Empty Womb, Aching Heart: Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility

When the professional advice isn't enough, and you've had your fill of well-meaning comments from those who haven't experienced infertility, Marlo Schalesky wants you to know you are not alone. The true stories she tells of couples who share in the collective hopes, fears, frustrations, and the comfort only God can bring will encourage your heart.Our family knows that infertility strikes at the core of what oit means to be a woman or man, it tests marriages, and shakes the faith. This honest, open, and emotionally resonant first-person collection of stories will touch your life, and if you're looking for a good dose of Christ-centered encouragement for the journey of infertility, this is it.We looked for months for a book like this, and we hope you are encouraged like we were.A very highly recommended book!!!

This book is a collection of short stories, based on the experiences of real men and women who struggled with infertility. Each story explores a slightly different aspect of infertility, but all have a strong Christian foundation.Those in the middle of the infertility journey will find this book encouraging and comforting for several reasons. First, stories such as "Crying in the Diaper Aisle" help you to realize that you are neither alone nor crazy - your experience is just the same as many others. Second, this books avoids the all-too-common "and then we had a baby!" happy ending. While all the stories end on a hopeful note, more often than not it is because the characters learn new ways to cope or rely on God for comfort. Finally, both men's and women's perspectives on infertility are addressed. Stories from a man's perspective include a husband whose low sperm count is causing the couple's infertility, and a man who just can't understand his wife's pain.I enjoyed this book tremendously (though I did cry at several of the stories) and felt comforted after reading it. I highly recommend it to couples facing infertility, as well as their family and friends.

I was so thankful to receive "Empty Womb, Aching Heart". It opened my eyes and heart to the pain that is experienced by so many husbands and wives that are struggling with infertility. This is not just a book for these special couples but a "must read" for their friends and family. I cried all the way through it; knowing and understanding, at last, what several friends and a few family members have gone through for so many years, struggling to have their own little bundle of joy. God Bless the Author, Marlo Schalesky, for having the courage to put this book together during what must have been a most difficult time for her. Very educational in its own special way. Thank you!...

This book is incredible. I read it last night and cried through most of it! As a Christian battling infertility, its so nice to hear the message that it's okay to hurt, cry, and be angry. You won't find any Pollyanna cliches about just "trust God" or "have faith." Instead the message is that while, of course, we must trust and have faith, the fact is that infertility is a painful, horrible experience and its okay to grieve this. I feel like I've been given permission to drop my "Happy Christian" mask and just be myself-- grief and all-- with both God and other people.

Along with the pain of not having a child, there is often another--loneliness, the perception that others do not know what you're going through. Schalesky puts arms of understanding around the reader with her book Empty Womb, Aching Heart. The twenty-four stories of those who've wondered "Why NOT me?" lead the reader to comfort and trust in God. This book is a wonderful help for those facing infertility, a wonderful gift from friends who want to help.