Books to help others understand

[Jamon]

My mum hasn't got a clue about infertility or IVF. She conceived four children effortlessly.

We about to start IVF after almost two years of trying and I think my mum thinks it's some kind of magic guaranteed baby bullet.

I want her to understand a bit more about what I'll go through and what it involves and that whilst it increases our chances it doesn't guarantee anything.

If anyone's got any good book recommendations that explain it straightforwardly, I think that would be a good start for her.

Did others involve their mum much also? I don't think I want other people knowing dates or timings. The TWW will be bad enough with mine and DH expectations to manage.

I don't know if any books that might be of use. I've explained to some people the mechanics of it but you can't make someone empathise. I've found that it's difficult for people to relate if they've found it easy to have children or aren't even thinking of having any. Just don't take it personally if they make some thoughtless or hurtful comments as they are generally completely unintentional or actually intended to be helpful (e.g. I'm sure it'll work/ you can always adopt etc).

In terms of telling people, our families and some friends know and I find a lot of people supportive. To us it's just another medical intervention like a back operation etc As such, we haven't felt the need to be particularly secretive but we don't bang on about it to all and sundry either.

Having said that, each couple is different so you need to discuss what's going to work for you.

Hi OP, when my best friend was going through infertility I read The Infertility Survival Guide by Judith Daniluk and found it helpful.