The term "antepartum" is not often used but is crucial to understand. It refers to the period in pregnancy before a birth. Antepartum mothers have unique needs that are often ignored by chaplains and others in ministry. Inez Cotton, working with hospital chaplains, developed a procedure and resources to benefit future mothers. "Triumphant Hope in the Midst of Despair" describes the process used to develop these resources and how they were implemented in a hospital setting.
This book is a valuable resource, not only for hospital chaplains, but for everyone who desires to minister to an antepartum mother, including pastors, church staff, family, and friends.
As a chaplain and educator, Inez Cotton presents her book to several audiences. Aimed at supporting hospital patients that are with child, Cotton journals her doctoral thesis chronicling leadership and supportive spiritual, theological principals and encouragement tactics for the family, church, and other community venues. Written from a Christian perspective, "Triumphant Hope in the Midst of Despair" welcomes and challenges us to listen more and garner new avenues of hope and affirmation to women who are anticipating birth. The book provides several creative activities for support systems needed for a group of women who are often silent "ladies in waiting."