After surviving the physical and emotional trauma of 14 IVFs, with three different egg donors and two surrogates, Cathy Raubenheimer is well qualified to lift the dark veil of secrecy, ignorance and taboo that continues to hang over the subject of infertility.
Even though infertility directly affects one in every six couples worldwide (a statistic far higher than the current infection rate of the Covid-19 pandemic), its devastating psychological impact is mostly kept private and seldom openly discussed.
Through her very open and honest first-hand account of her seven-year struggle to conceive, titled Abundantly Empty, Cathy hopes to help remove the stigma, improve understanding and provide inspiration to others on how to cope and keep moving forward.
Abundantly Empty delves deep into the world of infertility and offers an insightful 360-degree perspective, with informative contributions from leading fertility specialists, including Professor Thabo Matsaseng, and her clinical psychologist, as well as input from her husband Julian, family and friends. The egg donors and surrogates share their experiences too.
In clear, direct ‘journal’ language, the book traces the highs and lows, the elation and intense grief of the infertility rollercoaster. It also explores its impact on Cathy’s marriage, her friendships and her career.
The primary reason for writing this book, Cathy says, was to send a ‘You are not alone’ message to other couples battling to start a family, to break the silence and increase understanding of what it takes to survive infertility and retain hope, courage and meaning.
Abundantly Empty is an emotionally gripping, heart-warming and useful must-read not just for those on the fertility journey, but also for those on the sidelines who want to provide support, but don’t know how.
Paperback and E-Book available on Amazon or directly from the Author. Book stores to follow.