Reviews
"Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them.....an essential addition to the literature-and an unusually well-written one."--Parents' Press, The highlight of the text is the variety of experiences covered....This book helps to increase our understanding and awareness of families impacted by assisted reproduction in all its many forms., "...sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--Library Journal "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--Publishers Weekly, "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--Donor Conception Network "...sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--Library Journal "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--Publishers Weekly, "I was blown away by this book. It is "the" book for anyone who used or is thinking of using any kind of assisted reproduction to help create a family. So many of us are afraid to talk openly about--or just don't know "how" to talk about--the ways our families were created. This book will help you deal with your own anxieties and confusions and then be able to talk about them in a more comfortable way. Reading it is like talking with a good friend who really understands the big picture, with all its complexities and poignancy. I am overjoyed that a book like this is finally available."--Jane Mattes, CSW, psychotherapist and founder of Single Mothers by Choice "Dr. Ehrensaft has written an extraordinarily sensitive yet comprehensive book about the issues raised when a surrogate or donor is involved in creating a child. She covers everything from the fears and fantasies of parents-to-be to whether, when, and what to tell children about their origins. This fascinating, thought-provoking book is a 'must' for anyone contemplating taking advantage of these new technologies."--Kim Paleg, PhD, author of "The Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know" and "new technology" mother "This is a great resource. It offers concrete examples and suggestions for dealing with many issues that are likely to come up as I raise my kids. There is so much to learn from the stories Dr. Ehrensaft shares of others who have walked this path before me."--Anne-Marie, "new technology" mother of two "This is the first book to map the emotional terrain of parenthood that is aided by a 'birth other, ' the author's inventive term for a donor or surrogate. Dr. Ehrensaft sensitively explores the hopes and dreams, concerns and fears of parents and prospective parents, and offers the best available knowledge for facing the tough questions. Wise, highly readable, and insightful, this is an essential guide."--Anne C. Bernstein, PhD, author of "Yours, Mine, and Ours" and "Flight of the Stork: How Children Think (and When) about Sex and Family Building" "This groundbreaking book demystifies technology and focuses our attention where it should be--on the gift of life, and the human beings involved in creating a family. Dr. Ehrensaft tackles your medical questions, your psychological questions, and your parenting questions, all in one readable, authoritative volume."--Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry "Few issues are more stressful than navigating the emotional minefield of assisted reproduction. Diane Ehrensaft serves as a sensitive, knowledgeable, and inclusive guide through the minefield. Her understanding of the assisted reproduction process and the often difficult and thorny issues it raises for couples and individuals is brilliant. Dr. Ehrensaft's refreshing openness and deft touch make this an invaluable resource."--Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Honest, down-to-earth...An experienced therapist, [Ehrensaft] acknowledges up front many things we do that we shouldn't: social moms feeling jealous of surrogates, parents hiding the truth from their children, etc. She understandsand then nudges parents in a better direction. This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who works with them., "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--"Donor Conception Network" ..."sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--"Library Journal" "ÝAn¨ honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--"Publishers Weekly" "A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other, ' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--"Today's Parent", Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them.....an essential addition to the literature--and an unusually well-written one., A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book., "Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them....An essential addition to the literature--and an unusually well-written one." --Parents' Press "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--"Donor Conception Network" .,."sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--"Library Journal" "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--"Publishers Weekly" "A must-read for anyonethinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other, ' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--"Today's Parent" "The highlight of the text is the variety of experiences covered....This book helps to increase our understanding and awareness of families impacted by assisted reproduction in all its many forms."--"The Family Journal", "I was blown away by this book. It isthebook for anyone who used or is thinking of using any kind of assisted reproduction to help create a family. So many of us are afraid to talk openly about--or just don't knowhowto talk about--the ways our families were created. This book will help you deal with your own anxieties and confusions and then be able to talk about them in a more comfortable way. Reading it is like talking with a good friend who really understands the big picture, with all its complexities and poignancy. I am overjoyed that a book like this is finally available."