Fertility Books - Page 2

Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition

Marilyn Shannon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good advice 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I found this book on my first read to be informative, well sourced, and well thought out. Marilyn offers many tips on diet and supplements, many of which I'm trying to implement but I'm having a little trouble with the dietary because I'm a vegetarian who doesn't eat too many eggs or dairy, and she recommends 3 servings a day of dairy but then goes on to let you know that there can be some problems associated with dairy for infertile women, and that if you have PMS you can help the symptoms sometimes by avoiding dairy. Anyway, I thought the rest of the advice seems sound and is worth trying! It's a well-written book and I'm going to recommend it.

Great Book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Informative book starting from the basics about the female reproductive system to different situations that women encounter with their body throughout their life. Would definitely recommend this book to ALL females, so they know how their lifestyle affects their cycle and possible fertility status.

a must 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book. Essential companion to Taking Fertility in your Hands. After years of trying to figure out my cycles, this pair has saved me from going through a million confusing and inaccurate dyagnoses AGAIN.

Trying Again: A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss

Ann Douglas

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Next steps. 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

After the stillbirth of our first child, we received or bought quite a few "Dead Baby Books" as we jokingly called them. Trying Again was the gift of a friend who knew that because we had lost our child to severe preeclampsia/HELLP, we would really struggle with whether we should try again in the future.

Trying Again is a reasonably good summary at the issues facing couples in a situation like ours, and special issues relevant going into a pregnancy that we know will be high risk. I have a minor frustration since all of these books about high risk family discuss the impact on the husband and the other children, and never seem to put any focus on the woman's career. It's often hard enough to be pregnant and work, let alone going into a pregnancy knowing that you may well have to stop working very early in order to go to term.

I would recommend the book for anyone who has lost a child. I think that many of the emotional issues are relevant whether you believe that your loss was a one-off event or whether you know already that you are high risk. However, I think women who have just learned the hard way that they are high risk will probably get the most out of the book.

Editorial Review:

Written especially for parents who have lost a child, Trying Again provides facts to help determine whether you, or your partner, are emotionally ready for another pregnancy.

Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart In The Midst Of Infertility

Jennifer Saake

Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $13.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: NavPress Publishing Group Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $8.17

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

For anyone at any place in their IF Journey 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Since we began this new leg in our journey, I've been reading everything infertility related that I can get my hands on. The first full length book I've read dedicated exclusively to this subject is Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart In The Midst Of Infertility.

Hannah's Hope is written by Jennifer Saake, previously mentioned on this blog and mother to two living children. She and her husband have walked the road of infertility for 15 years and they have had their hearts broken by several miscarriages and even more failed adoptions. The book is appropriate for women at any stage of infertility, though she writes mostly for a general audience and less for specific problems within infertility.

The structure of each chapter of Ms. Saake's book is a passage (usually a single verse) of scripture, a historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story (the mother of Samuel), Ms. Saake's writings on the subject of the chapter, probing questions on the subject at hand, a list of scriptures for meditation, and a passage (never more than a page) written to the loved ones of people struggling with infertility, designed to give the loved ones special insights and ways to support their friend or family member.

One thing I appreciate about Ms. Saake's book is her conversational tone. The book is a very easy read, and Ms. Saake's pen flows as easily and comfortably as I imagine her tongue would if she were sitting with you having a cup of coffee. Throughout the reading, I felt as if I were sitting across the table from a friend as she shared some of her innermost thoughts. This put me at ease to explore my own thoughts, agreeing with her in most cases, disagreeing with her in others, and overall deepening my intentional thoughts on our own journey.

The historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story from I Samuel 1 is designed to explore the thoughts Hannah (and occasionally some of the other main characters) may have had as she grieved her way through her own infertility journey. Through the process, the reader develops a kinship with the biblical heroine, taking comfort in the fact that though she lived thousands of years ago, her struggle was largely the same as that of a woman today and is not unknown to the heart of God.

As Ms. Saake divulges her own history and feelings, the reader is taken on a journey through exploring anger, jealousy, fear, bitterness, grief, disappointment, stress, hope, and intimacy with the Almighty. She tackles issues from fear, to bioethics, to the strength of the marital relationship, and most importantly, the infertile couple's walk with God. She is sensitive and gentle while still bold with her convictions.

