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IVF: An Emotional Companion
An Emotional Companion is an invaluable, personal support, based on women's first hand experiences, for anyone struggling to conceive.
Sharing the real life stories of 20 women who have worked their way through fertility and conception problems, this book is a lifeline for women and couples everywhere wanting to have a an honest, inspirational and comforting read promising to help get you through the roller coaster that is fertility treatment.
According to official figures, one in six couples have problems conceiving and more women than ever before are now considering in vitro fertilisation. It's not just physically taxing and expensive, but the emotional strain can at times be unbearable. Having to make lots of emotionally-charged decisions at every turn is Should I push my GP to refer me for investigations? Are we ready for IVF? Should we try natural methods first? What shall we do now the treatment has failed?
To help you work through these decisions, An Emotional Companion explains how others in similar situations have tackled these challenges and come through.
Sharing the real life stories of 20 women who have worked their way through fertility and conception problems, this book is a lifeline for women and couples everywhere wanting to have a an honest, inspirational and comforting read promising to help get you through the roller coaster that is fertility treatment.
According to official figures, one in six couples have problems conceiving and more women than ever before are now considering in vitro fertilisation. It's not just physically taxing and expensive, but the emotional strain can at times be unbearable. Having to make lots of emotionally-charged decisions at every turn is Should I push my GP to refer me for investigations? Are we ready for IVF? Should we try natural methods first? What shall we do now the treatment has failed?
To help you work through these decisions, An Emotional Companion explains how others in similar situations have tackled these challenges and come through.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
13 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 19, 2018
I have been recommending this book to my entire support group from the moment I began reading it. When I got my diagnosis that ivf was our only option, I was ruined, I had no hope. I stumbled onto this book, and threw my tears, new hope emerged. Not all of the short stories related to me at all, but they all share one common thing - hope. Every family persevered through such difficult and draining times, and ended up with the one thing we all want, a family. I cannot speak highly enough of this book.
February 5, 2013
This is a really lovely and compassionately written book, filling a neglected gap. Books on the technicalities of fertility treatments are a dime a dozen, but books offering emotional support are harder to find.
I didn't read all of the stories, only the ones I related to personally (probably about 7 out of 20+). Each person's story is briefly introduced by the editor, and then wrapped up with some informative commentary on a particular topic the woman's story featured (PCOS, male-factor infertility, etc) and, if you are in the UK, resources.
Of note: The book is open-minded enough to include a same-sex couple's story, and a single-mother-by-choice's story. There are 20+ stories, and there is probably at least one story every reader can relate to (I was surprised to find my own situation mirrored in the editor's experience, which she relates in the introduction).
There are no miracle cures promised, no false hopes pressed on you, no religious preaching. Just sincere compassion and empathy from people who have gone through the IVF experience (with various degrees of success).
Personally I found it a really helpful and positive read.
Tip: Get comfortable and cozy in a private spot, with a box of tissues handy, before reading.
I didn't read all of the stories, only the ones I related to personally (probably about 7 out of 20+). Each person's story is briefly introduced by the editor, and then wrapped up with some informative commentary on a particular topic the woman's story featured (PCOS, male-factor infertility, etc) and, if you are in the UK, resources.
Of note: The book is open-minded enough to include a same-sex couple's story, and a single-mother-by-choice's story. There are 20+ stories, and there is probably at least one story every reader can relate to (I was surprised to find my own situation mirrored in the editor's experience, which she relates in the introduction).
There are no miracle cures promised, no false hopes pressed on you, no religious preaching. Just sincere compassion and empathy from people who have gone through the IVF experience (with various degrees of success).
Personally I found it a really helpful and positive read.
Tip: Get comfortable and cozy in a private spot, with a box of tissues handy, before reading.
June 11, 2014
Written in the UK and a few years old but still relevant to this Australian reader. Real stories eloquently told and artfully contextualised. I liked the calm reflective tone and was grateful that it wasn't at all sensationalised. I probably wouldn't recommend it to fertility treatment newbies, most of the stories are of long and painful journeys, but among the stories there is a good diversity of experiences and treatment outcomes. I especially appreciated the inclusion of stories of people who had been through treatments but remained childless.
November 28, 2015
I gave this book a 4 star as in 'I liked it' … it's well worth the read just to ask yourself some questions about your emotional state and what if scenarios … I can see myself dipping in and out of it again should any of the circumstances detailed in the book come up during our treatment.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews