Infertility Books

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I have been using it for over 2 years. After going off a "gentle" birth control (which made me nauseous daily and slightly depressed) we used the Fertility Awareness Method taught in this book to avoid pregnancy for 5 months. When we wanted to have a baby it only took us two months to conceive. Now I am a breastfeeding mother, and we have avoided pregancy the past 6 months after my cycle resumed when my baby was barely 4 months old!

With the knowledge gained from this book, I can confidently tell you the day I ovulate, precisely how many days from then my period should arrive, and I can connect "strange" bodily occurances with my cycle! I know exactly what is normal for my body so I would be able to detect the slightest abnormality that could indicate a problem long before my annual exam.

Additionally, this information can help me and the doctor with accurate pregnancy information. I know that since I have a longer than "average" cycle - I ovulate on day 21 usually so my cycle is 35 days long - a due date that the doctor calculates (which is based on a 28 day cycle) is WRONG for me! Further, a doctor who believes in inducing when a woman is one week overdue, would actually induce labor ON MY ACTUALY DUE DATE. With my knowledge, I can avoid such an unnecessary induction.

I think you get the point. This book is unmatched and is for every woman!

While very informative with regard to the workings of the female reproductive system, I felt that in the year 2008 it's unnecessary to do all of the temperature taking, charting, analyzing bodily fluids, etc...for pregnancy purposes. I was taken aback by some of the completely weird anecdotes (ie., the egg white story --GROSS) and felt that with the digital fertility monitors out there, you don't have to be a slave to that thermometer. As a hard working, career woman who likes to get her drink on occasionally, I like to sleep in on the weekends and would always miss the window for taking my temperature. I gladly spent the $200 for the easy monitor that fits better into my lifestyle and saves me from examining where my cervix is at any given moment.

Every woman should read this book! I am 33 years old and it took me until reading this book to understand what my body is going through each month. Thank you for explaining it in simple terms that we can understand. I can't believe they didn't tell us this in health class!

I bought this book over a year ago and reference it all the time. It is great to use when you are trying to conceive or if you are just trying to understand your cycles. I would & have recommended this book to my girlfriends.

I have found this book very helpful in getting started with the FAM method to avoid conception as an alternative to hormonal birth control methods. The author very clearly describes the fertility process and the steps to observing and charting a woman's cycle. I especially enjoyed the tone of the book, which is gently humorous and devoid of religious ideology. It really convinced me that FAM is a good method of birth control as well as an aid to conception.

The downside is a few "over the top" moments in the book. After using this method I will agree that the process of taking a temperature every day and charting fertility signs is not as inconvenient as I had originally thought, but I will not go so far as to say that "charting is a privilidge".

Overall, this book is a good start. I recommend it.

I have really appreciated this book for its honesty and candidness with the author's struggles as well as some practical information on how to navigate the infertility world with hope, grace, and a view on the Lord.
Thanks

This is the best book I have read on infertility! Easy to relate to, wonderful biblical reference, and brought me peace in a time of hardship. Enjoy and share!

OH what a wonderful book! We struggled with Infertility for years and spent thousands of dollars on treatments with what seemed like no end in sight. I felt so broken, so desperate....I always questioned WHY was this happening to me. Even though my husband was always wonderful & supportive I still hurt...we BOTH did. This book helped me out so much & completely changed the way I looked at my Infertility. I learned so much about myself & the "burden bearers" section of the book was most helpful in telling family members how they could handle this delicate situation as many of them unknowingly can sometimes say the most hurtful things. I had relied on God in the past for support & know that I wouldn't have made it without His comfort & strength as long as I did...but when I began reading this book and found the right places to search in the bible for specific verses, I was a changed woman. This book taught me great patience and that this was a time for me to grow & become closer to God. It gave me great hope and understanding about my struggles with Infertility.....and before I could even get to the end of the book....I got pregnant!!! All in God's time...and what perfect timing it was....just a few days before Thanksgiving! I'm now 13 weeks along and have seen my baby at 3 different times on ultrasound....the baby is perfectly healthy and we are so blessed. I was at my wit's end before starting this book. Of all the books I'd read on Infertility this one helped me the most & I would highly recommend it to anyone else who loves the Lord & is ready to trust in Him completely with their Infertility struggles. Best wishes to all those trying to conceive...may your journey be a short one!

