"Smart, sympathetic" -- Sunday Times Style "A touching, insightful and engaging memoir" -- The Lancet "A wonderfully well written, brilliant discussion of the evolution of genetics, prenatal diagnosis, fetal and neonatal medicine, ethics and popular prejudice interwoven into a framework of [the author''s] own very human story and the other mothers who tell of their experiences so graphically . moved me to tears." --Professor Stuart Campbell, British fetal medicine pioneer "Genuinely brilliant.exceptionally powerful, deep and important." --Professor Daniel M. Davis, author of The Beautiful Cure and The Compatibility Gene "Very powerfully told." --Emma Barnett, BBC Radio 5 Live "A meticulously researched history of fetal medicine and a heartfelt account of parenting preterm babies." --Leah Hazard, bestselling author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife''s Story "Heartstopping" -- Daily Mail "A book full of emotion and one that medical practitioners should read" -- Jewish Chronicle "Pacy and accessible .
It is the female experience of such invasive surgeries that remains the focus here; expectant mothers steeling themselves for "needles as long as rulers" and learning to navigate a "strange form of knowledge" about a child that has yet to enter the world." -- Prospect "Exceptionally moving . a pleasure to read." --Professor Dame Kay E Davies, Professor of Genetics, University of Oxford "Part memoir, part analysis of neonatal and postnatal care. It''s wonderful." --Clover Stroud "Such an excellent book. Throughout reading the book I''ve been deeply moved and learnt so much, both as a human being and as a health care professional in the field. The chapter "Mum" should be a must read for any doctor or nurse working in a neonatal unit anywhere.
" --Siri Lilliesköld, specialist neonatal nurse, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm "A wonderfully insightful account of advances made in fetal and neonatal medicine. But it is not a litany of ''Fathers'' (be it of fetal surgery or neonatal medicine) that sets this book apart, but the voices and stories of the mothers who are so integral to Gordon''s story-telling. These are not the saccharine fairy-tales of devoted motherhood, of strong and unwavering heroism in the face of all adversity. Gordon certainly speaks of devotion, and that emotion that is all too often associated with motherhood: guilt. But the mothers also speak of doubt, of anger, of wavering. It is giving voice to these ''unspeakable'' feelings that ultimately makes this incredibly moving book such a panacea." -- Synapsis "Fascinating and heartbreaking, it''s one we won''t ever forget.Such a powerful book.
These are the children who would not have survived pregnancy, birth or infancy a generation ago, but are now able to live long lives. With this in mind, [Gordon] does not shy away from talking about the complexity of raising a child with additional needs, or the lifelong medical conditions they may forever have. Written compassionately, with deep empathy and understanding of the various emotions parents of sick babies may feel, this was a difficult but important read that will stay with me for a long time. -- The Motherload "Fascinating - combines interesting history of neonatology and fetal medicine with valuable and honest insights into her own experience as mother of a baby in NICU. Highly recommended for all working in neonatology." --Dominic Wilkinson, professor of medical ethics, University of Oxford, and newborn intensive care consultant, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford "This jaw-dropping story of medical discovery is interwoven with Gordon''s own deeply moving story of her own experience as a new mother with a child in neonatal care. It conveys, brilliantly, the devastating emotional impact of being separated from one''s child, and the shock of an unexpected diagnosis." --T he Birth Trauma Association "Heart-warming and insightful.
" -- Bliss "Such an important, informative and heart warming book. Highly recommended.Heartfelt, passionate.A beautiful read." -- PNDandMe "A brilliant, deeply researched book around the giant leaps medicine has taken in saving incredibly fragile and sick babies.Superbly eloquent in the story of her son, Joel, and the impact being a neonatal parent had on her. The book highlights beautifully the gaping chasm between pioneering medical treatment and the long-lasting impact this has on all of those involved. Incredibly insightful.
" -- Leo''s Neonatal "an affecting and highly personal exploration.Gordon''s audience will find this a tough but rewarding report from the front lines of fetal and neonatal medicine."-- Publishers Weekly "A gem. So impressed by the tenderness and science." --Dr Rana Awdish, Author of In Shock " Magnificent.a treasure in scientific medicine reporting." --Professor Steven D. Douglas MD, Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia.