ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 explores forms of complex modern family building in the context of current debates on maternity provision in the UK. Family building is increasingly complex and this presents challenges for nurses, midwives, and health visitors which are rarely recognised or planned for. We argue that the transition to parenthood is a complex and emotional experience for couples. The biomedical world of IVF does not discuss these important feelings with parents before conception as it generally offers implications counselling to donor couples or singletons seeking IVF. Follow-up after IVF, focuses either on the next cycle after a failed IVF treatment or on the joy of the pregnancy rather than the challenges of parenthood. We argue in this book that the emotions of infertility and IVF are important to process for a successful transition to parenthood after IVF. In this book we suggest ways in which nurses, midwives, and health visitors working with couples during maternity care, birth, post-partum, and in early years could assist couples and single parents in managing these emotions and transitioning successfully to parenthood. We provide an overview of current AR provision, regulatory framework, and funding. And outline the specialist fertility nurse role.