This book is really life changing. It opens your heart and mind up to issues, thoughts, and feelings you may never have dealt with. This book is very well written and easy to understand. I can't imagine someone NOT liking it and gleaning something from it.

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.

What a wonderful book! Thank you Jenna and Mike for putting words to all of those feelings that are so difficult to express. Being an "infertile" myself, this book had me laughing, crying, and nodding along the whole way through. I feel like running out and buying this book for all those friends and family who are either struggling with infertility themselves or struggling to understand a loved one who is going through a difficult time.

Struggling with infertility is challenging all by itself without the added emotional struggles that must be faced. In my personal situation I've found that not many people, even family members, can relate to or understand what I've been going through. Even a relative whose gone through IVF doesn't understand. I found that Jenna wrote this book not just for me, but for those who love me. Both myself and my husband breezed through the book and feel as if the stories are about us. My mom has also read it and developed a greater understanding of what we're going through. Next we'll have the family members who can't understand why we don't attend children's birthday parties or baby showers read it. Jenna gives such wonderful advice on all of these situations that make us feel so irrational...and reminds us we're not! This should be a MUST read for anyone who is just beginning their infertility journey or has been on the journey much too long.

One in six couples will experience difficulty conceiving a child, yet the isolation of infertility can be overwhelming. Jenna and Mike's story is uniquely their own; however, any infertile reading this book will be struck with the similarities to their personal journey. Jenna does a fantastic job of bringing to the surface the raw emotions (hope, despair, anger, jealousy, and shame, to name a few) that an infertile struggles with every day. Mike's contributions to the story give a welcome male perspective and show just how important a team effort is to surviving this disease.

For those on the sidelines, this is as real as it gets. Jenna's depiction of a "typical" IVF cycle was dead on - from the Day 2 ultrasound, through the pharmacy of medications and their side-effects, to the longest wait of your life after which you find out if all you've invested (physically, emotionally and financially) has finally paid off.

The list of "dos and don'ts" written for those close to someone dealing with infertility is, perhaps, one of the most important parts of this book. If you read The Empty Picture Frame because you know someone living with infertility, pay close attention to this section and take Jenna's words to heart.

Thank you, Jenna and Mike for having the courage to educate others by putting your story out there for all to see. Best of luck to you both!

This book tells the truth, the raw, unadulterated truth about what it's like to walk the path of an infertile couple, trying again and again without success. If you're not infertile, you'll realize empathy and compassion in these pages, and learn what not to say. If you're infertile, you will see yourself here. Jenna holds nothing back. She doesn't make it pretty or cute or lighthearted. She invites you to experience the emotions along with her. This book is an invaluable emotional resource for infertiles and those who care about them.

I first saw Jenna on the Oprah Winfrey show. I immediately felt connected to her because of her struggle with infertility. I could totally understand her pain. She was the first person I had seen that I honestly felt I could relate to.

So when I saw that she had written a book about her story, I just had to buy it. This book is an amazing resource for infertility! It gives the full picture of what it's like to go through all the stages of infertility, from before "trying to conceive" all the way through many IVF attempts. Jenna has given the reader an inside glimpse into the life of an infertile.

The way she tells her story (along with her husband's two cents every so often) is so compelling. It really was hard to put down.

This book is not only a great resource to someone personally struggling with infertility but also to those who who know of someone else who is struggling with it.

After I finished the book I gave it to my mom so she could get a glimpse of what I was going through. And most importantly, so she could read the helpful hints Jenna talks about at the end of the book as to how to best support someone going through infertility. These suggestions are so dead on! I wish I would've given it to her years ago.

Overall, I just can't recommend this book enough!

