The path to parenthood is deeply personal, especially when problems are involved, but there is hope to be found in the stories of others. The Waiting Room sheds light on the shared struggles that too often go unspoken.

With one in six couples globally struggling with infertility, we’re all aware that the path to parenthood can often be far from straightforward, yet the silence surrounding these issues can often make it feel like a road travelled alone. It’s often only when we are collectively brave enough to share our experiences that it becomes clear how common issues with conception can be.

So, what does happen after the failed pregnancy tests, the first miscarriage, the unsuccessful round of IVF, the ectopic pregnant or stillbirth? What’s it like to adopt a child, rely on a surrogate, an egg or sperm donor, or come to terms with not having a child at all? Having spoken to dozens of women whose journeys to motherhood were far from smooth, Sunday Times journalist Audrey Ward is perfectly placed to curate a selection of stories from would-be parents who have generously shared their experiences of respite, healing, and hope.

Join us, then, in The Waiting Room – an insightful, optimistic, practical collection of real-life stories for anyone for whom parenthood feels painfully out of reach.