There is no false piety at all in Ms. Saake. Everything is brutally honest yet still respectful of the sovereignty of God. On more than one occasion, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts simply penned by Ms. Saake's hand. There was comfort and validation in "aha! someone else has felt this way too!"

Ms. Saake does not dwell in the depths of her feelings. She provides thoughtful scriptural encouragement while at the same time refraining from giving pat answers and comfort cliches. She adds her own thoughts and insights as revealed to her through meditation and experience.

My favorite passage in the book reads:


She [the woman at the well] sought happiness in the arms of men. Jesus provides peace that could be found in none other than Himself.

I sought joy in the new life of a baby. Jesus offers New life in Himself.

I wanted to know the feeling of carrying another soul inside my body. He provides the Holy Spirit to indwell me.

I longed to nurse a child. Paul wrote, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2-3).

I dreamed of watching my baby grow and mature. But am I ever-growing in Christ? "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14).

I bemoaned the "bread of adversity" I felt unfairly called to taste. The Lord answers with the cross: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

I pleaded for a child to enrich my days on earth. He commands, "But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).

p 95



Ms. Saake does not promise anyone a happy ending. She admits that even though she now has two living, biological children, the scars of infertility will always leave an ache in her heart. The journey God has taken her on through this process has not been completed or nullified by the successful conception and birth of children. I would guess that this would be of special comfort to those either struggling with secondary infertility or who still feel a loss that their family is not what they imagined or hoped it would be.

She exhorts the reader,

While Satan imprisons some with bondage to past sins, he can entangle others in what seems to be a good and righteous goal, causing them to lose sight of God in the midst of self-evaluation.
p 49



That hit me as especially poignant because I've been stewing so much about this lately that I need to guard my own heart against making motherhood my idol. That is an important challenge for every mother, mother to be, or mother at heart.

I found some of the "Burden Bearer" passages (written to friends and family members of infertile couples) to be helpful, and others were not of particular significance to me. I appreciated her frankness with her advice of how to support, and in some cases, how to refrain from causing more hurt, on infertile loved ones. One thing that should be noted is that the passages are to be read in conjunction with the rest of the book and are not intended to be read independently.

My primary critique of the book is that each chapter is very brief. Just when I thought "ok, we're tackling something I'm really struggling with," Ms. Saake moves on to another subject. I longed for her to exegete the scriptural passages she offered and share more details on the HOWS of her journey and the conclusions she's made. I don't think that this is a flaw, per say, because I don't think it was ever the author's intent to give an exhaustive chronicle of infertility and so I cannot blame her for not writing as if it were. This was simply was more of a disappointment--I longed to delve deeper with my new found friend in to emotions that are for me, still raw and in need of exploration. The approach is just a matter of personal preference and I'm sure for as many as there are of women like me who longed for more depth, there are equally many women who appreciated the brevity.

However, the ease of the flow of the book makes this a very excellent, easily accessible and processed resource for pastors, ministerial staff and anyone else truly interested in learning an "insider's perspective" on infertility. One of my very favorite chapters in the book was on how the church could help break its own silence on this matter and offer comfort to those in their congregations who are burdened with this grief. I only wish it were longer!

Overall, my impression of the book is very positive. I would heartily recommend it to anyone at any stage in their infertility journey. I also recommend it as a must-have resource for any pastor. I do recommend it for loved ones of the infertile, with the disclaimer that this book is not written specifically to give you (the loved one) advice, and reading it should be done with the intention of understanding the heart of your infertile friend or family member, and not specifically equipping with you with the "how tos" of what to do as the friend (though there is some).

Brava, Jennifer! A valiant, sincere, and godly effort that is very much appreciated.

Editorial Review:

Hannah's Hope provides healing and hope for women that have faced pain of miscarriage, infertility, or a failed adoption.

Conquering Infertility: Dr. Alice Domar's Mind/Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping with Infertility

Alice D. Domar, Alice Lesch Kelly

Amazon Price: $10.88 List Price: $16.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Penguin (Non-Classics) Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $4.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Helpful 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I liked this book because it gave suggestions on relaxing and trying to deal with infertility. It gave me ideas on what to do when I am feeling anxious. I know how to handle my emotions better.