One of the best information sources about in vitro fertilization. Very well written with sensitivity and compassion by an experienced doctor who has successfully helped many overcome infertility with IVF. Although IVF is not for me and my husband, after reading Expecting Miracles I am much more informed about those who travel down this journey to parenthood. An excellent recommendation for friends and/or family members of (as well as) those attempting IVF.

This book is an accurate and amazing portrayal of the intelligence, skill and compassion of Dr. Christo Zouves. I am one of his patients. I was told by other physicians that there was no known cause and no treatment for my continued pregnancy losses. Dr. Zouves discovered and treated the cause and the result is my son. I endured extensive treatment to moderate my immune response to pregnancy and complete successfully one cycle of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
The ordeal of infertility diagnosis and treatment is discovered by the reader in a fascinating manner through the true stories of individual families. You will be surprised at what people will endure to have a child. This book is informative and compelling reading. When he is old enough, I plan to give it to my son to explain how much he was wanted and how hard we and Dr. Zouves worked to bring him into our family.

Expecting Miracles: On the Path of Hope from Infertility to Parenthood gives you a very realistic look at the lives of fertility patients. The book is helpful medically, but written with heart and compassion. I found myself laughing and crying -- it's definitely inspirational and provides hope to continue seeking the child of your dreams! END

I really enjoyed this book and found it so inspirational. I loved the format---basically all stories (I called them case studies in the title, but that's really too dry a term---they are warm and complete stories) of people going through treatment for infertility, and the outcome of these treatments. I think almost every possible kind of case is covered! The book is very honest about how tough it can be to go through the treatment---I really had no idea how much was involved in assisted reproduction, and I gained new respect for what some families go through to have children. I did think once or twice that the book might have been more balanced if there were one or two more cases in it where the technologies were not successful, to make the book more like the statistics of how often such treatments really do work. But I know this was a book about successes, and I think it would be very inspirational to a lot of people, in addition to being well written and a great read.

"Expecting Miracles" is a warm, compassionate and uplifting description of the experiences of a dozen or so couples who sought help in conceiving a child from the author's infertility clinic. Each chapter tells one couple's story, as a sort of a mini-character study or "case study"; we learn about the patients' medical histories, their relationship with their significant others, their personalities, and the impact that their difficulty in conceiving & carrying to term has had on them & their families. Interspersed with the human stories are clear & succinct explanations of the science and medical technology used to help infertile couples conceive. Dr. Zouves' reverence for the spirituality and mystery inherent in the reproductive process was particularly refreshing.

As someone currently undergoing the initial stages of fertility treatment, I found the scientific information very helpful in understanding more about the delicate reproductive process (and how today's medicine can assist). I also found myself responding very emotionally to the plight of these couples. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to shed a tear at some of these beautiful, yet painful, stories! Nearly all of the stories have happy endings, though, and while that certainly does make for a less depressing book, it probably represents an unrealistic cross-section of infertility patients. Not everyone can be helped (sadly, I have several dear friends who fall into this category) and I imagine relatively few couples have the resources to pursue the kind of cutting-edge treatment Dr. Zouves describes - flying to the West Coast constantly, staying in hotels, paying for surrogates, not to mention the cost of the treatment itself (rarely covered by insurance). On the other hand, the book may well provide the necessary hope for those who are just barely hanging on in the midst of the physically and emotionally grueling treatment.

WOW! Dr. Beer is way ahead of his time and I throughly enjoyed reading his book and understand more about the world of miscarriage and infertility! The only down fall of this book is the medical terminology that most may not understand. Some parts were over my head...but Dr. Beer's theories make complete sense in how the author explains them.

The book has some very interesting ideas as to why failures happen. It can be pretty boring and repetitive at times though, very dry. It doesn't seem to be really written by Dr. Beers, it just has quotes from him every once in a while.

