Review
'From the start of this book, the first chapter was gripping because the story was so personalised and written in a heartfelt and honest manner. As infertility is such a sensitive and often private subject, the approach taken by the author is refreshing. Thus, this book provides a different dimension for readers when compared to the often, technical descriptions of infertility found within other texts. So the book is more readable than many others and, more fundamentally, the author adds the important component of emotion by discussing the personal psychological impact of infertility. --Health Matters Magazine
'If you read this book you will discover what to expect if you learn that you cannot have babies the easy way. You will also be helped to face what is often the hardest decision for couples struggling to make babies with medical help: how and when to stop trying. Few books on infertility will have so much impact because few authors have Caroline and Bruce's courage to allow the emotional pain of infertility to transform them and their relationship. Much more than an infertility survival guide, Making Babies the Hard Way tracks a journey which starts and ends with love. It is at once a witness statement and an inspiration.' --Dame Suzi Leather, Chair, The Charity Commission, UK, and former Chair, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, UK
'[This book] is a story that makes essential reading for couples hell bent on producing a family and for doctors trying to support them. It s also a useful eye opener for those who are not sure whether they are ready for the robust demands that infertility treatment can make on couples. What s interesting in this couple s story is that Gallups husband Bruce has been diagnosed with azoospermia...but Caroline can still hold out for a genetic child of her own if she is willing to accept a donation of another man s sperm. While the goal pregnancy is the same for both partners, it feels very different, and they become virtually estranged from each other. The book s message is an important one that is often underplayed or even ignored by the medical profession: undergo infertility treatment without thinking through the emotional implications at your peril...' --Dr. Abi Berger, British Medical Journal - 4 star review June 2007
'If you read this book you will discover what to expect if you learn that you cannot have babies the easy way. You will also be helped to face what is often the hardest decision for couples struggling to make babies with medical help: how and when to stop trying. Few books on infertility will have so much impact because few authors have Caroline and Bruce's courage to allow the emotional pain of infertility to transform them and their relationship. Much more than an infertility survival guide, Making Babies the Hard Way tracks a journey which starts and ends with love. It is at once a witness statement and an inspiration.' --Dame Suzi Leather, Chair, The Charity Commission, UK, and former Chair, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, UK
'[This book] is a story that makes essential reading for couples hell bent on producing a family and for doctors trying to support them. It s also a useful eye opener for those who are not sure whether they are ready for the robust demands that infertility treatment can make on couples. What s interesting in this couple s story is that Gallups husband Bruce has been diagnosed with azoospermia...but Caroline can still hold out for a genetic child of her own if she is willing to accept a donation of another man s sperm. While the goal pregnancy is the same for both partners, it feels very different, and they become virtually estranged from each other. The book s message is an important one that is often underplayed or even ignored by the medical profession: undergo infertility treatment without thinking through the emotional implications at your peril...' --Dr. Abi Berger, British Medical Journal - 4 star review June 2007
Product Description
Highly Commended in the Popular Medicine category at the BMA Book Awards 2008. How far would you go to have a baby? Making Babies the Hard Way is a frank account of one couple s discovery that they cannot have children of their own, and their ensuing struggle through four years of fertility treatment. One in six couples worldwide seek assistance to conceive and 80 per cent of couples undergoing fertility treatment are currently unsuccessful. Writing with humour and honesty, Caroline Gallup describes the social, emotional, spiritual and physical impact of infertility on her and her husband, Bruce, including feelings of bereavement for the absent child, the unavoidable sense of inadequacy and the day-to-day difficulties of financial pressure. As well as telling her own moving story, she also offers information and guidance for others who are infertile, or who are considering or undergoing treatment. This courageous and poignant book will be of interest to couples who cannot conceive and those who are undergoing treatment, as well as their families and friends.
