There is much information available on the processes required when you need help with conception - but what about the other side - the emotions and decisions that have to be made along this journey?

Many people find the road to having a family is not the smooth one they always expected. Whether there is an unforeseen physical problem, the lack of a suitable partner, or no problem that can be diagnosed, many people wind up seeking help. Pamphlets and brochures are handed out, but there is also a whole world of emotions and decisions to be worked through by all those involved, and this book explores that aspect of this complex process.

From coming to terms with not being able to provide your partner with a child that belongs to just the two of you, or cultural resistance to the idea of IVF or donors, to the growing numbers of single women and same-sex couples who wish to become parents every bit as much as heterosexual couples, this book looks into the range of options and emotions to be thought about, with the long-term good of the hoped-for child always at front of mind.

The author, who went through her own infertility trauma, later worked as a counsellor at a fertility clinic for almost 20 years, and has talked to many people in many different circumstances, shares a wide range of experiences in these pages.

There are case studies throughout, and each chapter ends with two practical bullet lists: Things to Think About; and Things That Might Help.