If your best friend was a book it would be this one. Dr Beer describes in easy to understand words how the immune system can go into overkill in some women. The result is miscarriage, IVF failure and infertility. But these outcomes can be prevented with the right tests and treatments. I read this book and found it technical when necessary but with lots of human interest stories and studies to back everything up. The authors did a good job making this book accessible to ordinary women and also credible for when they take it to show their doctors. It is not dry like the other reviewer said, it is factual and makes a complex subject understandable. The book is ahead of its time and will make infertility and miscarriage a far less frequent event if only it was more widely known to the medical profession. I had twins as a result of Dr Beer's treatments. I wasted many years and many $s consulting with narrow minded doctors before finding him. I recommend this book with all my heart to all those women who were once suffering like I was. The tests and treatments are out there and this book tells you where to find them.

This book was extremely helpful! I read it cover to cover in a matter of days. Dr. Beer et al have certainly made it easy to understand and explain reasons for unexplained infertility and loss. I would recommend this book to anyone who has suffered through either infertility and/or recurrent miscarriages. In the reference section it lists the clinics which provide the type of care he discusses. I made an appt immediately with Dr. Kwak as she is the closest to our home. She is a gift to work with!

Miscarriage is tragic. Add to that doctors who often have no answers, and parents can feel hopeless after repeated loss. This book provides answers for why losses occur, and how future losses can be prevented. Many of the treatments discussed are outside of mainstream care guidleines- but these are the same old sets of rules that leave so many families without answers. Dr. Beer does a great job explaining his treatments, and any woman who still wonders why she lost multiple pregnancies should read this book. I lost four children before finally being diagnosed with two treatable conditions. It's because of people like Dr. Beer that women like me can end up having our families.

"The author provides a touching glimpse into some of the most profound areas of life: candidly and clearly setting out not only the rough spots in her road to having a child, but the joyous moments, too. I was impressed not only with the personal aspect of the story, but with the political and social aspects, as well- the author is clearly a force to be reckoned with."
Writer's Digest

This well-packaged, straight forwardly told and ultimately poignant journal of Kari Gilliam Palmer's determined effort to adopt a child movingly captures the twists and turns involved and makes clear the toll the process can take on the prospective mother and those around her. We never lose sight of the authors supportive family- We keep track of them through diary entries as well as letters they send to Kari to help maintain her spirit and perspective. In large part, active ingredients in the author's ultimate success come down to faith, courage, focus and hope, and the happy ending will provide comfort and encouragement to others in a similar situation.

One Tiny Hope is an interesting chronicle of a woman's struggle to overcome both infertility and the adoption process. The journal format provides the reader with a candid look at very private issues surrounding one's ability to conceive or the frustrations surrounding adoption. The journal format also provides a "report" format for a very emotional situation, as a result, giving the book a more objective, narrative feel. While the book is valuable in that is shows the reader the value of perseverance, it is quite moving to think of the author's two children reading this book in twenty years and understanding the tremendous love that fueled their mother's efforts.

This is just amazing on what all you have accomplished in your life Kari. From being raised in wonderful family that you have to having family you always dreamed of and I know what a wonderful mom you are. I have not read the book just the breif discriptions of it from the site and I know you have given so much hope for women and men out there who are looking for that family and you also make those who are not sure on having a family really think about it. I am going to get this book so I can read all about your little hope.
Both of your girls are very precious and blessed to have you and your family they are great people.
Thanks for sharing this with me.
Congraulations!

"One Tiny Hope" is as gripping as a great novel! Kari Gilliam Palmer's words powerfully communicate her painfully real dreams and despair--and love. Kari's gentle heart and her faith in God shine through her writing, but her straightforward prose is often jarring, reminding us that this is her life, and not just a story. This book altered the way I perceive adoption, as well as how I think of families and babies. Kari's story is a moving reminder that every baby is precious, and all children should be cherished. "One Tiny Hope" touched my heart.

I was able to read Ms lee's book in 2 hours. I did not read every little detail, I found all the indepth journalling to be more than I wanted to know, but it highlighted her struggles and determination to have a baby. I did not find it helpful per se. IMO it is the kind of book that is best shared with family and friends who know you personally. A great book for her to share with her son one day...