Great book for coping skills when TTC 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

After reading this book, I definetly have more coping skills for managing the stress and anxiety of our fertility journey. Domar devotes a whole chapter to relaxation techniques and stratedgies, which I am already seeing the benefits of everyday! In my opinion, she spends a little too much time discussing the sadness, jealousy, and anger some women feel towards their pregnant family and friends. Don't get me wrong, I definetly identified with the emotional sadness and struggle, but felt it was over discussed. I will keep this book handy as we start our second IVF, hopefully much more relaxed this time!
Best of luck for healthy babies in 2008,
Jamie Lynne

Editorial Review:

Infertility is a heartbreaking condition that affects nine million American couples each year. It causes tremendous stress, can trigger debilitating sadness and depression, and can tear a marriage to shreds. In Conquering Infertility, Harvard psychologist Alice Domar—whom Vogue calls the “Fertility Goddess”—provides infertile couples with what they need most: stress relief, support, and hope. Using the innovative mind/body techniques she has perfected at her clinic, Domar helps infertile women not only regain control over their lives but also boost their chances of becoming pregnant.

With Conquering Infertility, women learn how to cope with infertility in a much more positive way and to carve a path toward a rich, full, happy life.

The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization: Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Your Chances of Success

Liza Charlesworth

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Da Capo Press Amazon Marketplace: 57 new & used starting at $0.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good general process description but forgets to mention the exceptions 2 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Liza does a good job walking you through the process but she fails to mention that not everyone feels/ reacts the same for each step. I found the HSG test to be extremely painful and had a horrible reaction to the progestrone shots. I wish everyone the best of luck with IVF and just remember everyone's body is different.

Editorial Review:

Despite the fact that it is an expensive, complex, emotionally draining, and often last-ditch fertility treatment, there are now over 250,000 couples who consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) every year; more than 125,000 couples decide to undergo it. While dry, clinical information is available, there is a gaping need for sisterly advice from someone who's been through the process herself.From evaluating care and preparing for the complicated process to understanding egg retrieval and embryo transfer; from tips on taking medications and coping with hormonal surges to dealing with the emotional aspects of the grueling IVF process, Liza Charlesworth's The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization offers knowing, sensitive counsel. Full of hard-won personal wisdom and the most up-to-date medical information explained in layman's terms, this invaluable guide is sure to become recommended reading for couples trying to conceive and their families alike.

Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant

Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD, Samuel S. Thatcher M.D. Ph.D.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

You may have waited a long time. You may have tried and tried.
Now your chances of having a baby are better than ever!

There have been remarkable advances in fertility technology and choices in the last few years, with pregnancy success rates skyrocketing. Now Making a Baby provides the information you need to become your most fertile--and increase your chances for having the baby you've always wanted. Up-to-date, comprehensive, written with compassion and clarity, this book reveals how to protect, increase, and extend your fertility, with essential information on:

- The optimal frequency, timing, and sexual positions for getting pregnant
- Surprising new findings on which foods and exercise programs boost fertility--and which ones actually decrease your chances
- Advances in baby-boosting medications--and a complete assessment of risks, costs, and alternatives
- Breakthrough medical techniques that help achieve pregnancy without the risk of multiples
- Avoiding the common--and often hidden--threats to fertility at work, at home, and in public places
- Choosing the A.R.T. (assisted reproductive technology) that's right for you
- Special issues for midlife mothers
- What every man should know about his long-term reproductive health
- How to minimize emotional stress and keep your relationship strong
- How to work with your HMO to get the right treatments--at the right cost

This detailed, insightful, and meticulously researched book will help guide you to a wonderful new beginning as a parent!

Fully Fertile: A 12-Week Holistic Plan for Optimal Fertility

Elisabeth Heller, Tami Quinn, Jeanie Lee Bussell

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Findhorn Press Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $14.82

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Exceptional Wisdom 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

As part of the pilot program for this book I was so blessed with not only the information and insights that the authors so freely shared, but by the support I feel they gave me during this difficult journey. The enlightenment and encouragment helped me see beyond this desire and discover who I really am. Acupuncture, yoga, nutritional information, meditation and the words of this book allowed me to find balance and peace again. I'm eternally thankful for this book!

