Taking Control

“Taking Control” aims to provide a guidance for Muslim women who are trying to conceive. Author Farah Dualeh, who herself has tried to conceive for many years, shares her personal experience along with psychological tools to cope with this traumatic ordeal for women who struggle to become mothers. Dualeh also gives extensive content from Islamic perspective, including rulings on certain issues, as well as prayers.

In this book, women who are trying to conceive will be encouraged to take control of their infertility experience at different levels:

* within themselves

* within their marriage

* in relation to social pressures

* on treatment options

* and on what their family can look like (even when different from the 'norm')

Farah Dualeh has worked in the charity sector for over 12 years and has a BA in Social Science and a postgraduate qualification in Community Leadership and Law. Having experienced infertility herself and trying to conceive (TTC) for almost 13 years, she's extremely passionate about helping Muslim women navigate infertility and live happy fulfilling lives despite the hardship of TTC.

Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 9

Part 1 Trying to Conceive 15

1. My Story and My Approach 17

2. Womanhood and Identity 33

3. The Body and the Period 38

4. In the Company of Greats & Delayed Parenthood 41

5. The Most Difficult Question 45

6. Emotional Support 51

7. Dealing With Social Pressures 61

8. An Awesome Marriage 67

9. What Friends and Family Need to Know - Your Message 77

10. Stories of the Brave 84

Part 2 Treatment Options 97

Part 3 Your Family, Your Options 129




Epilogue 149

Endnote 151