Overview

The path to parenthood is deeply personal. When that journey twists and stalls, it can feel impossibly lonely. Yet connection, courage and hope can be found, often in the stories of those who have taken the road before us. The Waiting Room exists because too many people experience infertility, loss and longing in silence. Every day in the UK, there are hundreds of miscarriages, about seven stillbirths, ten terminations for medical reasons and five neonatal deaths. Around 1 in every 80 pregnancies in the UK is ectopic. Globally, 1 in 6 couples face infertility at some point in their lives. Yet, the silence around the hospital visits and heartbreak remains. What happens after the negative pregnancy tests, the first miscarriage, the failed round of IVF, the ectopic pregnancy or the stillbirth? What is it like to pursue adoption, surrogacy or donor conception, or come to terms with a life without children? Drawing on dozens of honest, hopeful, bravely shared accounts, Audrey Ward curates a selection of stories – including her own – from those whose journeys to (or away from) parenthood were anything but simple, to help answer all these questions, and more. So, join us in The Waiting Room, a place of comfort, advice and connection, for anyone who has ever felt that parenthood is painfully out of reach.

Full Product Details

9780008781781

Table of Contents

Reviews

'I have such admiration for Audrey for writing this book, and for all those who contributed, who generously shared their stories and, in the gift of their honesty, are proving just how valuable difficult conversations are.' From the Foreword by Marina Fogle, writer, broadcaster, Co-founder of The Bump Class and Brand Ambassador for Tommy's 'An important book that women need to read because pregnancy is not always as easy or straightforward as we are led to believe … The warmth of emotion and affection these pages and stories convey will help to guide hundreds of families who face this exciting, yet rocky adventure, with eyes wide open.' Edwina Dunn, Founder of The Female Lead 'A deeply moving book that captures the reality of the fertility journey. Drawing on powerful personal stories, it shines a light on experiences too often hidden or misunderstood.' Sharon Martin, Interim CEO, Fertility Network UK 'A wonderful compilation of personal stories, really bringing to life the range of complex emotional journeys people can go on when trying to conceive.' Nina Barnsley, Director at Donor Conception Network 'These voices, often unheard, bring honesty to an experience that is too often carried in silence. This book reminds you that you are not alone, and that even in the most difficult moments, there is connection, resilience and hope to be found.' Shaun Greenaway, Co-founder of NeXYs Fertility

'I have such admiration for Audrey for writing this book, and for all those who contributed, who generously shared their stories and, in the gift of their honesty, are proving just how valuable difficult conversations are.' From the Foreword by Marina Fogle, writer, broadcaster and Co-founder of The Bump Class 'A wonderful compilation of personal stories, really bringing to life the range of complex emotional journeys people can go on when trying to conceive.' Nina Barnsley, Director at Donor Conception Network 'These voices, often unheard, bring honesty to an experience that is too often carried in silence. This book reminds you that you are not alone, and that even in the most difficult moments, there is connection, resilience and hope to be found.' Shaun Greenaway, Co-founder of NeXYs Fertility

Author Information

Audrey Ward is the former Head of Book Serialisations at The Sunday Times, where she worked as an editor and writer for 16 years. A qualified solicitor and mediator, she has also served as a Trustee for Surrogacy UK and hosted live events for The Times, the Women’s Irish Network and SXSW.

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