The Baby Wait

April 21, 2014
In this practical and insightful guide, Sharkey, codirector of WLN Trading Ltd., which distributes the Maybe Baby Saliva Ovulation Test in Ireland and the U.K., who tried to get pregnant for nine years, explores the physical and emotional dimensions of infertility. Urging women to learn about their own fertility, Sharkey discusses charting, nutrition, and exercise. More significantly, the author considers the “emotional layer cake” of hopefulness and grief, and gives the reader permission to feel frustrated with pregnant friends. Sharkey shares some details of her story, recounting, for example, the afternoon when, at lunch with a mother of three, she felt the sudden devastation of a late period coming. Indeed, even more autobiographical vignettes would have been welcome. Sharkey’s voice is astute, and appropriately funny: speaking of why she hates the term “missed miscarriage,” she explains that it “sounds like it has slipped your mind that you were supposed to miscarry.” Readers may wish to hand out copies of the very useful concluding chapter on how to help a friend who struggles with infertility. This book is a welcome addition to the pregnancy and parenting shelves.