BOOK REVIEW: Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk
 |
|
“I think that bringing
children into the world is like bringing holiness into the world. Like every
soul has a mission that can only be fulfilled by that individual and we don’t
know what that individual’s mission is and even what our own mission is. We’re
all figuring it out as we go. And I think, yes, it is something that I do for
God in a sense of the work component.” PHOTO CAPTION: Grandchildren race to hunt eggs on Good Friday. (Lovina's Amish Kitchen) [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.shawlocal.com/opinion/2025/04/27/lovinas-amish-kitchen-good-friday-spent-with-family/] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/10/introducing-lovina-eichers-amish-kitchen.html |
“I think that bringing children into the world is like bringing holiness into the world. Like every soul has a mission that can only be fulfilled by that individual and we don’t know what that individual’s mission is and even what our own mission is. We’re all figuring it out as we go. And I think, yes, it is something that I do for God in a sense of the work component.”
― Catherine Pakaluk, Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth
The above is a quote from Catherine Pakaluk’s book: Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. I will post about what this book is about before giving my recommendations; I will post photos of large families from the Anabaptist Trio with quotes in the captions in this blog post.
Hannah's Children: The
Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth Hardcover – 19 March 2024
Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth Hardcover – 19 March 2024
by Catherine Pakaluk (Author)
A portrait of America's most interesting yet overlooked women.
In the midst of a historic "birth dearth," why do some 5 percent of American women choose to defy the demographic norm by bearing five or more children? Hannah's Children is a compelling portrait of these overlooked but fascinating mothers who, like the biblical Hannah, see their children as their purpose, their contribution, and their greatest blessing.
The social scientist Catherine Pakaluk, herself the mother of eight, traveled across the United States and interviewed fifty-five college-educated women who were raising five or more children. Through open-ended questions, she sought to understand who these women are, why and when they chose to have a large family, and what this choice means for them, their families, and the nation.
Hannah's Children is more than interesting stories of extraordinary women. It presents information that is urgently relevant for the future of American prosperity. Many countries have experimented with aggressively pro-natalist public policies, and all of them have failed. Pakaluk finds that the quantitative methods to which the social sciences limit themselves overlook important questions of meaning and identity in their inquiries into fertility rates. Her book is a pathbreaking foray into questions of purpose, religion, transcendence, healing, and growth--questions that ought to inform economic inquiry in the future.
[PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.amazon.com.au/Hannahs-Children-Quietly-Defying-Dearth/dp/1684514576]
 |
|
People always ask me to list my greatest accomplishments, expecting me to rattle off a bunch of movies I've made, but what I'm proudest of is my kids. – Mel Gibson [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.picturequotes.com/people-always-ask-me-to-list-my-greatest-accomplishments-expecting-me-to-rattle-off-a-bunch-of-quote-1024160] |
MY RECOMMENDATION:
Beyond 2050 the world population may start to decrease if women across the world will have, on average, less than 2 children. But that decrease will be slow. - Hans Rosling
As Hans Rosling explained above, the world needs more children as replacement rate. Prof Catherine Pakaluk wrote in her book about having more children as a blessing. I enjoyed this book a lot, that I am reading it for the second time.
The family that works
together, eats together, and prays together, stays together. – Amish Proverb Peirce
and Christina Baehr with their ten children [PHOTO
SOURCE: https://share.google/images/p8rFriqsuJXCHIIkH] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/06/meet-baehr-family-of-pilgrim-hill-in.html
I recommend this book for parents and for those who want to have children, especially those who desire to have a large family.
I think of Hannah of the Bible where she prayed to God for a child, trusting him and she later had 5 more children in addition to the Prophet Samuel:
11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will
indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget
your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the
Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” – I Samuel
1:11 (ESV) [PHOTO SOURCE: https://images.app.goo.gl/zX5j8Rx4WWTq2WJE9]
Prayer for Safe Delivery
O Loving Father in Heaven,
Thank you for blessing us with the gift of new life. Thank you for the blessing of mothers in our lives, especially for [intention]. During this special time of preparation and waiting, we pray for the health and safety of this mother and child as well as all pregnant women and the children they carry. Please bless this mother and all mothers with a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Bring peace and calm to these women during labor and delivery. Help them to turn to You during these times, calling on the Holy Spirit to bring them strength. We ask that you protect these mothers, Lord, so that they may continue to nurture and care for their new babies, raising them to love and serve you all the days of their lives. Please also bless those caring for them at this time. Amen.
[PHOTO SOURCE: https://lifewiththesaints.com/156/a-prayer-for-safe-delivery-prayer-for-pregnant-women/]
https://www.pray.com/articles/6-prayers-for-babies-health-and-safety
What does 1 Samuel 2:21
mean? "And the LORD
visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters.
And the child Samuel grew before the LORD." - 1 Samuel 2:21 The verse 1 Samuel 2:21
in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And the Lord visited
Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the
child Samuel grew before the Lord." This verse comes from a larger passage
that tells the story of Hannah, a woman who was barren and greatly distressed
because she was unable to conceive a child. She prayed fervently to the Lord,
and her prayers were answered when she gave birth to a son, Samuel. The context of this
verse is set in the time of the Judges, a tumultuous period in Israel's
history. Hannah's story takes place in the town of Ramathaim-Zophim, where she
is one of two wives of a man named Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, had
children, which caused Hannah great anguish. However, despite her pain and
longing for a child, she continued to pray to the Lord and express her
faithfulness. In this verse, we see
the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to Hannah. After years of anguish and
prayer, the Lord "visited" her, which can be understood as God
showing favor and granting her the desires of her heart. This visitation
resulted in Hannah conceiving and bearing five children, three sons, and two
daughters. This demonstrates the abundant blessings that the Lord can bestow
upon those who are faithful and seek Him with all their hearts. The verse also
highlights the growth of Samuel, who would go on to become a significant figure
in Israel's history. It is noteworthy that the child Samuel is described as
growing "before the Lord." This suggests that he was being raised in
a manner that was pleasing to God, and that he was being prepared for a special
purpose in the service of the Lord. The themes present in 1
Samuel 2:21 include the faithfulness of God, the power of prayer, and the
fulfillment of promises. Hannah's story is a testament to the fact that God
hears the cries of His people and is able to intervene in their lives in
miraculous ways. It also emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and
steadfast, even in the face of great hardship and despair. Symbolically, Hannah's
story can be seen as a representation of the hope and restoration that God can
bring into the lives of those who trust in Him. The fact that Hannah's
barrenness was reversed and that she was blessed with five children serves as a
powerful symbol of God's ability to bring new life and abundance where there
was once emptiness and lack. Furthermore, the birth
of Samuel holds great significance as he becomes a powerful prophet, priest,
and judge in Israel, playing a crucial role in the transition from the period
of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and King David.
As such, Samuel's growth "before the Lord" can be seen as a symbol of
his dedication and commitment to serving God, as well as the divine guidance
and protection that he would receive throughout his life. In conclusion, 1 Samuel
2:21 is a verse that holds deep meaning and significance within the larger
narrative of the Bible. It serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness
of God, the transformative power of prayer, and the fulfillment of His promises.
The story of Hannah and Samuel continues to inspire and encourage believers to
trust in God's timing and to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that He
is able to bring new life and blessings beyond measure. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://bible.art/meaning/1-samuel-2%3A21] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/05/2025-mothers-day-sermons.html
Behold, children are a
gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. – Psalm 127:3 (NASB) [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=942438447928075&set=a.563324335839490]
The Anabaptist Trio, Faroese Islanders and Israelis also practiced the Four Core Values: Faith, Family, Community and Simple living. They have good family values, they are also described as child centric, having the importance of children and their well-being within the family unit. It is common to see children everywhere in those countries, including babies on strollers. As the writer said:
“Make it easier for churches and religious communities to run schools, succor families, and aid the needs of human life. Religion is the best family policy.” ― Catherine Pakaluk, Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth
LECTURES AND INTERVIEWS WITH CATHERINE PAKALUK:
Having Babies Might Cure Depression | Guest: Dr. Catherine Pakaluk | Ep 1079
612K subscribers
73,643 views Premiered Oct 8, 2024 'Relatable' Full Podcast Episodes
Today, we sit down with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, professor of social research and economic thought, to discuss her book, "Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth." We also talk about how having children is one of life's greatest callings for women, despite society's hostility toward mothers and children. What's really behind the falling birth rates, and how do we reverse the trend? Dr. Pakaluk argues that having kids could even potentially be good for combatting depression. And balancing work, life, and having kids may not be as hard as you might think.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
10:44 How do I know when to stop having kids?