Unless you struggle IF you will never know the pain and heartache. In this book you will see what we go through. You will laugh and cry with each entry.
Another reviewer wrote, "Too much info" If more people spoke out the stigma and embaressment and shame we go threw would lessen.
Thanks Robin for being so couragious to write this book.

Lori

There aren't many people in this world that would open up their most private wishes, struggles and disappointments for others to experience through publishing. This book is a must read for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with infertility - as well as their friends and family members. I read this book in one sitting. It was so compelling to see how each attempt came out that you can't stop reading. I thank the author for sharing her journey with us. And I heartily congratulate her on having the family and son that she fought so long and hard for.

The story of Ms. Lee's journey through infertility is a 'must read' for anyone embarking on their quest for a child. Those who have not experienced this heartache would benefit from learning what it is like to yearn for a child who is seemingly so out-of-reach. It really makes you count your blessings!

This journal is very open and honest. I couldn't stop reading once I started it! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the rollercoaster ups and downs of trying to conceive a child. There are a lot of emotions, both good and bad, that go along with this process and they are all shared within this journal. Financial and social struggles are also seen along the way. This journal is a very good description of the nightmare that infertility can be.

There is a drive within the genetic code of human beings that can be as urgent as the need for food, water, or sleep. It is the urge to procreate. When Kelly Damron and her husband tried to have children in 2001 she had to deal with the problem of infertility. She was finally able to conceive only to have her twin daughters born prematurely in 2004. Then after their troubled birth, Kelly found herself experiencing postpartum depression. She went on to join the march of Dimes as an active volunteer in 2006 and became the co-chair of the Family Teams Committee for the March for Babies (formerly known as WalkAmerica). She was the Mission Family presenter for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event on May 17, 2007, and has become involved with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, assisting in their Marketing and Events Committees. In "Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, And Depression" Kelly candidly records her personal story, drawing upon both her experience and subsequent hard-won expertise. Now the mother of two happy and healthy little girls, Kelly has written "Tiny Toes" for the benefit of the thousands of others who every year must deal with what she's had to cope with -- infertility and premature births, and sometimes a combination of both. Strongly recommended reading, especially for the one in eight couples encountering infertility and the 12.5% of women whose babies are born prematurely, "Tiny Toes" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring.

As an individual who dealt with infertility in the past and currently works with couples struuggling with these issues in outpatient treatment, I found Tiny Toes by Kelly Damron to be an excellent resource to anyone facing infertilitry and/or prematurity. Not only does it provide informative technical information, but also honestly and directly addresses the emotional stuggles faced by couples going through this process. This book is an invaluable resource to those early in the process in identifying, preparing for and dealing with the many emotional issues. Those who have already gone through the process of infertility and/or prematurity will find this book to be normalizing and validating. Furthermore, this book is a wonderful resource for extended family and friends who want to learn about the physical and emotional struuggles in order to be understanding and supportive to their loved ones. I will continue to recommend this courageous and helpful book to anyone I encounter struggling with similar issues!

I have several friends in various stages of IVF and that have delivered premature children. Until this book, I didn't know the internal struggles, day to day struggles, and strength needed within a family. I now have a much better understanding. Read this book so you can be a better person to your child, your friend or co-worker going through this challenge.

Kelly Damron's book Tiny Toes is a must read for everyone. We all know couples who struggle with infertility and the challenges surrounding this issue. Tiny Toes is very educational, entertaining and enlightening. The specific infertility terms, methods and process were amazing to learn about. Kelly shared in such a realistic way her personal journey through this difficult and learning process. Once you begin reading you won't want to put it down! Like me you'll think of dozens of others who can benefit by this excellent book!

Kelly's story provides an inner glimpse of the struggles of a family during infertility, premature birth, and depression that will touch anyone. Although it may be especially poignant for families that share this struggle, I was moved by Kelly's honesty and passion even though I have not had the same experiences. As a similar personality type, it was especially meaningful for me to understand the process Kelly went through to overcome her depression and how she found joy and hope through these adversities.

