Michaela Ryan

What is the key message of your book?

That in many cases, the reasons for a couple’s ‘infertility’ may not be entirely physical. Taking a holistic approach, which includes your emotional health, is the turning point for many couples on their fertility journey.

What advice would you offer readers of your book?

There is always reason to hope. Many couples have gone before you who struggled with exactly the same frustration, grief, anger, desperation… and a seemingly endless battle to conceive. And the vast, vast majority of those couples now have children.

How did the subjects in your book overcome their emotional issues before falling pregnant?

Every single case was different. Some couples took a break from conceiving and took better care of each other. Some couples sought professional help from therapists in various modalities. One lady found that having a good cry with a friend helped her to move past difficult emotions. Several women reached a point where they knew they couldn’t go on as they were, and consciously decided to take on a different mindset.

How are the subjects of your book going now?

Many of the participants in the book found it cathartic to share their stories, knowing that they might give hope to someone going through the same thing. Most couples in the book weren’t planning any more children. However, three ladies wanted to conceive for the second (or third) time – and all three have since fallen pregnant. For two of them it came as a complete surprise. For the other couple it was planned, but the conception took place in the second month of trying, much to their surprise and delight. Now they are all tackling the joys and challenges of raising a young family.