“So Now What?”
A fresh perspective to living a rich, fulfilling, and beautiful life even without the traditional milestones of motherhood.
This is a groundbreaking guide for women navigating an unexpected childless life—a topic with few resources, yet one that so many silently struggle with.
Whether fertility treatments ended without the child you dreamed of, or if health or other life circumstances shaped the path you’re on now, this book offers hope, empowerment, and a clear way forward.
Unlike other resources that focus solely on grieving the loss of motherhood, So Now What? goes deeper and helps you not only process the loss of a dream, but also uncovers the possibilities, purpose, and joy in the life you are building.
With authenticity, heartfelt stories, and practical tools, certified life coach and infertility advocate Lana Manikowski helps you:
- Navigate the emotional complexities of your childless journey
- Rediscover your joy and create a life that is vibrant and uniquely yours
- Find peace and create a meaningful legacy without motherhood
Through empowering exercises and deeply personal insights garnered from the author’s own seven-year journey through fertility treatments, So Now What? invites you to move forward—not by erasing your dreams of being a mother, but by embracing the beauty of what lies ahead.
This is a life-changing resource for anyone seeking to reclaim their purpose and create a fulfilling future when life turns out so differently than expected.
Lana Manikowski is the host of The “So What Now?” Podcast and the founder of The Other’s Day Brunch. She holds an advanced coaching certification in grief and post-traumatic growth. In her coaching practice, she uses her own experience and professional expertise to help women create a life they love without the children they dreamed they would have.
Your story isn't over. It's just beginning.
When motherhood doesn't happen, you can still live and meaningful and purposeful life.
You didn’t expect to be here.
After everything you went through to become a mom, you’re left wondering what life looks like now.
If you’ve felt stuck, invisible, or unsure how to move forward without the children you always dreamed of, So Now What? was written for you.
This book is your invitation to reimagine what’s possible and create a life that feels full and vibrant, even if it looks different than you imagined.
Download the foreword, written by Jody Day, founder of Gateway Women and author of Living the Life Unexpected. Jody opens this book with honesty, compassion, and hope for what life can look like beyond motherhood.
You can also get a glimpse into Chapter 1, where you’ll learn how to move through the grief of infertility and start creating a life that feels grounded, joyful, and true to you.
“If you’re facing the heartbreak of not being able to create the family you dreamed of – Lana’s beautiful book will provide both solidarity and solutions for your ‘Now what?’ You are not alone. There is hope. This is an inspirational read for anyone facing a life Childless Not By Choice.”
- Jessica Hepburn, Author of The Pursuit of Motherhood, 21 Miles & Save Me From The Waves
“Lana Manikowski’s So Now What? is an essential guide to the often not talked about side of infertility. So Now What offers a blueprint for navigating the unknown and unexpected world of childlessness by focusing on your relationship with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. Lana excels in empowering you to truly thrive after infertility. As a fertility doctor, I’m thankful to have So Now What? as a resource for all of my patients who are looking for support after moving on from fertility treatments.”
- Natalie Crawford, MD, Double Board-Certified OBGYN/REI and Host of the As a Woman Podcast
“Reading this excerpt was emotional and eye-opening. Lana shares her journey with raw honesty. Her words are a testament to strength that goes unnoticed. She transforms personal pain into hope for anyone mourning a life once imagined. A reminder that we never know what someone is going through. This book is about resilience, rediscovery, and redefining your life.”
- Brittany
“So now what? is an absolute gem for any woman navigating an unexpected childless life. Lana Manikowski offers a fresh, empowering perspective that goes beyond grief, guiding readers towards the fulfilling, joyful, and purpose driven future.
What sets this book apart is its blend of heartfelt storytelling, practical tools, and emotional wisdom. Manikowski helps readers uncover new possibilities. Her compassionate guidance makes you feel seen, understood, and hopeful. If you ever felt alone in your journey or struggle to envision a future beyond your original dreams, this book will uplift and inspire you. Highly recommend!”
- Marilyn
“Amazing story and a book that will change lives.”
- Bridget
“Lana has a beautiful way of writing about such a sensitive topic. What I love most about this book is how it feels to read it – like you are having a conversation with a friend. You hear her story while sharing your own. You connect and relate to her, then gain the tools you need to reclaim your life as a childless woman. This book will leave you feeling strong and empowered.”
- Lauren
“I’ve felt unable to move forward for many years following infertility and didn’t want to go into another decade feeling the same way. I found Lana’s book to be incredibly helpful. She provides a great balance between support for the difficult experience of childlessness, and motivation to seek new purpose just when you think it’s impossible. It’s like sitting with a friend who you know wants the best for you, understands how you feel and can help with techniques you can use that will really make a difference.”
- Samantha
“Absolutely a great read! A beautiful reminder that a meaningful and fulfilling life is still possible, even if it didn’t quite turn out the way you dreamt you’d find your purpose in life… Choose happy!”
- Anonymous
“This book spoke to me as few others have. Lana captures the raw grief of losing the dream of motherhood with such honesty that it felt like reading my own thoughts aloud. Her journey offers hope without diminishing pain, and her insights resonate deeply.
