Sophie Martin and her husband have tried everything in their pursuit of parenthood – undergoing several rounds of IVF, spending many thousands of pounds and attending hundreds of hospital visits. Not only that, but Sophie’s job as a midwife working on a maternity ward means she is constantly surrounded by other women birthing babies left, right and centre.
The Infertile Midwife is the story of Sophie’s tumultuous voyage into motherhood: the bursts of hope, the moments of great loss and, somehow, the flashes of humour and love even in the darkest places. Sophie shares her a unique perspective as a woman struggling to conceive whilst going about her daily life job a midwife – and reveals crucial insights into the experience of undergoing infertility treatment, through her professional understanding of the care. From the phrases used to describe infertility (such as ‘incompetent cervix’ and ‘hostile womb’), to the often-patriarchal thinking that still exists within women’s healthcare, The Infertile Midwife also considers the improvements can be made so that this journey might, one day, be less traumatic for everyone.
Mixing together memoir, social commentary and support, The Infertile Midwife is a searingly honest, engaging look at maternity and infertility today. Sophie Martin truly understands the highs and the heartache of trying to build a family, and how both society and medicine sometimes don’t quite know how to handle those whose lives are affected by infertility.
Reviews
A vital, heartfelt read for anyone navigating the rough seas of infertility and pregnancy loss
- Leah Hazard
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.
- Melissa Hemsley
A book that is both heart-breaking and beautiful ... Sophie’s book will be an invaluable source of comfort for anybody living through pregnancy or baby loss
- Pippa Vosper
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
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
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
- Gabriella Griffith, Big Fat Negative podcast
Honest, heart-breaking, and funny; it had me nodding along, crying and laughing in equal measure ... I am just so glad it’s here to support those who need it now
- Elle Wright
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