Customer Reviews

Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, and Depression

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I recently read Tiny Toes and found a lot of great technical information on the subjects of infertility and premature birth woven into a pungent story of a couple who had to deal with both of these issues.A must read for any couple looking into and wanting incite into infertility options or the chalenges presented by premature births.

Kelly Damron does a great service by sharing the difficulties and tradeoffs that many couples face on their road to parenthood. Too often the hardships associated with fertility treatments are glossed over. The hard reality and dedication necessary to achieve a successful outcome cannot be overstated. Tiny Toes makes the point that when it comes to reproductive matters, it's not always a sure thing right out of the gate, and difficulties remain even after pregnancy is achieved. Kelly's honesty is refreshing and valuable.

There is a drive within the genetic code of human beings that can be as urgent as the need for food, water, or sleep. It is the urge to procreate. When Kelly Damron and her husband tried to have children in 2001 she had to deal with the problem of infertility. She was finally able to conceive only to have her twin daughters born prematurely in 2004. Then after their troubled birth, Kelly found herself experiencing postpartum depression. She went on to join the march of Dimes as an active volunteer in 2006 and became the co-chair of the Family Teams Committee for the March for Babies (formerly known as WalkAmerica). She was the Mission Family presenter for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event on May 17, 2007, and has become involved with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, assisting in their Marketing and Events Committees. In "Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, And Depression" Kelly candidly records her personal story, drawing upon both her experience and subsequent hard-won expertise. Now the mother of two happy and healthy little girls, Kelly has written "Tiny Toes" for the benefit of the thousands of others who every year must deal with what she's had to cope with -- infertility and premature births, and sometimes a combination of both. Strongly recommended reading, especially for the one in eight couples encountering infertility and the 12.5% of women whose babies are born prematurely, "Tiny Toes" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring.

As an individual who dealt with infertility in the past and currently works with couples struuggling with these issues in outpatient treatment, I found Tiny Toes by Kelly Damron to be an excellent resource to anyone facing infertilitry and/or prematurity. Not only does it provide informative technical information, but also honestly and directly addresses the emotional stuggles faced by couples going through this process. This book is an invaluable resource to those early in the process in identifying, preparing for and dealing with the many emotional issues. Those who have already gone through the process of infertility and/or prematurity will find this book to be normalizing and validating. Furthermore, this book is a wonderful resource for extended family and friends who want to learn about the physical and emotional struuggles in order to be understanding and supportive to their loved ones. I will continue to recommend this courageous and helpful book to anyone I encounter struggling with similar issues!

I have several friends in various stages of IVF and that have delivered premature children. Until this book, I didn't know the internal struggles, day to day struggles, and strength needed within a family. I now have a much better understanding. Read this book so you can be a better person to your child, your friend or co-worker going through this challenge.

Kelly Damron's book Tiny Toes is a must read for everyone. We all know couples who struggle with infertility and the challenges surrounding this issue. Tiny Toes is very educational, entertaining and enlightening. The specific infertility terms, methods and process were amazing to learn about. Kelly shared in such a realistic way her personal journey through this difficult and learning process. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down! Like me you'll think of dozens of others who can benefit by this excellent book!

Kelly's story provides an inner glimpse of the struggles of a family during infertility, premature birth, and depression that will touch anyone. Although it may be especially poignant for families that share this struggle, I was moved by Kelly's honesty and passion even though I have not had the same experiences. As a similar personality type, it was especially meaningful for me to understand the process Kelly went through to overcome her depression and how she found joy and hope through these adversities.

I read TINY TOES right smack dab in the middle of the IVF/ICSI cycle my wife and I were going through in December 2007. It was an incredibly stressful time for us because we were spending $18,000 in the HOPES that it would result in the baby we have been longing to have for 13 years of marriage. Seeing how much Kelly Damron poured out her heart about the enormous pain and anguish she went through emotionally, mentally, and spiritually through the disapproval of her in-laws to the stress of not being able to have a child with a husband who was ambivalent at best was reassuring to me that we made the right choice. Yes, it was immeasurably difficult to go through that, but it was the right choice.

But the IVF was only the beginning for the Damrons. Then their twin baby girls were premature and the worries about whether they would survive again brought on intense feelings that ran deeper than surface emotional responses. All of this stress led to a depression for Kelly unlike anything she had ever been through before in her life. It was obviously a frustrating time for her husband as I can certainly relate.

You'll quickly fall in love with Kelly's story told in an unabashed, take-it-as-it-is style that you'll appreciate the longer you go through the book. This ain't no Pollyanna-ish feel good book that gives you the warm fuzzies about how everything turns out so perfectly. Quite the contrary! But through it all, Kelly is optimistic and encouraging to others who endure similar circumstances which is why she is a leading voice on behalf of couples who endure infertility, premature births, and the depression that can result from this.

As for my wife and I, our IVF/ICSI cycle failed to produce a child and it was our one and only shot at this. We know that in God's timing we'll be blessed with the pitter patter of some TINY TOES of our own, but it's just not in the cards for us right now. Reading Kelly's story provides us with tremendous comfort through the pain we still feel about our own experience. And that's something you can't put a price on.

THANK YOU, Kelly! You have done an amazing thing sharing your story and we hope to join you as parents in the not-too-distant future. :)

This is an amazing book! A very frank, open, scary, and uplifting look at the highs and lows of infertility, premature birth, marriage troubles, and depression. I know - it sounds like a really hard, depressing read - but it's written with such passion, hope, and honesty that it is truly inspiring! Thanks, Kelly, for being willing to share your most personal challenges and triumphs!

What a wonderful, insightful book. Kelly and Dave's honesty brought tears to my eyes. I read this book in one day as I couldn't put it down. The detailed explanation of the many procedures helped me fully understand the day to day stress these parents had to endure. The strength of these parents and little girls was truly amazing. The emotional journey coupled with the growth, understanding and gratitude should be applauded!
Great sharing and great writing! I wish Dave,Kelly, Kayley and Ashley many years of Good Health, Happiness and Lots of Fun Adventures!