Nurturing Whole Health; You, Your Baby and God in the First Year

Margaret Rash reviews a practical guide to a healthy start for you and your baby during the first 12 months as a new mom. 

Nurturing Whole Health; You, Your Baby and God in the First Year 

By Nicole Lea, RN, CPNP and Kathryn Italia, MD  

Published by Hello Eema

Nurturing Whole Health is a practical guide for both physical and spiritual health through the first year of motherhood. It has the feel of a Scripture-filled, prayerful devotional for new moms, combined with the practical advice of experienced mothers and medical professionals. The authors impart their wisdom and experiences with candor and charity as they walk the reader through various aspects of raising a child during that first year of life.

Please note: Although this book is written by medical professionals, all medical opinions offered are for general information and should not be considered medical advice. The reader should consult their own healthcare professional for any questions or concerns. Also, Catholic Mom never offers medical advice. Please contact your medical team for any questions regarding the health of your child or yourself.

Another important note: For the purposes of illustrating possible worst-case scenarios, the authors have included anecdotes which include infant injury and death. Reading these portions of this book may be distressing for some readers.

What is Whole Health?

The writing style of the books is conversational and personal. The authors share their individual journeys through motherhood, stories from the lives of the Saints, and offer practical advice for each of the stated four pillars of “Whole Health”: spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive health.

The book bridges a gap often found in pregnancy and parenting advice. We are both bodies and souls. The human body and soul are not in opposition to each other; we are not souls trapped in a body. Jesus tells us that our bodies will be raised at the final resurrection.

This book posits that to embrace a healthy lifestyle for the whole person, we must address our spiritual health along with our physical health.

Through motherhood, we unite our plan with God’s vision, helping our children grow in His love while nurturing them with tenderness, compassion, and patience. (p. 26)

Encouraging Devotional and Practical Guide

The chapters include an abundance of references to Scripture, the teachings of the Catholic Church, quotes from the saints, and each ends with a prayerful reflection with questions to take to prayer and action items/resolutions for the reader.

Though I cannot speak specifically to the medical opinions offered, the authors do include information in the area of physical and mental health as well, bringing it all together with spiritual health and our relationship with God.

The authors include practical ways to incorporate and introduce the Faith even during the infant stage, as well as advice on everything from safe sleep, baby proofing, and introducing solids, to skincare for the new mom and discussion of postpartum depression.

During times of trial, anxiety, or uncertainty,may we turn to God as Mary did and accept His way. We can have assurance that through all the storms, He will not leave us. He will guide us and keep us ever close to Him. (p. 189)

Nurturing Whole Health is a well-structured and practical guide for any new mom.

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Copyright 2026 Margaret Rash
Images: Canva
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