Infertility Books

What an uplifting, profoundly honest story of one woman (Liza) who couldn't become pregnant, and her cousin (Jennifer), who carried her baby (Luc) for her. I was moved -- and inspired -- throughout and actually cried 5 times!

I have never read a more ridiculousy self indulgent book about a narcissitic woman who dosn't want to ruin her "renaissance" looks and actually give birth. Good thing she has a sucker for a cousin!! The poor husband, does he ever get to use the bathroom mirror?

The authors were able to draw me into not only the drama of bringing Luc into this world but to the couragious story of 4 women and what they meant to each other. As someone who has experienced the rollercoaster known as infertility, I could relate to the feelings Liza expressed over her frustations with the medical community as well as her own perceived failures. I usually fear books on this subject because they can be full of self pity. Not this one...it was inspirational. Thank you to the authors for bringing hope to those of us still struggling!!

Your book was extremely emotional for me I cried all the way through it. I am a 34 yr. old female. I have had two ectopic pregnancies and 3 IVF cycles with no success. My sister has offered to be a surrogate, but my husband and I weren't sure about that path. Until I read your book!

I don't think people understand how difficult it is to live day to day with the pain of infertility. The book is very clear regarding the frustrations of not conceiving and the insensitivity some Dr.'s and nurses display to their patients. That was a very important message to send to your readers.

Your cousin Jennifer is truly a beautiful person inside and out. I think about her constantly. I loved the part about Jennifer always wearing high heel shoes, I can totally related to you La. But, you had the courage, strength, and love to not change Jennifer's ways. I admire you for that.

Thank God for loving people like Jennifer and modern technology. Jennifer by the way, you look gorgeous just like your mother.. Thank you very much for sharing your family photos with us, their very precious. May you all live happy and healthy lives.

Virginia Montoya

Appears to have been written a la romance novel -- indulgent descriptions of "my husband's Armani suit", "my Mediterranean beauty" and the like -- the truly heroic ones are Jennifer, who carried the child for 9 months, and husband David, who endured surgery. Perspective of Liza is self-involved and her ambivalence toward becoming a parent is insulting to those who may choose adoption as an alternative. This seems written with an eye toward a Hollywood screenplay.

I read this book before I had my first Laparoscopy and HSG. It helped me to know what to expect, and how the procedure is performed. And (! ) if I should get a disappointing diagnosis, which I did, I had it all right there in my hands. From PCOS to Endo to Adhesions, it has it all, but not everyone has it all. And for this reason I found it extremely helpful for many friends of mine who have a different diagnosis than I to give them descriptive reference. What I especially liked about the Author was his way of "looking" into his patients feelings. I wish more doctors would take that extra, yet essential time, to really know their clients.

I have lived by this book for the past three years. Instead of having the medical terms that were tossed around at my clinic visits go right over my head, this book gave me the tools to understand what was happening at all times.

Also, my husband and I were able to make informed decisions about what procedures we would be willing to go through, and those that we did not feel were right for us.

If you are looking for facts, and a way to determine if the odds for a particular course of treatment are favorable, read this book.

This book is filled with valuable information, but there are two problems:

1. Some of the information, or lack thereof, is outdated (it was fully updated in the most recent edition - 1996).

2. The focus of the book is somewhat narrow, although there is no indication of this fact until you read other books and understand Dr. Franklin's clinical and research interests.

That having been said, there is a wealth of excellent information regarding structural infertility causes in both women and men. Dr. Larry Lipschultz, a leader in his field, authors the best and most comprehensive chapter I have seen on male-factor infertility - this alone makes purchasing the book worthwhile!

Dr. Franklin provides detailed information regarding endometriosis, uterine abnormalities and tubal abnormalities in addition to other issues. Where this book is lacking is on matters of hormonal causes of female infertility. For example, it lacks FULL information regarding the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disease, instead focusing on telling women to 'just lose weight.' Many treatment options for hormonal-based infertility are not covered. Other books are much better for this purpose. (This stands to reason since Dr. Frankin is not a reproductive endocrinologist. This is a key point.)

The bottom line is this book has a lot of good information, but is best used in conjunction with other books on infertility.

At time in my life when all hope for being cured of Endometriosis and Infertility had faded, I received this book from the author himself.

Dr. Franklin not only goes in to great detail concerning afflictions of the Female Reproductive System and Infertility; he also describes treatment options (in easily understood language) and viability of these options.

This is a personal book! Dr. Franklin uses real people with very real problems to teach all of his readers about these anomolies. One minute you rejoice with a couple that is finally having a child; the next minute you cry for the young woman that has to have a hysterecmtomy without every having had children. Amid all of these situations one point clearly shines through -- you have hope!