--Jane Mattes, CSW, psychotherapist and founder of Single Mothers by Choice "Dr. Ehrensaft has written an extraordinarily sensitive yet comprehensive book about the issues raised when a surrogate or donor is involved in creating a child. She covers everything from the fears and fantasies of parents-to-be to whether, when, and what to tell children about their origins. This fascinating, thought-provoking book is a 'must' for anyone contemplating taking advantage of these new technologies."--Kim Paleg, PhD, author ofThe Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Knowand "new technology" mother "This is a great resource. It offers concrete examples and suggestions for dealing with many issues that are likely to come up as I raise my kids. There is so much to learn from the stories Dr. Ehrensaft shares of others who have walked this path before me."--Anne-Marie, "new technology" mother of two "This is the first book to map the emotional terrain of parenthood that is aided by a 'birth other,' the author's inventive term for a donor or surrogate. Dr. Ehrensaft sensitively explores the hopes and dreams, concerns and fears of parents and prospective parents, and offers the best available knowledge for facing the tough questions. Wise, highly readable, and insightful, this is an essential guide."--Anne C. Bernstein, PhD, author ofYours, Mine, and OursandFlight of the Stork: How Children Think (and When) about Sex and Family Building "This groundbreaking book demystifies technology and focuses our attention where it should be--on the gift of life, and the human beings involved in creating a family. Dr. Ehrensaft tackles your medical questions, your psychological questions, and your parenting questions, all in one readable, authoritative volume."--Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry "Few issues are more stressful than navigating the emotional minefield of assisted reproduction. Diane Ehrensaft serves as a sensitive, knowledgeable, and inclusive guide through the minefield. Her understanding of the assisted reproduction process and the often difficult and thorny issues it raises for couples and individuals is brilliant. Dr. Ehrensaft's refreshing openness and deft touch make this an invaluable resource."--Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, "Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them....An essential addition to the literature--and an unusually well-written one." --Parents' Press "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--Donor Conception Network "...sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--Library Journal "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--Publishers Weekly "A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other,' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--Today's Parent "The highlight of the text is the variety of experiences covered....This book helps to increase our understanding and awareness of families impacted by assisted reproduction in all its many forms."--The Family Journal, "The highlight of the text is the variety of experiences covered....This book helps to increase our understanding and awareness of families impacted by assisted reproduction in all its many forms."--The Family Journal, Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)., Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them.....an essential addition to the literature-and an unusually well-written one., "I was blown away by this book. It is the book for anyone who used or is thinking of using any kind of assisted reproduction to help create a family. So many of us are afraid to talk openly about--or just don't know how to talk about--the ways our families were created. This book will help you deal with your own anxieties and confusions and then be able to talk about them in a more comfortable way. Reading it is like talking with a good friend who really understands the big picture, with all its complexities and poignancy. I am overjoyed that a book like this is finally available."--Jane Mattes, CSW, psychotherapist and founder of Single Mothers by Choice "Dr. Ehrensaft has written an extraordinarily sensitive yet comprehensive book about the issues raised when a surrogate or donor is involved in creating a child. She covers everything from the fears and fantasies of parents-to-be to whether, when, and what to tell children about their origins. This fascinating, thought-provoking book is a 'must' for anyone contemplating taking advantage of these new technologies."--Kim Paleg, PhD, author of The Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know and "new technology" mother "This is a great resource. It offers concrete examples and suggestions for dealing with many issues that are likely to come up as I raise my kids. There is so much to learn from the stories Dr. Ehrensaft shares of others who have walked this path before me."--Anne-Marie, "new technology" mother of two "This is the first book to map the emotional terrain of parenthood that is aided by a 'birth other,' the author's inventive term for a donor or surrogate. Dr. Ehrensaft sensitively explores the hopes and dreams, concerns and fears of parents and prospective parents, and offers the best available knowledge for facing the tough questions. Wise, highly readable, and insightful, this is an essential guide."--Anne C. Bernstein, PhD, author of Yours, Mine, and Ours and Flight of the Stork: How Children Think (and When) about Sex and Family Building "This groundbreaking book demystifies technology and focuses our attention where it should be--on the gift of life, and the human beings involved in creating a family. Dr. Ehrensaft tackles your medical questions, your psychological questions, and your parenting questions, all in one readable, authoritative volume."--Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry "Few issues are more stressful than navigating the emotional minefield of assisted reproduction. Diane Ehrensaft serves as a sensitive, knowledgeable, and inclusive guide through the minefield. Her understanding of the assisted reproduction process and the often difficult and thorny issues it raises for couples and individuals is brilliant. Dr. Ehrensaft's refreshing openness and deft touch make this an invaluable resource."--Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, "A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--Today's Parent, "Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them....An essential addition to the literature--and an unusually well-written one." --Parents' Press "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--Donor Conception Network "...sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--Library Journal "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--Publishers Weekly "A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other,' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--Today's Parent"The highlight of the text is the variety of experiences covered....This book helps to increase our understanding and awareness of families impacted by assisted reproduction in all its many forms."--The Family Journal, "I was blown away by this book. It is "the book for anyone who used or is thinking of using any kind of assisted reproduction to help create a family. So many of us are afraid to talk openly about--or just don't know "how to talk about--the ways our families were created. This book will help you deal with your own anxieties and confusions and then be able to talk about them in a more comfortable way. Reading it is like talking with a good friend who really understands the big picture, with all its complexities and poignancy. I am overjoyed that a book like this is finally available."--Jane Mattes, CSW, psychotherapist and founder of Single Mothers by Choice "Dr. Ehrensaft has written an extraordinarily sensitive yet comprehensive book about the issues raised when a surrogate or donor is involved in creating a child. She covers everything from the fears and fantasies of parents-to-be to whether, when, and what to tell children about their origins. This fascinating, thought-provoking book is a 'must' for anyone contemplating taking advantage of these new technologies."--Kim Paleg, PhD, author of "The Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know and "new technology" mother "This is a great resource. It offers concrete examples and suggestions for dealing with many issues that are likely to come up as I raise my kids. There is so much to learn from the stories Dr. Ehrensaft shares of others who have walked this path before me."--Anne-Marie, "new technology" mother of two "This is the first book to map the emotional terrain of parenthood that is aided by a 'birth other, ' the author's inventive term for a donor or surrogate. Dr. Ehrensaft sensitively explores the hopes and dreams, concerns and fears of parents and prospective parents, and offers the best available knowledge for facing the tough questions. Wise, highly readable, and insightful, this is an essential guide."--Anne C. Bernstein, PhD, author of "Yours, Mine, and Ours and "Flight of the Stork: How Children Think (and When) about Sex and Family Building "This groundbreaking book demystifies technology and focuses our attention where it should be--on the gift of life, and the human beings involved in creating a family. Dr. Ehrensaft tackles your medical questions, your psychological questions, and your parenting questions, all in one readable, authoritative volume."--Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry "Few issues are more stressful than navigating the emotional minefield of assisted reproduction. Diane Ehrensaft serves as a sensitive, knowledgeable, and inclusive guide through the minefield. Her understanding of the assisted reproduction process and the often difficult and thorny issues it raises for couples and individuals is brilliant. Dr. Ehrensaft's refreshing openness and deft touch make this an invaluable resource."--Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--Donor Conception Network, "Honest, down-to-earth...An experienced therapist, [Ehrensaft] acknowledges up front many things we do that we shouldn't: social moms feeling jealous of surrogates, parents hiding the truth from their children, etc. She understands--and then nudges parents in a better direction. This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who works with them."--Publishers Weekly, "Above all, Ehrensaft's book is a reassuring one....Ehrensaft uses her experience as a therapist to break down the potential parent's insecurity, gently encouraging her to face her fears, the better to overcome them....An essential addition to the literature--and an unusually well-written one." --Parents' Press "Diane Ehrensaft brings the insight of a clinical and developmental psychologist to all the big questions that arise both before family creation with donor conception and afterwards....A pleasure to read and accessible to all who enjoy getting information from books....She addresses not only the obvious feelings and practicalities faced by would-be parents, but also some of the more difficult emotions and fantasies that are often around but rarely spoken about. All this is undertaken with great empathy for the would-be parent(s)."--Donor Conception Network "...sparks insightful discussion about the grand new experiment of baby making in the era of rapidly expanding assisted reproductive technology (ART)....She addresses the psychological struggles and unexpected feelings that may arise, counsel on the sensitive subject of disclosing the truth to children and why it is so important, and examines the larger picture of what "birth-other" families look like to outsiders and why it matters....this is a great resource for anyone involved or affected by ART. Highly recommended. (starred review)."--Library Journal "[An] honest, down-to-earth manual to help parents work through the problems....This is a terrifically useful book for nontraditional families and everyone (teachers, ministers, therapists) who work with them."--Publishers Weekly "A must-read for anyone thinking of having a child with the help of a 'birth other,' in Ehrensaft's coinage, this book can help all of us understand these new families. We are luck Ehrensaft has given us this intensely knowledgeable and humane book."--Today's Parent
