Considering that Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is estimated to affect around 2% of pregnant women, there is a limited selection of books about this devastating disease state. While 2% may sound like a low number, based on the annual number of births in the United States each year, 2% equates to around 75,000 women. That number does not even include those women whose pregnancies did not make it to term. Therefore, I am excited to share three new books available on Amazon on the topic. Each book discusses a completely different topic surrounding HG, so hopefully one might offer support, wherever you happen to be in your HG journey. Please note that while I have communicated with the authors of the first two books listed below, I have absolutely no connection to the third.
How I Survived Hyperemesis Gravidarum
By Stefanie Sybens and Sarah Titmus
A couple of years ago, I was approached by an HG survivor and writer on Instagram about contributing to a compilation. So, one afternoon in the midst of my other work, I sat down to write my story, and a stream of conscience flowed onto the computer. On a deadline, I quickly hit send. I only hoped that it was edited prior to being published! had not thought about it until recently when sarahtwrites showed up on my Instagram feed. I quickly checked to see if the author actually did publish her book and included my story. Not only did she, but the copy I ordered from Amazon showed up on my doorstep the next morning. My work with Hyperemesis Gravidarum has transitioned slightly from the time I wrote my story that day, but know that I will always continue to do medication management for HG women and be an advocate until my services are no longer needed. Support those who survived and connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarahtwrites
When Mommies Get Sick
By Jayne Ann Osborne
From Jayne, “I know from personal experience how much HG mamas struggle with knowing how to help their little ones cope. I wrote the book in hopes of encouraging children whose mothers are sick and empowering them with ideas of how to make the most of the situation.
I am a four time HG survivor. My most recent HG pregnancy was so severe, I hardly left my bed for months. I constantly worried about the impact my illness was having on my older children. I missed them and wondered how I could connect and engage with them in the state I was in.
I joined a couple HG support groups online and found that I wasn’t alone. Mothers were always asking, “How do you do this with other kids at home?”
“When Mommies Get Sick” basically wrote itself as I began to notice all the ways my kids were reaching out, and as I began to think of the shared experience of trying to be a good mom while struggling with health challenges.
My hope is that this book will resonate with families and that it will empower and encourage children to never get up when times get tough. I hope they will come away with ideas of how to be an active part of their own mommy’s care team and come away knowing sickness doesn’t change how much they are loved.”
While many HG moms stop after their first pregnancy, others do find the strength to have subsequent children and are left in the difficult position of having to care for toddlers, preschoolers and older children while suffering from HG. A big thank you to Jayne for writing this story! Connect with Jayne on IG @mommingonpurpose
How to Stop Hyperemesis Gravidarum: (Worse than morning sickness)
By David Skaer
The theory behind this book is fascinating! We are desperate to know the cause of HG, because then we would have a target to focus on a cure. Could a simple hack be the answer and eliminate all the suffering that HG causes? This book goes on the theory that HG women are not producing enough stomach acid. While it might seem counterintuitive, the idea might just work. If you do read this book, please discuss this treatment with your doctor, and let me know what the response is. It seems too good to be true that a simple supplement could cure Hyperemesis Gravidarum, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it works!
Betaine-HCL-Pepsin capules are available through Wellevate.
Note: If your doctor gives you approval to give it a try, understand that you’ll need to stop any antacids, including proton pump inhibitors, and any antihistamines, to include diphenhydramine and doxylamine (in Unisom, Diclegis and Bonjesta) prior to giving this a try.
