I'm guessing I have at least one other post in the archives with that title. Some post-infertility moments this week:
1. I'm teaching The Handmaid's Tale and remember quite viscerally what it was like teaching that book while undergoing IVF. I have much more objectivity now but I still have to say for all I think of that book as a powerful feminist text, it has no sympathy for infertile women. An article in there for me, if I ever get back to that sort of work again.
2. Our local paper had an article on home vs. hospital births featuring both of the obstetricians I saw during pregnancy with Tiny Boy. The one I liked and didn't choose, and the one I chose but didn't like. Weird weird weird.
3. My sister in law had an IVF transfer today. Although she's never really talked to me about it, my brother has, and I wish them only the best. I wish we didn't have this as a point of connection, but I'm glad I can offer my brother some perspective, comfort, or whatever he needs from someone who has been in the same place.
4. I need to call/email Dr. Gorgeous and ask her if she'll write the "medical introduction" for my next book. Gulp.
5. This was October 2011. And the old bathroom.
1. I'm teaching The Handmaid's Tale and remember quite viscerally what it was like teaching that book while undergoing IVF. I have much more objectivity now but I still have to say for all I think of that book as a powerful feminist text, it has no sympathy for infertile women. An article in there for me, if I ever get back to that sort of work again.
2. Our local paper had an article on home vs. hospital births featuring both of the obstetricians I saw during pregnancy with Tiny Boy. The one I liked and didn't choose, and the one I chose but didn't like. Weird weird weird.
3. My sister in law had an IVF transfer today. Although she's never really talked to me about it, my brother has, and I wish them only the best. I wish we didn't have this as a point of connection, but I'm glad I can offer my brother some perspective, comfort, or whatever he needs from someone who has been in the same place.
4. I need to call/email Dr. Gorgeous and ask her if she'll write the "medical introduction" for my next book. Gulp.
5. This was October 2011. And the old bathroom.
I need to re-read Handmaid's Tale. I need to re-read a lot ... some days, I feel like I've completely forgotten all of my literary training. But I think I remember thinking something similar even back then: what about the women who couldn't? Actually: do you teach that bit to your students? Because I wish SOMEone would.
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