PCOS Magazine

I just received my copy of “The Quest for a Child,” by psychologist Hana Konecna. Normally, this isn’t a book I’d pick up. It focuses very much so on the path from infertility to fertility and pregnancy…BUT, I have to admit, just on the first-blush page turning I’ve done since I ripped into its packaging – well, I’ve even found some insight. I definitely plan to write a more thorough review of the book later this week, for both this blog and PCOS Today, but I’m compelled to throw a few thoughts out into the vapor right now.

Obvious within just the first few chapters, this book provides a very comprehensive, and more importantly, very personal perspective on the mental, emotional and physical issues of infertility. Ms. Konecna takes both the psychological approach while regularly inserting bits and pieces of folklore about children, childlessness, and the such. “The Quest for a Child” also reads rather sequentially. Meaning, “the quest” is presented in an almost chronological format, from the beginning of a journey into infertility, through the outcomes of either pregnancy or childlessness, adding credibility throughout from both the female and male perspectives. And not only is the professional perspective presented, but tons of short but compelling commentary from those who gone through the infertility experience is provided (in statement and case study forms).

I think both couples facing the issues of infertility, as well as the professionals who work with those couples, will benefit greatly from this book. Those with PCOS, especially, understand how neglected the emotional side of infertility and hormonal disorder continue to be. Konecna’s “The Quest” breaks this barrier and, I hope, will start some very frank consideration by medical and similar professionals about the entire mind-body-spirit focus there should be on infertility (IMHO). Those who are dealing with infertility — well, I think these readers will discover a bit of anonymous support through this book; a feeling as-if “I’m not alone.”

Overall, the comprehensiveness of the book makes it a solid read. I believe there could be more breadth and depth to the author’s discussions about the CHOICE of childlessness. Then again, that may be just because that’s where my mind has been lately (see my earlier post about my choice not to seek pregnancy). All-in-all, I think Anshan Publishers UK has hit the proverbial home run on their publishing of this tome, and I see Konecna’s book being relevant for decades to come.

PCOS Today has been working with Anshan Publishers UK to let both women in the United States with PCOS/PCOD, as well as medical professionals working with PCOS/PCOD patients about their newest offerings. In Fall 2007, Anshan released “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” a new clinical textbook specifically on the disorder, edited by Dr. Gautam Allahbadia. This month, Anshan is release “The Quest for a Child,” written by Hana Konecna, a professional on the Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic. “Quest” hits on numerous topics related to infertility (including PCOS), while Dr. Allahbadia’s text focuses specifically on all aspects of PCOS. Hana Konecna’s book is entertaining, providing case studies and connections to folklore about infertility from around the world.

In the next few weeks, PCOS Today will feature both a review of “The Quest for a Child” as well as an interview with Ms. Konecna. Keep checking back!