I stumbled onto Julia's books and her website while browsing on Amazon. She had commented on someone else's book, and it brought me to read about her books and website. I am generally a slow reader and rarely finish a book. I started reading "Inconceivable" and found it an easy read and highly enjoyable! I carried this book every where I went and read, read and read. I finished it in one week! - which never happens for me. In general, we eat very healthy and organic, but this book, Julia's story, brought me to another level. It is soooo worth the reading! Now, I am almost halfway through "The Fertile Female" her second book, and again, am carrying it around with me every where I go! It's one of those books that you can sit down and really, really get into and you feel like you're right there in the story, too. I highly recommend BOTH of Julia's books. I've also ordered her Imagery CD and some Conference Tapes from her website Fertile Heart. They just arrived yesterday. I have not been struggling with infertility, but more "obstacles" in trying to conceive our second child. I've had a miscarriage and my second ectopic pregnancy this time around, meanwhile, I'm just getting older... now 42! So, anything I can do to preserve my fertility, and in general just be the healthiest I can be - is well worth doing. Besides all of that - I've just really, really, really enjoy reading her books and following the exercises. They're very peaceful exercises - I LOVE IT!!!

In the midst of my own struggle with infertility, I luckily came across Julia Indichova's first book, Inconceivable. Her story of hope touched me like no other and allowed me to discover the author's support circles, workshops and website community which I have found to be an invaluable resource on this difficult journey. I highly recommend her second book, The Fertile Female to anyone, male or female, who is struggling with infertility. This book provides hands-on techniques for practicing what Julia calls her "Fertile Heart" tools. Incorporating these tools into my daily life has transformed me mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. While there are many tools regarding diet, exercise and relaxation, the most valuable and unique tools are the mind-body imagery and body talk tools. Deep within each of us who travel on this confusing, often scary journey through infertility, there exists a powerful and magnificent life force that is yearning to be heard. We can tap into this force more easily by listening to our bodies and connecting with our true self. The Fertile Heart tools exist to help us to this, and I am so grateful to have found them. Inconceivable: A Woman's Triumph over Despair and Statistics

I can't say enough about Julia Indichova, her workshop, THIS WONDERFUL BOOK, and also her first book: Inconceivable: A Woman's Triumph over Despair and Statistics!! My husband and I tried to conceive for over 2.5 years. After 10 months of trying on our own, we met with fertility experts. After several rounds of fertility treatments (including multiple rounds of INVITRO) we were pretty much told that egg donor was our best option. We even met with an adoption counselor last week. The process took such a toll on us. We were beaten down. Then, something led me to Julia's website: FertileHeart.com There I found her first book (Inconceiveable), which led me to attend one of her workshops and ultimately to read her latest book (The Fertile Female). I am a true believer!! I attended Julia's workshop (where she reviews all of the techniques from her book) in Woodstock, NY on April 1st, 2007. I left there so uplifted and revived. My husband and really felt that we could have a biological child. I was so happy that following week, during my OVULATION, and I KNOW that it made a difference. I stand her today PREGNANT!!!! Following the workshop and reading her book, I practiced Julia's techniques on a daily basis. So did my husband. I literally got pregnant that following week!! It truly works! Julia is brilliant. She has developed an easy to follow plan that revives you and helps you in all aspects of your life. I can't say enough! I want to scream to all of the doctors who saw me as a statistic.... I AM PREGNANT!!!! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK and follow Julia's techniques! Our dreams have come true. I will continue to use Julia's techniques throughtout my pregnancy and for the rest of my life. Stop reading all of those boring, hard-to-follow technical books and stop listening to all the gloom and doom...THIS IS A MUST READ! I purchased over 20 fertility books by so called experts that were hard to follow. This book was so enjoyable to read (Julia has an awesome sense of humor), easy to follow...and magically...it worked! It can for you too! I also recommend going to fertileheart.com and getting Julia's imagery CD and the best thing would be, after reading this book, attend her workshop! Remember, we are all amazing humans who have the power to make our dreams come true! Listen to your heart, find out what it is you want and believe it will happen. I am living proof! PS - I have purchased over 100 books from Amazon and have NEVER felt compelled to do a review before this! Best Wishes! [...]

