'Having a baby has got to be the ultimate roller-coaster of thrills, fears and dreams,' observes Jane Bullivant. 'I developed a whole new hobby, lying awake wondering, panicking and hogging the entire duvet.'

This manual for mums and mums-to-be spans the whole period from conception to life with a baby, including prayer for your unborn child, coping with hormone swings, keeping in touch with your partner, dealing with the fears of childbirth and miscarriage, maintaining your self-respect and managing your priorities.

What does it really mean to place your baby in God's hands?