16:00 Work & education with kids
22:50 Women in the workforce
25:10 Falling birth rates
34:25 Overpopulation myth
38:35 Paid maternal leave
41:24 Childlessness and mental health
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_KroM6lt4Q&t=140s
The Truth About Babies, Big Families, And Happiness w/Catherine Pakaluk | Lila Rose Podcast E166
369K subscribers
70,043 views Premiered Nov 26, 2024 The Lila Rose Show
Is overpopulation truly a threat to society, or should we be more concerned about the U.S.'s declining population growth? Does having more children lead to greater happiness? Today, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, Professor of Political Economics at the Catholic University of America, to explore these questions. Rather than focusing on those choosing not to have children, Catherine shifts the spotlight to women who defy the trends—mothers of large families. In this thought-provoking discussion, we delve into what drives these women to grow their families, the surprising ways babies can contribute to mental health and healing, and an unexpected take on the link between resources and population growth.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:04:58 - What was it like starting marriage with 6 children?
00:08:60 - People told us not to have children
00:14:52 - Population in the West/globally?
00:16:26 - What are the consequences of population decline?
00:19:55 - Is overpopulation real?
00:22:23 - People are minds, not just stomachs
00:24:42 - Resources are unlimited
00:26:59 - People don’t breed like rabbits
00:30:05 - I think this is one of the hardest topics I've ever thought about
00:40:04 - Who’s having children today?
00:48:09 - Learning about things we can’t see by the things we can
00:50:20 - God intended economic growth
01:13:53 - Awkward question for America
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzSRbPXKiuc&t=272s
They Will Replace You: What Drives Them? (With Catherine Pakaluk of Hannah's Children)
Based Camp with Simone & Malcolm Collins
33.4K subscribers
7,780 views Mar 17, 2025 Based Camp
Join us in an inspiring conversation with Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, a professor of economics at Catholic University, and author of 'Hannah's Children'. Catherine, a mother of 14 (8 biological and 6 adopted), shares her experiences of motherhood, the purposefulness behind having many children, and insights from her qualitative research on mothers with large families. We discuss the controversy surrounding the book, factors influencing high fertility rates, and the cultural and policy implications of promoting intentional childbearing. Catherine also provides practical advice on parenting, gender roles in large families, and the surprising joys and challenges of raising many children.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:50 Discussing 'Hannah's Children' and Research Insights
01:20 Controversies and Pushbacks
03:20 Intentionality in Parenting
04:39 Pronatalist Interventions and Policies
08:52 High Fertility Families and Cultural Factors
16:25 Parenting Skills and Large Families
18:13 Dating and Family Planning
20:27 Religious Beliefs and Fertility
24:37 Intergenerational Transmission of Values
33:28 Accidental Pregnancies and Birth Control Trends
33:54 Public Schooling and Community Perspectives
34:36 Future of Education and School Choice
35:33 Promoting Pronatalism and Cultural Shifts
36:47 Remote Work and Family Planning
1:27 Gender Roles and Task Sharing in Parenting
46:07 Investing in Children's Skills and Activities
57:12 Sibling Dynamics and Family Politics
58:47 Concluding Thoughts and Book Promotion
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFEZE7XB6mk&t=2125s
https://youtu.be/JFEZE7XB6mk?si=TMOwtU1lfhDPnnY_
NatalCon 2025: Catherine Pakaluk
Apr 18, 2025
Catherine Pakaluk (https://www.x.com/CRPakaluk) is the mother of eight children, professor of political economy at Catholic University of America, & author of Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth Her talk: "Pronatalists, Antinatalists: We're All Malthusians Now"
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUtYFC1O-q0
PHOTOS AND LINKS OF LARGE FAMILIES (average of 5 children each):
 |
|
Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence. - Johann Sebastian Bach The Mel and Katie Stoltzfus family, also known as The Mel Stoltzfus Family, is a singing group from Halifax, PA consisting of Mel, Katie Ann, and their ten children. They are known for their family-style harmonies and gospel music, having joined the Gospel Express Ministries as a singing team in 2017. They have released several musical recordings and are available for bookings through Gospel Express Ministries. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=596158259593239&set=pb.100075972100828.-2207520000] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-stotlzfus-family-musical-group.html |
 |
|
The family that works together, eats together, and prays together, stays together. – Amish Proverb Meet the McCallums, one of Australia's few Amish families Ever wanted to not just slow down, but jump off the grid? A family leaves behind the trappings of the 21st century to lead a simple, pious life in rural Tasmania. Springfield Farm Fresh Produce - McCallum Family [PHOTO SOURCE: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r9BLz6rNjPR59YG99] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-one-of-australias-few.html BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-and-their-community.html BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-mccallum-family-musical-group.html BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/08/springfield-farm-fresh-produce-mccallum.html |
 |
|
17 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 18 For he shall be as a
