great nursing team for both of my births and they were very vocal with what I should be doing when and what my options were.

The chapter on making sure you have the right people in the room with you. The advice given is so thoughtful and given in advance different decisions might be made. I’m lucky I have a great support system with my husband and my mother and mother in law had experienced emergency csections so no judgement ever about anything.

There is so much practical advice, first hand stories, real life procedures to expect, lists, scripts, questions to ask in any situation, template to birth plans, etc.

This book is definitely going to help so many mamas and daddies navigating this super scary, super wonderful experience.

[Emily Koski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book only because I like the author. But also if anyone is going to explain the terrifying process of giving birth to me, it's going to Jen Hamilton with her calm yet goofy demeanor.

This book is full of powerful information and wonderful stories. It also has a few pieces of slightly scary information, but I think all the information in this book is important for people to know prior to giving birth. That being said, I took a few breaks when I needed them.

Jen also does an amazing job sharing a heartbreaking story of loss and how to get resources to help if you experience that loss. I cried through most of that story. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, this is a good book to read (or listen to like I did). Just know there are a few triggers and scary pieces. I firmly believe knowledge is power.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a labor and delivery nurse, THIS is the book I wish my expecting friends and family would read. I read it on audio, and Jen was fantastic.

It holds your hand through informed decision making and includes not-so-scary explanations of the (at times very) scary complications that can arise during labor and birth. I whole heartedly agree with every single statement and recommendation in this book.

And I’ve been there. I’ve held that hand. And the epilogue still made me sob on a plane.

[Emma Clark Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommending for all pregnant friends!! I learned a lot about what to expect with labor, pain management and potential complications. I feel much more equipped!

[Hanne Dragøy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best thing I’ve listened to in a long time!
Hearing it read by Jen herself made it a truly enjoyable experience! I laughed, cried, snorted and enjoyed every bit of it. I even learned a lot! Currently very pregnant with baby #3 and wish I could teleport Jen to my delivery room in Norway for my birth!

[Betsy Plowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a 5 star read if I was in fact giving birth, but I am not. It was very informative and practical and at times too much information for a non-pregnant woman. If you're wondering why I picked it up, honestly.... same!
I loved this book for the same reason I loved Nurse Hadleys. These nurses meet people in such vulnerable spaces and treat them with dignity, recognizing they're made in the image of God. These kind of stories just warm my heart 3.75 rounded up

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm probably the smallest percentage of listener, I have never been pregnant, and I don't have any plans on ever being pregnant, but I love Jen and all her stories. I also work with kids and parents, so I thought it was fitting. I also like to learn things, and was curious.

I loved part one with all the stories. Part two was very informative. I think I had heard in passing of most of what she had talked about, but appreciated that it was all in one place.

I didn't realize it at first, but every time she said pregnant friend instead of woman. Jen is very thoughtful and inclusive. This is not only a great book for pregnant friends, but for nurses, and support people of those pregnant friends as well.

I absolutely loved that Jen read the audiobook herself, not every author can do that, but since she started with oral storytelling on social media it was all too fitting.

If I were to ever get pregnant I would definitely buy the physical copy to mark up with questions to start conversations with my Drs and care team. I'd probably also buy this for any friend too!

4 starts because she left me wanting even more, but I also understand that everyone is different and she provided a lot of information in bite size and easy to digest sections. Ultimately, she made the idea of delivering a baby seem less scary to someone who never really thought they would want to be pregnant. And I now also got a little taste of what it's like without asking everyone I've met how their experience was.

[Kate Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read about half of it before I ended up getting induced but I love her approach in this book, and I’m just a huge Jen Hamilton fan. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to find a healthy approach to labor without stressing too much about having a step by step plan and instead just focusing on the vibes you want :)

[Annie Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for a lot of reasons! One, it was right in my niche for the kind of birth I’m hoping for. Two, I listened to the audibook and Jen was the reader and it was so fun. Three, her referral of unborn babies as “indoor cats” and born babies as “outdoor cats” was my favorite thing ever. I really enjoyed this book and how informative and nonjudgmental it was.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, wanting to support someone that is pregnant or working in healthcare should read this book (or if you’re friends/ family of an l&d healthcare provider, and want to better understand their job) it’s an honor and a joy to work alongside Jen. This book put words to so many of my thoughts. Love love love❤️

