Big Fat Negative: The Essential Guide to Infertility, IVF and the Trials of Trying for a Baby

by Emma Haslett, Gabby Griffith

'This book is totally brilliant - informative, sensitive, funny and wise. Reading it is like talking to a fairy godmother who also happens to be a gynaecologist and expert on all things fertility' Sophia Money-CouttsBig Fat Negative (BFN) - a term commonly used on internet forums to refer to a negative pregnancy test.Infertility can be a lonely journey. One in every six couples will struggle to conceive but, despite this, many don't feel comfortable talking openly about their experiences and sharing what they are going through. As a result, they feel isolated and alone.It doesn't have to be this way. By talking, laughing and shouting about our experiences we can start to lift the cloak of shame that so often engulfs those going through it. Big Fat Negative does just that. This no-nonsense, honest guide to infertility from the hosts of the Big Fat Negative podcast smashes the taboo around this isolating and heartbreaking illness, offering first-hand experience, an understanding voice when friends don't get it, expert advice, reassurance for when you feel alone and - most importantly - humour when it you need it the most. Using first-hand accounts of the various hurdles of infertility, from work to diagnoses and IVF, coupled with advice from leading experts, Big Fat Negative will hold your hand on the not-so simple journey to motherhood - helping you to face and defeat the trials of trying for a baby.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2022

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for those struggling with infertility. Incredibly helpful, informative, and engaging. All the anecdotes and experiences are very relatable.

The book is UK-focussed, especially the admin-y chapters about how to find a clinic, so it would be particularly helpful for those in the UK.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not pregnant for people in my real life who follow me lol. I think in another life I’d be a midwife or a gyno, I just find all this so interesting

[Rhian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for myself having listened to the BFN podcast from the beginning of our ttc journey- it’s as if I knew I would be needing it one day! The book is fantastic. Emma and Gabby really get what it’s like to go through infertility struggles and IVF because of their own lived experiences. The book is comforting in that way as you feel you are not alone but they have also included so much reliable information from experts we can trust which makes it an incredible resource as my husband and I embark on our first IVF cycle. Thank you very much Emma and Gabby for the BFN podcast and for writing this book!

[Emma Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Gabby’s podcast provided great comfort to me while trying for a baby. Month by month faced with negative tests (over the period of 2020-2022), I found them to be so insightful, truthful and likeable. Therefore when they released this book I just had to buy it, and I’m so pleased I did. Much like their podcast, I fully recommend this book to anyone TTC/struggling with fertility as the information and stories Emma and Gabby have written will make you feel less alone in your ‘jourrrrney!’

[Aimee Barriball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I had friends going through infertility and IVF and I wanted to understand the process and find ways to support them. This book is fantastic for both those involved in fertility treatments and supporters, it’s informative and the chapters are well laid out to easily take in information. I highly recommend also listening to their podcast.

[Laura Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read. Thank you Emma and Gabby. Your podcast has got me through years of struggles. This book is just so inspiring and informative in the way your podcasts are. Love you both millions. Thank you.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good compilation of lots of useful info delivered with humour and heart.

[Ana Moreno Amaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend this book to anyone that has been trying for longer than they wanted to or knows someone suffering from infertility. Great insights!

[Danielle Wagstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many relatable anecdotes, an informative and often humorous way to cut through much of the crap on r/tfab. Very UK centric but useful nonetheless.

[Tessa Manger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two. Loved the podcast so read their book. Audiobook is read by them.