If I could only buy one book to help me through my struggles with infertility - it would be this book. Julia's focus is on the mental and spiritual aspects of conceiving. She offers wisdom that comes from her own experience. She is light years ahead of other fertility practioners. I used her book as a guide through my own journey with trying to conceive.
I married 2 months shy of my 40th birthday. We started trying to conceive on our honeymoon. I became pregnant 3 times. All 3 pregnancies ended in miscarriage. I found Julia's first book 'Inconceivable' after my 1st miscarriage. I eventually attended her workshop in Woodstock and purchased her 2nd book -'Fertile Female'. I loved her 1st book, but this book was like medicine for my soul. I really needed a book that dealt with the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of trying to conceive. A few months after reading her 2nd book, (and 8 months after attending her workshop) I conceived my baby. I am 37 weeks pregnant. I turned 44 in May and this will be our 1st child. Her book gave me the tools and the belief that birthing a healthy baby IS POSSIBLE. I love her work and believe that her approach to infertility issues makes so much sense.

Words cannot adequately explain how I feel about Julia Indichova's latest book, the Fertile Female. It has become a permanent fixture on my nightstand. I find that it contains wonderful advice not only for those trying to conceive but for anyone who would like to birth an idea, a creation or just a better life for themselves. I became a true Julia Indichova fan after having read her first book, Inconceivable, too many times to count promptly following my "diagnosis" of premature ovarian failure. That first book gave me hope and courage to face the task I had at hand -- improving the quality of my life despite the dire predictions -- which served me immensely upon becoming pregnant a few months later. Now facing life with a toddler, I have found the Fertile Female wonderfully empowering as it contains the general message that one can improve one's life not only despite a difficulty but because of the difficulty. The Fertile Female is an amazing collection of all of Ms. Indichova's "tools" on how we can change ourselves not only by what we do physically to our bodies but also by how we think as well; in other words, the "tools" teach you how to live life in a productive and fulfulling manner. Bottom line, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Excellent read and informative. It brings hope to those who are experiencing what was described in the book and has helped me change and understand my body better. I bought this book for myself but ended up give it to a friend that needed the information more than I do. Its a perfect gift to give to all women in all walks of life. You are gonna love it!

Nice approach to TCM basics for westerners, a softer sell than Fertility Cure, but not as "scientific." Still, with an authentic "Asian matriarch" voice (smile). Provides actual recipes and meal suggestions, a big plus when trying to change your diet.

After struggling with secondary infertility for 1 year, I had given up on conventional medicine and turned to TCM. I read this book (as well as some others) and immediately made an appointment with a local accupuncturist. After 3 months of accupuncture, modifying my diet and taking chinese herbs, I was pregnant. Baby #2 was born healthy just 6 weeks ago and he will always by my "accu baby". Buy the book - trust your body and give Traditional Chinese Medicine a chance to work for you!

This book can be the difference maker! This is the book to buy!

I have gone thru 3 failed IVF and 8 inseminations and speant over 60K. Heartache beyond compare! polluted my body with Chemicals! Had a miscarriage. Went into labor. Had a C-section. and the clincher no baby to show for all the abuse I put my body thru...Shall I go on. All for the sake of western medicine and if I had read this book 1st.Please give this a try you will be armed with invaluable information. Like any business go with someone who is highly recomended call your local accupuncture school, find someone who specializes in infertility. Educate yourself with what truly is going on with your body before you spend your heart& soul. there was no reason for me to not get pregnant, all my results were great FSH 5.5 cycle 27-28 days 14 day luteal phase great lining great hormone levels...at 40 pretty proud of my body, but after I used two different donors and didn't get pregnant with an 80-90% success rate. I new there was something else wrong and that wrong was found in eastern medicine...now we are working to resolve the issue and hopefully....I PRAY