Waves: A Day in the Life of a Sonographer

by Cassandra McGinnity

"A unique and compelling book that takes you on a journey through the waves of fertility from a sonographer's perspective. Fascinating, moving and memorable." - Jessica Hepburn, author of 21 Swimming in search of the meaning of motherhood

It may seem rather archaic to see life in only black and white, but that's what a decade-long career in ultrasound looks like. Exactly 256 shades of gray projected onto a monitor. Every single pixel and sound wave coming together to form an image that will determine the fate of so many lives. Waves follows one day in the life of Cassie, a high risk prenatal sonographer. Hour by hour, patient by patient, she travels through the multiple emotions and chronicles during pregnancy. A complex, yet invaluable story that reveals all the raw feelings and chaos that occurs during a woman's reproductive journey. From joyous excitement to utter devastation; Cassie begins to blur the lines between healthcare and human care. Challenged at times by the healthcare system, she also must navigate her role in ultrasound not only as a provider but as a companion. Her medical career is explored in this up close and personal memoir, that is bound to teach us all something worth knowing.

198 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2024

Reviews

[Annaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an MFM Sonographer myself, I found this book to be incredibly validating to see the emotional and physical challenges of our work so accurately portrayed. This book is not negative, it’s honest. It gives voice to the unspoken mental and emotional weight Sonographers carry every day.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sonographer, I’ve never felt so truly understood as I did while reading this book. It captures so much of our profession, even the smallest nuances of our daily challenges (cue eye roll). The author’s depiction of her internal dialogue in high-pressure situations is profoundly relatable, articulated with raw, unfiltered emotion that transported me back to my own experiences. In many ways, this book provided a sense of comfort, reminding me that beneath our professional facade, we are just human, navigating intense emotions and heartbreaking outcomes every day. I highly recommend it to fellow sonographers and even those outside the field.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sonographer I have never felt like anyone understood what I go through day to day except other sonographers. This book was funny and so realistic at the same time. I always have said that I want to write a book about the stuff we go through. The book itself is written as only what happens during one shift. Imagine that happening every single day, some days being worse than others. Well written!

[BB Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAVES is a beautifully, witty, cathartic insight & immersion, into the rollercoaster of a myriad of fertility journeys through the eyes of a prenatal sonographer. They share our joys, anticipation, loss, pain. They are linked and entwined in all of our fertility stories, whether acknowledged or not.

A MUST read- this is a story and perspective that deserves to be shared.

[Blaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an ultrasound tech and reading about another techs perspective and day was validating! This was written by an OB tech and while I scan OB, it is not to this high risk extent. Still the similarities of the stresses, exhaustion, pain and anxiety of the job are the same. It was well written and truly felt like I was listening to a coworker vent.