Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility

To me, this book is a gold-standard, must-read for anyone experiencing infertility or who have friends/family experiencing it. It gave me so much more insight into a condition I thought I understood and also offered simple explanations to very complex emotions and concepts that were very eye opening to me. I read the book and then my mom also read it, so we were able to have a more informed & supportive conversation around a difficult issue. Most infertility-related websites devolve into anxious conversations of acronyms around treatment options rather than educating or supporting you or teaching you how to find peace. This book is different and INVALUABLE because it's just the opposite: it teaches you about the conditions, social & emotional ramifications, and then skills on how to deal with it, plus information on treatment options. I'm eternally grateful for this book and would recommend it to anyone.

This was an incredibly encouraging read for me. Currently in our 20th month trying to conceive and having gone through treatments, heartbreak, frustration, anger, etc., this book was so refreshing. I've read a couple other books about Infertility, but none of them really delve into the real emotion of the experience and how to cope. This book having been written by three psychologists who all went through infertility, they get into the nitty gritty of why you feel what you feel and that it's OK. The chapter about grieving the loss of what you always dreamed your "Reproductive Story" would be had me crying. Anyone trying to conceive has this image built up about how it's all going to fall into place, and when it doesn't, that dream needs to be grieved. This chapter was especially hard for me but so rewarding at the same time. The last paragraph of the book has what I think is the best description of how this book was written. They say, "Whether you are still involved in treatment, have become a parent through alternate means, or have decided to remain childfree, your infertility trauma will become but one strand in the fabric of your reproductive life. As you continue to live and rewrite your story in the times to come, we hope you will find peace." Wonderfully encouraging book. I will definitely recommend this book to any and everyone I know going through Infertility.

I have been TTC for over two years and although I haven't experienced ALL the emotions - I have experienced the emotional roller coaster. This book really helped me understand those feelings as well as feelings I have yet felt. It also helps you to understand YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! I've now started When Empty Arms Become a heavy Burden - and looking forward to continuing my "healing" through this difficult time called INFERTILITY! Remember - God is never EARLY and He is never LATE!!!

I love how this was written from a psychology perspective. This book contains a lot of truths and good points I'd never really thought about before, such as your reproductive story, your expectations and how they differ. I felt like my feelings were validated, and there's a freedom in accepting yourself and allowing yourself to feel emotions, even the ones that you feel guilty about. Anger, depression, jealousy, etc... they're all normal. I highly recommend this book, I have read several books on infertility and I am sure I will refer to this book in the future, as it covers the entire journey.

I never write reviews but the impact this book has had on my marriage and our battle with infertility was worth sharing. I had reached a point of repeated disappointment and lost all hope. This book helped me to understand what I was feeling, that others felt the same way too and to ask myself and my husband some very difficult questions. The writers speak from experience (they all had infertility) and really understand what you are going through. The examples are real and heart touching, after completing the book I have a true understanding of all the fear, confusion and shame that infertility can bring, how to cope with it and newly restored hope of having a child.

The book was wonderful in that it helps those going through fertility problems to know they are not alone and that their feelings are normal. Our daughter and son-in-law have been through it all and are now starting the adoption process. They read the book and asked me to read it also. I could only read one chapter at a time because of the sadness I felt for those in the book as well as relating it all to my daughter. The last chapter was very uplifting however, and is what keeps our daughter going. "It will happen. You will have a baby"!"

My husband and I struggled with IF for almost 6 years. The authors of this book were at an adoption conference a few years back; they were there to help attorneys understand just where adoptive couples were coming from in terms of emotions from infertility, etc.. My father was one of those attorneys in attendance, and he gave us this book as a gift. If I could, I would give it to every.single.person. that I meet. It helped me come to terms with my feelings and frustrations, and recognize that I really was 'normal' after all. I was especially appreciative of my family members who took the time to read it as well - I actually received apologies (for things they had said to us)from them! I currently teach a class to prospective adoptive parents, and I always recommend this book to those couples that seem to be struggling the most. I've even just had to purchase my third copy to replace the other two that haven't been returned! Thank you for such a phenominal book!

Just wasnt the right book for me I needed insight and help about moving forward with life being child free now after deciding I cant go through more IVF and it wasnt the right book for me skipped over it didnt hold my interest at all.

This book covers many aspects in overview. It offers some simple strategies. A good book to have along your journey.