When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden : Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility by Sandra Glahn and William Cutrer, MD

Reviewer: Allison Martin When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden is a thoughtful and sympathetic discussion of infertility issues with a Christian perspective. It is written by a former board member of RESOLVE and an obstetrician/gynecologist who is also an ordained minister. The authors blend scripture and true stories with practical therapeutic suggestions for both partners of a couple coping with infertility. Moral questions and emotional feelings are addressed head on, in this well crafted book. The pervasive humor, honesty and knowledge of the authors is enlightening as well as entertaining. When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden begins by focusing on strengthening the marital relationship which is stressed by infertility, as well as each individuals self image. Several chapters addressing the similarities and differences between men and women in their reaction to this situation and provides immediately practical suggestions for coping together. A chapter on choosing and interacting with your physician provides good advice in this difficult area. Then the book plunges into intense discussions of dealing with emotions, crises of faith, ignorant comments, and scriptural insight into infertility. The last third of the book addresses specific infertility issues - conception, egg donation, pregnancy loss, and even adoption - from a personal and Christian perspective. Example quote from the book on insensitive comments: Every fertility patient deals with it. In fact, whenever I sit in a room full of quiet patients, I've found a quick way to get conversation going. I ask, "Has anyone ever made an insensitive remark to you about your infertility?" At first they give me the "duh" look, which says the stupidity of my question is onpar with "Has Oprah ever been on a diet?" After that momentary pause, they all stumble over each other trying to be the first to tell their horror stories. They proceed, one-upping each other with, "You think that's bad? My mother-in law said..." and greeting each story with a chorus of sympathetic gasps. Example quote from the book on faith: Yet despite our ignorance of God's mysteries, we may find comfort in His love and in the knowledge that even this suffering passed through His hands before He allowed it to touch us. In these circumstances, our simple prayer becomes, "Lord, this stinks: I don't understand it but I trust You." When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden : Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility by Sandra Glahn and William Cutrer, MD. 1997. Broadman & Holman Publishers; ISBN: 0805461272 Order Book Now $10.39 . How your purchase can help

Home || Adoption || Infertility || Infertility Books

When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden. Http://www.comeunity.com/adoption/infertiltybkemptyarms.html