The process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), is a difficult to understand and full of emotions. Sharing the experience with your children can help bring joy to the whole family! Below are examples of some engaging Children’s Books related to IVF. There are many other books, but these are a couple of our favorites.
The Pea that was Me: An IVF Story
By: Kimberly Kluger-Bell
“Reading this charming storybook to your preschooler is a wonderful way to introduce them to the fact that you wanted them very much but had trouble having them. Fortunately, a “very good doctor” helped mommy and daddy fulfill their dreams.The very basic fact that it takes an egg and a sperm to make a baby is introduced, making it a perfect platform for discussing In Vitro Fertilization with your child later on–when they become more aware of “how babies are made.”
I’m Very Ferris
By: Tess Kossow
“Meet Ferris, a baby boy who has an amazing, real-life story about his entrance into the world. Told from a child’s point of view, I’m Very Ferris gently explains infertility through in vitro fertilization and celebrates the miracle of Ferris’ birth in a beautifully illustrated rhyming book. So join Ferris as he kicks off this refreshingly honest children’s series with an introduction to IVF and what his mama and dad experienced so that they, too, could have a baby of their very own!”
Miracle Baby: How Babies Are Made The IVF Way
By: Dr. Jennifer Bennett
“Designed for parents to read with children. This beautifully illustrated and fun to read book explains, in a simple and loving way, how babies are conceived with the help of in-vitiro fertilization. Endorsed by medical professionals and IVF parents.Miracle Baby has beautiful, warm illustrations and focuses the story on the love behind the desire for the IVF. It has also been endorsed by medical professionals and parents alike.”
I Can’t Wait to Meet You
By: Claudia Santorelli-Bates
“”I Can’t Wait to Meet You” is a picture story book about a young couple hoping to start a family. Eventually, they turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. It is told in a light-hearted and spirited way, meant for young IVF boys and girls who are curious about how they came into the world.”
I loVe my Family: A book about assisted conception for young children.
By: Tammy Troute-Wood
“Millions of children have been born worldwide through the use of assisted conception. Experts advocate the benefits of disclosure to children about their reproductive beginning at developmentally appropriate times, in age-appropriate ways (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, American Infertility Association, Donor Conception Network). I loVe my Family is a carefully crafted tool to assist families to discuss assisted conception (including IVF, egg donor, sperm donor, and surrogacy) with children 3 to 5 years old. The book uses diverse pictures, inclusive language and accurate anatomy to provide a tool to explain all manners of assisted conception for all families. The book offers parent’s information on how to prepare, set the stage and answer questions. The colouring pages provide an opportunity to engage in conversation about values including love, hope and family. A glossary provides alternative words to use for those who prefer plain language rather than medical terms. The reproductive puzzle allows all families to piece together and celebrate their own family story.”