tree planted by the waters, Gloria Yoder and her family https://amishamerica.com/amish-cook-gloria-yoder-husband-daniel-dies-accident/ https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/03/meet-gloria-yoder-new-order-amish-cook.html |
 |
|
“Make it easier for churches and religious communities to run schools, succor families, and aid the needs of human life. Religion is the best family policy.” ― Catherine Pakaluk, Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth PHOTO CAPTION: In this week's column Lovina shared about her daughter Susan, who has begun dating Ervin. Lovina was kind enough to share this photo with us—what a sweet group! (July 2022) [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=437253091742658&set=pb.100063739112308.-2207520000&type=3] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/10/introducing-lovina-eichers-amish-kitchen.html |
 |
“Where the heart is rightly disposed, it doth not demand any uncommon abilities to discharge family worship in a decent and edifying manner.” – George Whitefield An Amish family gathers for a meal around their kitchen table. | David Turnley/GettyImages [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/misconceptions-about-the-amish] https://churchandfamilylife.com/resources/60ca750123fa965169a3c94e https://www.ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/FamilyWorship.pdf https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/puritanevangelism.pdf https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2019/puritan-evangelism/ |
 |
|
The Israelian Etiya has no less than 9 children. And that’s of great importance. Because the more children, the better, according to the mother: ‘ Every child is a Mitzva. Every extra child makes the people of Israel bigger.’ [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYUQ7K_-Dss] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/12/israels-baby-boom-2024-children-are-joy.html |
 |
|
Event organizers Nathan, left, and Matthias Overholt, brothers from Sarasota, Fla., and their families lead singing during the 12th Anabaptist Identity Conference in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. — Rachel Stella/MWR [PHOTO SOURCE: https://anabaptistworld.org/plain-groups-work-family-bond-resists-worldly-ways/] |
 |
The family that works together, eats together, and prays together, stays together. – Amish Proverb Amish Family ~ Sarah’s Country Kitchen [PHOTO SOURCE: https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/amish-family-sarahs-country-kitchen--412853490835064682/ … …. https://images.app.goo.gl/8tVWbUpRXLnwRZ6X7] https://mommyish.com/the-big-family-backlash-is-having-a-dozen-kids-selfish-717/ |
KINDERWELT LINKS:
“The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.” - Mario Puzo
JOHN TROYER MEMORIAL REPORT 2025
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/10/john-troyer-memorial-report-2025.html
“A father’s holy life is a rich legacy for his sons.” - Charles Spurgeon
JOHN TROYER MEMORIAL AWARD
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/07/john-troyer-memorial-award.html
The Hebrew phrase for "children are a joy" is "ילדים הם שמחה" (yeldim hem simcha). "ילדים" (yeldim) means "children", and "שמחה" (simcha) means "joy" or "gladness". Israel is the only OECD countries that have the highest fertility rate of 2.91 per woman.
From September 2023 to September 2024, about 183,000 babies were born in Israel, meaning that more than 400 babies were born per day. There was a similar case in 2022, in its annual Amish population study, the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College estimates that 1,450 Amish babies were born in Lancaster County last year. Only 145 Amish of all ages died. That population increase of 1,305 brought the total number of Amish living here to 44,315. There were more Amish births than deaths in that state.
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/12/israels-baby-boom-2024-children-are-joy.html
15 And
he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and
Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in
them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and
let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” - Genesis 48:15-16
(ESV)
ISRAEL’S CHILDREN WORLD: THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWS ON THE RISE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/06/israels-children-world-ultra-orthodox.html
“Our children are the only treasures we can take to heaven.”
AMISH BABY BOOM PART 1 – PROVERBS ABOUT CHILDREN
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/10/amish-baby-boom-part-1-proverbs-about.html
Who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart. – Danish Proverb
AMISH BABY BOOM PART 2 - CANADIAN AMISH ON THE RISE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/07/amish-baby-boom-part-2-canadian-amish.html
11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” – I Samuel 1:11 (ESV)
Our home joys are the most delightful earth affords, and the joy of parents in their children is the most holy joy of humanity. - Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/05/2025-mothers-day-sermons.html
Honor the house in which you were born, the tree that gave you shade, and the village where you were raised. – Swedish Proverb
THE FAROE ISLANDS: CHILDREN’S WORLD IN EUROPE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-faroe-islands-childrens-world-in.html
Children are a poor man’s wealth. – Danish Proverb
THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF THE FAROE ISLANDS
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-adopted-children-of-faroe-islands.html
Beyond 2050 the world population may start to decrease if women across the world will have, on average, less than 2 children. But that decrease will be slow. - Hans Rosling
BIRTHGAP – CHILDLESS WORLD DOCUMENTARY FILM
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/09/birthgap-childless-world-documentary.html
Comments
Post a Comment