Making Friends with your Fertility: A clear and comforting guide to reproductive health, supporting you through the highs and lows of getting . adoption, fostering and remaining child-free

‘A must read… A robust, resilient friend for everyone considering their fertility and an essential addition to any fertility professional’s bookshelf’ Susan Seenan, Chief Executive, Fertility Network UK‘A brilliant and well-written piece of work’ Francesca Steyn, Head of Nursing, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health

From fertility counsellor Tracey Sainsbury and Sarah Rayner (bestselling author of Making Friends with Anxiety, One Moment, One Morning and The Two Week Wait) comes a full and frank guide to reproductive health.

From the onset of periods and puberty, through egg and sperm production and preparing to conceive naturally, to IVF and assisted conception, in Making Friends with your FertilityTracey and Sarah tackle them all with warmth and humour. Together they take you on a journey not just exploring what happens when things go well (through intercourse, orgasm and pregnancy), but also looking at situations where conception is not so straightforward, as it isn’t for 1 in 6 heterosexual couples experiencing infertility or for those who are single or in same sex relationships and keen to have a baby. It's a book not just for those trying to conceive – it’s for all those keen to support them – friends and family, counsellors and healthcare professionals too.

There is clear, concise advice on treatment options such as timed sexual intercourse, IUI and ICSI as well as tips on self-nurturing using alternative therapies, plus guidance on alternate paths to parenthood such as adoption, fostering and surrogacy. There are case histories and tips on funding and finding a clinic. And for those who decide not to parent, there are insights into accepting the decision to remain child free. Plus, drawing on her extensive clinical experience, Tracey shares new ways of explaining the desire to parent, the importance of fantasy and the significant impact of the unconscious.

The result is a handy, practical primer that makes these complex and sometimes distressing issues less confusing and overwhelming, supporting each individual with sensitivity and honesty so they can ‘make friends’ with their own fertility, in whatever form that takes.

* Useful links throughout, plus details of helplines and recommended reads * Fully illustrated by Sarah Rayner * Ongoing online support group available

‘An important and illuminating book, not just for those struggling with fertility, but for anyone keen to better understand the emotional impact of having – or not having – children. It makes complex concepts really accessible. Simply brilliant.’ Anya Sizer, Fertility Coach, Fertility Network UK

‘The text is relaxed and informal, sections are factual and highly informative, packing in details and diagrams that are easy to follow. The illustrations are humorous, wistful and charming, complementing the great warmth of this useful and well-written work. A comprehensive manual that will be of great use to women, couples and prospective grandparents.’ Susan Tranfield, BIO NEWS’

‘A "must read" book... If everybody got given a copy when they first went to their GP to say that they’re struggling to conceive, the world would be a better place.’ Jessica Hepburn, Author and Fertility Pioneer

PRAISE FOR MAKING FRIENDS WITH ANXIETY'Simple, lucid advice on how to accept your anxiety.' Matt Haig, bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive

'Reads like chatting with an old friend; one with wit, wisdom and experience.'Brighton and Hove Independent

PRAISE FOR SARAH RAYNER:

‘Explores an emotive subject with great sensitivity’ Sunday Express

‘Carefully crafted and empathetic’ The Sunday Times

‘I finished the book with tears in my eyes. You won’t be able to put it down!’ Kate Brian, author of The Complete Guide to IVF

From bestselling author Sarah Rayner and Fertility Counsellor Tracey Sainsbury: ‘A comprehensive manual that will be of great use to women, couples and prospective grandparents... The text is relaxed and informal, sections are factual and highly informative, packing in details and diagrams that are easy to follow. The illustrations are humorous, wistful and charming, complementing the great warmth of this useful and well-written work.’ Susan Tranfield, BIO NEWS Sarah Rayner is the author of five novels including the international bestseller, One Moment, One Morning and the two follow-ups, The Two Week Wait and Another Night, Another Day. Friendship is a theme common to Sarah’s novels, and her non-fiction titles too. In 2014 she published Making Friends with Anxiety, a warm and supportive little book to help ease worry and panic. This was followed by a series of books including Making Friends with the Menopause and Making Friends with Depression. In 2017 Sarah set up the small press, creativepumpkinpublishing.com and Making Friends with your Fertility is one of its launch titles. Sarah lives in Brighton with her husband, Tom, and stepson, Seb. You can hook up with her on Facebook, on Twitter and via her author website, www.sarah-rayner.com, where you can sign up for her mailing list and to receive her Making Friends magazine with a free short story and mood-boosting guide. Tracey Sainsbury AMBICA, Acc NCS, RMBACP Tracey is a specialist fertility counsellor working with the Lister Fertility Clinic in London. She has over 20 years’ experience of volunteering and working professionally with fertility-related charities and organisations providing support, advice and information to people exploring their fertility. Tracey lives in Surrey with her husband Jonathan and is blessed, thanks to adoption, with their son, Lewis. You can follow Tracey on Twitter @IVFcounsellor and get in touch via the Facebook group, Making Friends with your Fertility.