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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17225 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

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

About the Author
Caroline Gallup is a freelance writer who lives in London, UK, with her husband. She has written newspaper articles on fertility that have been printed in The Independent and the Daily Mail.

Customer Reviews

Making Babies the hard way - it is very true
I have read quite a few books on the challenge of infertility and fertility treatment and none of them capture the emotional, financial and relationship issues as well as this one does. A brilliant part talks about the unhelpful things that people say and the helpful things that people say and should be read by everyone who is touched by fertility issues amongst family and friends.
It really was like listening to my own personal dilemma's, thoughts, hopes and fears in a very real and honest way.
I am so greatful to Caroline and Bruce for having the courage to tell it like it is.

A searingly honest account of what infertility treatment really involves
This book is a 'must read' for anyone considering or having fertility treatment, and for their friends,relatives and professionals. The different treatments available and what they involve are clearly explained and very useful, but what is most relevant and graphically described was the impact of comments made by well meaning friends, family and even experts - as well as the cumulative effects of the treatment itself - on the couple's relationship. We get the 'his and hers' points of view, so it's not just an eye opener, but a real tear-jerker too.

wonderful book-highly recommended
A wonderful book. A sensitive and touching account of a couples struggle to have a family. I really felt the highs and lows,and in her honesty and beautiful story telling caroline gallop 'invites' us into her world.It is educational and informative; and the issues covered, current in a world where infertility is becoming more and more prevailent. In sharing her story Im sure Caroline Gallop will inspire and encourage many other couples experiencing a similar situation.Highly recommended,and would be a useful read for medical practioners also.