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen Jen come across my FYP a couple times in the last few years. The first time I saw her, she was swaddling a chicken, so I instantly fell in love with whatever weird energy she was putting out in to the world. But the more she came across my FYP, the more I realized she does so much more than swaddle chickens (or dogs… or professors…). Her kindness radiates through all of her videos and she’s funny to boot!
So when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her book in the countdown to my second delivery, I jumped at the opportunity.
Her experience as an L&D nurse means this book is geared towards folks who expect to give birth in a hospital setting. But even if you aren’t, she goes over many of the choices you may face in any birthing situation and advocates for you to make the empowered choice for your own delivery. Your body, your choice.
This book contains many more mentions of birth and pregnancy complications than the other books I’ve read (which focus on home or birthing centre births), but that’s the reality of being in a hospital setting. You’re just not going to have a cesarean at home. So, knowing if I end up at the hospital, like I did with my first, I feel more prepared for the what-ifs. And having an experienced L&D nurse explain a situation much like my own first experience, it gives me more confidence to ask questions before having things done to me rather than for me.
She also brings humour in to her writing, much like in her TikTok videos. And now I can’t wait for my “indoor cat” to become an “outdoor cat” 😆

[Holland Villalobos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy title and some cringey millennial humor in here but loved the narrative approach of it and the ‘delivery’ of information. Helped get a good overview of what to expect and advocate for if the time comes

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jen so much 🥰🥰 As a labor nurse, she is such an inspiration! This book is perfect for those who are going through pregnancy for the first time, or the fifth time! This book thoroughly educates on what to expect during labor, and how to be informed and prepared for different scenarios.

[Catherine Bergeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I needed before my first child was born. Reading it as a pregnant 2nd time mom was still super helpful, and somehow made talking about a lot of not fun things really entertaining. My only regret is that I didn’t get to listen on Jen read it on audiobook.

[Annie Scherschligt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this one actually.

Going for a VBAC puts me in some weird, not super medical areas of the internet sometimes, but this was a perfect blend of medical facts and emphasis on access to choices in child birth. I love the idea of focusing on what vibe you want for birth rather than a specific birth plan. Would recommend to pregnant friends!

[Nicole Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is GREAT for someone with zero OB experience or knowledge! If you are expecting your first or even just expecting a baby soon in general it is fantastic for giving you an overview of what to expect, things that are normal happenings in L&D and postpartum.

If you are in the OB world there is no new info lol. I do enjoy her story telling so it was entertaining to listen to lmfao.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy by netgalley

Was excited to receive this before my due date. A lot of info was not new to me as a nicu nurse, but still informative not only as a first time mom to be and continued education as a nurse. A lot of helpful tidbits and reminders I’ll take with me into labor! Thanks Jen

[Jade Pizarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. As an OB/GYN, I hope all my patients read this book.

[Caitlin Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are eagerly anticipating a new addition to your world, love someone who is, have experienced a birth, anticipate doing so, work in obstetrics or know someone who does, have or know someone with a uterus or had a uterus at one point in their life this is a book that can help you understand and love yourself and those around you better.

I went to nursing school with Jen. We didn't know each other well, but were in the same circles. We were taught and raised as baby nurses by the same professors and hospital environments. She is just as hilarious, empathetic and straightforward in person.

Like her, I found myself and my passion in nursing in the OB world after working in acute and ER settings. There was so much I didn't know when having my own babies...resulting in a lot of birth trauma. That was healed when I became a postpartum nurse and learned the "why"s of the progressions of my labors and miscarriages. I wish I had a plan for advocacy and a nurse like her in those moments. Instead, I make a point to be the nurse I wished I had in those moments for my patients today. If you've ever wanted to see behind the curtain to what I'm like at work, this is the closest thing I've found.

In a world that wants to convince you that you can plan your birth experience to the tiniest detail just like your wedding or baby shower, Jen kindly prepares you for the truth that it just doesn't happen that way. It's good to plan the "vibes," know your core values you want to protect, and assemble a team you trust. It's a truth universally acknowledged in parenting that things rarely go according to plan. Jen provides the language to help you and your loved ones navigate when that happens and walk away feeling empowered and relieved instead of regretful and traumatized. She doesn't hide the scary and embarrassing things, but brings them into the light to help you see them rightly.

To the mommas: You just made a whole new person that your body and the world has never met before. You are on a first date with someone who can't talk to you. Have grace for yourself and each other. I don't think it's presumptuous to say, but Jen and I have learned to hold plans loosely and fiercely protect the core of who and what we love and hope to empower you to do the same. You've got this friend! And I am here for you ♥️