Editorial Review:

The healing powers of traditional yoga, Oriental medicine, nutrition, and other mind/body techniques are accessible with this do-it-yourself manual for women who are struggling with infertility or just looking to improve their odds of conception. Natural methods based on Integrative Care for Fertility™ use a holistic approach to demonstrate how a home-based holistic fertility program can improve mind, body, and spirit, and in turn maximize chances for conceiving. Photographs are provided to illustrate the proper yoga postures, and interspersed stories from yoga practitioners and experts present real-life struggles of infertility patients and victories that will inspire all women who are trying for a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Guarantee the Sex of Your Baby: Choose a Girl or Boy Using Today's 99.9% Accurate Sex Selection Techniques

Robin Elise Weiss

Amazon Price: $11.16 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ulysses Press Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $7.80

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

For many people, having a large family isn’t a reasonable option. Fortunately, medical science has ushered in a new era of family balancing where couples can determine their baby's gender. The Revolutionary Science of Sex Selection guides prospective parents step-by-step through the maze of options currently available — from the unpredictable (and now outdated) timing method, to highly effective sperm sorting, to the preimplantation genetic diagnosis, which guarantees accuracy.

The author describes the most advanced methodologies in simple lay terms so that they are easily understood. But The Revolutionary Science of Sex Selection does more than explain how the technology works — it prepares the reader for the personal experience of fertility drugs, artificial insemination, and/or in vitro fertilization. A bonus chapter details the added medical benefits of genetic testing, including preimplantation screening for single gene defects like cystic fibrosis, B thalassemia, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, and Huntington's disease.

Honoring Our Cycles: A Natural Family Planning Workbook

Katie Singer

Amazon Price: $9.60 List Price: $12.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: NewTrends Publishing, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $4.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

THE EASIEST WAY TO LEARN AND PRACTICE NFP/FAM! 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I have read "Natural Family Planning" and "Taking Charge of your Fertility" and have practiced NFP/FAM (fertility awareness method) for a while now. I bought this mostly so I wouldn't have to print and bind my own charts anymore because this one comes ready to use and is small and thin like a workbook. I am very pleased with the charts- they are the easiest to use of all the ones I've tried.



What surprised me was the incredible job the author has done of teaching the method in a very concise and easy to understand manner. I can't emphasize enough how much easier it is to learn how to chart to prevent or to plan a pregnancy with this book than with other books.



Most exciting to me was the way the author teaches how to use NFP while breast feeding. The other books make it so complicated and when I did finally think I de-coded what they meant, it didn't work for me because my mucus was too eratic while nursing to use their methods. But, Singer does an excellent job in this book explaining how to use NFP while nursing a baby and she does it in under one page! She makes perfect sense and her method is much, much easier to use and is actually doable.



Awesome, awesome book!

Editorial Review:

In clear, everyday language, Honoring Our Cycles describes what happens during a menstrual cycle and how a baby is conceived. It explains how to chart the body's fertility signs to know which days are best for becoming pregnant or avoiding becoming pregnant, without the use of hormonal drugs. Includes dietary advice for successful conception and healthy babies and families.

What to Do When You Can't Get Pregnant: The Complete Guide to All the Technologies for Couples Facing Fertility Problems

Daniel A. Potter, Jennifer S. Hanin

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Da Capo Press Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $0.37

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 49 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Infertility can be a couple's biggest nightmare, and for many of them, technology is the only place to turn for a chance at successfully conceiving their own child. In What to Do When You Can't Get Pregnant, world-renowned fertility expert Dr. Daniel A. Potter and Jennifer S. Hanin—a journalist who conceived twin girls through in vitro fertilization—walk readers step-by-step through the intricate process of having a baby using the latest technologies, sharing insider information on all possible procedures, how to choose the right doctor, what questions to ask, and how to live a healthy "fertile" lifestyle to increase the chances of success. For the first time, readers will have access to detailed information on the very latest scientific advances in the field, including prescreening for genetic diseases, gender-choosing, and pre-selecting desirable traits for children. Complete with smart advice on handling emotional issues caused by the frustrations of infertility, What to Do When You Can't Get Pregnant is the only guide couples will ever need to navigate the complicated maze of technology and science leading to parenthood and to make informed choices about their treatment, family, and future.