Becoming a mother for some women is a far from easy task. Fertility issues and the rollercoaster ride of IVF and other treatments can take a huge toll on a woman, and her relationships. Kellie Harriden shares her eight-year journey to becoming a mother in her book Long-Awaited Child. You can read how resilience and sheer determination helped Kellie have her long-awaited family. Also includes successful IVF and adoption stories as told by other women. We spoke to Kellie to learn more.
The passion: What inspired you to write your book?
I struggled with infertility for over eight years before my partner and I were blessed with twins. I always dreamed of writing my story to hopefully inspire anyone going through their own infertility struggles to not give up and if need be look into other options to have the family they dream of. There is a large community of women going through these struggles silently, so I hope by sharing my story I can reach out to these women.
I also believe the family and friends of anyone going through IVF or other options to have a baby often find it difficult to understand how they may be feeling. I hope by reading my story they also get a better understanding of the emotions one may feel and in turn find it easier to be the supportive person their loved one may need.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I have dreamed of writing my book and sharing my story for a few years. Last year I went to a workshop on How to Write Your Book held by Rachael Bermingham. This year Rachael was also my mentor. Her knowledge and experience guided me through a process which I knew nothing about and kept me accountable for writing my own story.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your book?
Physically holding a copy of my book in my hands was a big moment for me. I still can not believe this has all happened.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This year I have learnt to schedule my day and how important it can be to do so. After dropping my twins to school each morning to when I pick them up in the afternoon, what I fit into my daily schedule can vary. Every day I schedule time to work on my business, however what I also fit in can vary from a workout at the gym, housework or coffee with the school mums.