Her three pillars – body image, relationships, and owning your time – particularly powerful. It reminded me that redefining my identity is not a betrayal of the dream I once held, but an act of self-compassion and resilience. The book gently challenges me to embrace my worth beyond the role of mother, and to envision a fulfilling life where purpose comes in many forms.”
- Carly
“This book is an inspiration to anyone navigating infertility and a great resource to support someone you love who has or maybe going through a similar situation. A must read!”
- Allison
In So Now What?, you’ll learn how to:
Reconnect with your body after infertility
Navigate friendships and family dynamics
Create meaningful milestones beyond motherhood
Handle holidays like Mother’s Day and Christmas
Embrace a future that still feels beautiful and purposeful
Thriving after infertility starts here— let this book help you find your purpose beyond motherhood
What This Book is About
So Now What? is the first book of its kind to speak directly to women like you. Women who are unexpectedly childless and unsure what comes next.
This isn’t just another book about infertility. It is a guide for what happens after. It meets you exactly where you are: in the grief, the confusion, the quiet ache. Then it walks with you toward the life you wish you could believe is still possible.
Each chapter offers a new perspective and a guided, thoughtful exercise to help you stop feeling like life is something you’re missing out on because you didn’t have the children you dreamed of.
You’ll learn to see yourself and your future in a whole new light, one that is rich with meaning, full of purpose, and entirely your own.
“In her deeply kind and reassuring manner Lana talks about things I’ve never heard someone else say about unexplained infertility and childlessness – and I’ve literally written a book about it! This is an invaluable addition to your shelf, and a real help to living a good life on your terms. A glorious and comforting “it’s not just me!” hug in a book.”
-Kat Brown, Editor of No One Talks About This Stuff, journalist and author, Scorpio, owner of over-dramatic animals
“Whilst Lana acknowledges the grief of infertility and the struggles she has faced, her encouragement and enthusiasm help to lift you and see your life from a different perspective. She provides simple exercises to change ingrained negative thought patterns and inspires you to take steps that will create a more positive future. Lana isn’t just a coach; she’s a friend who gently guides you towards finding happiness, enjoyment and contentment as a childless woman.”
- Stephanie Joy Phillips, Founder, World Childless Week
“Create a Life You Love Without the Children You Always Dreamed Of might feel like a tough ask of anyone who is childless. If that feels impossible for you at this time, and you’re uncertain of what next, Lana Manikowski offers to walk beside you. Create a Life You Love Without the Children You Always Dreamed Of is a great springboard to finding support that works for you. Lana offers real life examples from her own experiences, and as fans of ‘So Now What’ podcast will know, it’s said with an authenticity and empathy. Lana’s approach follows a pathway from self reflection to dealing with a world that can feel overwhelming with tried and tested approaches based on her learning. I wish I’d had this book to hand after my experiences of failed IVF and miscarriages.”
- Berenice Howard-Smith, MA, Co-founder and director of the Full Stop Community CIC and co-presenter of the Full Stop podcast
So Now What? was written for you if you didn’t expect to be living a life without children.
Maybe you went through fertility treatments. Maybe you didn’t.
Maybe it was your health, your relationship, or the timing that didn’t line up with you dream of motherhood.
No matter how you arrived here, the ache of childlessness is something you know all too well. And the message society sends, that motherhood is what completes you, is painful to carry.
Even if our stories are different, you’ll find yourself in these pages.
about the author
Lana Manikowski
Lana Manikowski is an author, certified life coach, keynote speaker, and infertility advocate dedicated to helping women thrive after infertility. She is the founder of The Other’s Day Brunch and host of The ‘So Now What?’ Podcast, creating spaces where childless women feel seen, understood, and empowered.
After a seven-year journey through fertility treatments—including several rounds of IUI and IVF—that ended without a child, and donor egg and adoption weren’t her path, Lana experienced the isolation, self-judgment, and grief of navigating a future she never planned for. When she couldn’t find the support she needed, she built it herself. Now, through her coaching, advocacy efforts, and community, she helps women rediscover their relevance, connection, and purpose beyond motherhood.
With an advanced coaching certification in grief and post-traumatic growth, Lana helps women process the loss of the dream of motherhood and move forward with intention. Her coaching program, Thrive After Infertility, guides women in rebuilding their relationships, reconnecting with their bodies, and creating meaningful milestones that bring fulfillment in the decades ahead.
Her book So Now What?, a #1 New Release in fertility and infertility categories, offers a transformative roadmap for embracing life beyond infertility, helping women reclaim joy, meaning, and a sense of belonging without the children longed for. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Lana is known for her powerful message: your story isn’t over, it’s just beginning. She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and their furbaby, Coco.
“So Now What?”
Buy your copy Today!
US Customers:
UK Customers:
Outside the US or UK? You can still get your copy of So Now What?. Search for it on your favorite online bookseller or check with your local bookstore or library. If they don’t have it in stock, simply ask them to order it for you.