'A vital, heartfelt read for anyone navigating the rough seas of infertility and pregnancy loss' - Leah Hazard, author of Hard Pushed

An insightful, moving memoir, capturing life working as a midwife in a busy NHS hospital at the same time as dealing with experiences of infertility, IVF and loss.

As a young married couple, Sophie Martin and her husband spent years trying to conceive. They went through several rounds of IVF, at great expense, and even travelled overseas for treatment, never quite knowing whether they would one day have a family. Alongside this, Sophie was working hard at a job she loved: looking after expectant mothers and newborn babies as a midwife in a busy hospital, where the patients' daily new additions were a constant reminder of Sophie's own setbacks in pursuit of motherhood.

The Infertile Midwife is a deeply personal, moving account of chasing something that you want so desperately. It also offers a much-needed look at how society treats infertility - from the language we use to the small talk we make - and the ways in which we can all do more to make things better for hopeful parents. With great warmth and honesty, Sophie shares her experiences of the bursts of hope and moments of great loss, but also the humour, love and joy that can be found in even the darkest places.

About the Author
Sophie Martin (@the.infertile.midwife) is a registered midwife and worked in a London hospital for ten years before moving to a hospital in Essex. Sophie's wider experience of infertility and baby loss informs her practice, and has led to her being approached by organisations such as Emma's Diary and My Surrogacy Journey to provide a professional overview. Every October, Sophie curates and delivers a series of online talks and interviews to coincide with Baby Loss Awareness Week, during which she's been in conversation with guests such as Elizabeth Day and Izzy Judd. Sophie lives in Essex with her husband and young son.

Reviews
Sophie's words provide a supportive lighthouse of hope for many. She is gifted at starting and facilitating the conversations ensuring those who feel like they sit in the shadows of other people's celebrations are supported, seen and validated. She holds up a microphone to the stories that need to be heard, generously sharing her own along the way. * Anna Mathur *
I read Sophie's words with tears, a lump in my throat, much nodding and laughter too. This beautifully-written, tender book has captured so much of what I experienced and, when women share, it's incredibly comforting and empowering. I hope her book plays a part in the women's healthcare revolution that the world so needs * Melissa Hemsley *
A vital, heartfelt read for anyone navigating the rough seas of infertility and pregnancy loss. * Leah Hazard *
An important, insightful book for midwives and anyone interested in birth ... Well written, deeply personal [it's] a story that will resonate with many readers. This is an important story to tell and highlights, also, the importance of language used around birth. * Anna Kent *
'The Infertile Midwife by Sophie Martin is a deeply personal account of infertility and loss, love and joy. I am so glad Sophie has shared the story of her three beautiful sons and I know it will help many, many readers. It was an honour to read this book.' -- Marianne Levy * Marianne Levy *
No one wants to have a story like this to tell. But Sophie does it with honesty and bravery. Heartache and hope jump off every page. She's given her little boys the centre stage they deserve. Hard to read at times but important that we do. -- Gabby Griffith * Big Fat Negative podcast *
Honest, heart-breaking, and funny; it had me nodding along, crying and laughing in equal measure. It's the book I was desperately searching for six years ago, and I am just so glad it's here to support those who need it now. Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your most personal heartache and your professional knowledge with us all. -- Elle Wright



Book Information
ISBN 9781837830640
Author Sophie Martin
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Quadrille Publishing Ltd
Publisher Quadrille Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 380g