This book might be helpful if you are looking for detailed medical information, but it generally scared the daylights out of us. We were taking things a step at a time, not knowing how much medical intervention we'd be comfortable with, and this book consistently left us feeling frightened that we were in for a major ordeal. We eventually threw it in the trash -- we did not even include it in the carton of books we donated to the library, lest another couple find it as consistently discouraging.

Truly an emotionally packed novel. I highly recommend. Great for support, education and insight. Wonderful insight into how a women feels going through this emotional battle. Great for husbands to read, to better understand their wives emotions. Truly exquisite, well written, emotionally packed, true life, heart breaking novel.

Those dealing with infertility feel the same things, hurt the same ways and mourn the children that we may never have. These are normal emotions when diagnosed with a horrific life altering disease.
I have lived with infertility for 19 years. I have had 8 pregnancy losses and the death of my first and only born son, who sadly died at 3 days old.
Infertility is much more than the inability to conceive and carry a child. It's a disease that takes away your innocence and plagues you with doubt, fear, loneliness and emptiness. Those who do not understand, end up being pushed away. Those who do, are often one of us. Infertility takes from us our families, our friends, our lives, our homes, our financial stability, our marriages and often times our souls.
This novel is my life experience dealing with such a horrific, never-ending disease that is often times unable to be dealt with emotionally. If I were to become pregnant and carry to term, a healthy baby, I would never fully overcome the emotional ramifications that infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss has had on my life. For me infertility and pregnancy loss is something I live each and every day.
I hope that you find this novel emotionally helpful. I hope that it gives you a sense of feeling less alone in a world of unknowns, with infertility. God Bless

While the author has been to hell and back, I was expecting to read more of the authors life and tribulations and successions. There was only about 26 pages of her story, then I was welcomed to about 150 pages of medical jargen and discriptions of medical proceedures and statistics, which as a patient of infertility I know the meanings of what IUI, IVF, Laps already. I had hoped she would of written about her decision to adopt and talked about her life more.

I am also diagnosed with infertility. 8 years now. I found this book very supportive. The author definantly lived the life known as infertility. Infertility is an emotional death, at least for some, as the author stated. Even if I overcome infertility and have a child, the innocense that I had before this disease will never return. I will never forget the tears that I have cried or the loneliness that I have felt. I will recommend this book to all of my friends and family members alike. Well done- well written- supportive.

Having had 4 miscarriages, and knowing the pain of infertility quite intimately myself, I take offense to the author's description of infertility as a horrific, lifelong, emotional death sentence. Even though I know that my experience with infertility has changed me and will forever be a part of my emotional wallpaper; I fully intend that I will resolve my infertility and that the feelings associated with it will be less in the forefront of my daily life.

The book is poorly written with grammatical and editing errors throughout.

I have acquired quite a number of books on infertility in the 5 years that my husband and I have been trying to have a baby; this book will not be one that I will share with others.

This is a wonderful book for those trying to conceive. I checked it out of the library twice. Lots of good advice about timing, the science of conception, health tips, fertility problems, pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, and the basics. Answered a ton of questions that I had. Yeah, people know how to have sex to get pregnant, but this book helps you optimize the best times to have sex.

I checked out this book from the library to see if it was worth buying. I'm so glad I did not waste my money. This was the most basic information that I'm sure kids in grade school get in their Sex Ed classes. It was all pretty much common sense and I did not learn anything new.

I found this book to be extremely informative and helpful. After reading through it, and following the instructions recommeneded I conceived within 2 months. I originally checked this book out at the library, and I found it to be so helpful that I bought it. If you have questions/ concerns about being able to conceive, and wanting to get pregnant quickly, I would highly recommend this book.

This book gives some great common-sense tips on getting pregnant.
Sure, we all know how its done and we've heard our share of old wives tales, but this is sound, practical advice from a fertility doctor on how to increase your chances of getting pregnant in the shortest amount of time (without fertility drugs). I had no idea that caffeine could affect a woman's fertility, even in moderate amounts! Also, he advises on common sense health information and how to best be prepared to carry a healthy pregnancy. I wouldn't call it required reading, but very informative and I am one of those people that likes to reseach things thoroughly before taking them on.

The main disappointment with this book was the lack of actual meal plans and recipes. Nearly 2/3rds of the book is given over to advice about exercise, emotional health, etc-- good stuff, but also stuff that's covered better in several other well known books. There are really only a few pages given over to how to actually eat. This plan is also based on Atkins principles, and though it is much more flexible and reasonable, it would be quite difficult to follow for vegetarians and veggie friendly options are not provided by the authors. This book is mainly of interest to women with PCOS who need more general lifestyle information. Women with endo and other issues, or people who are looking for more concrete nutritional info, meal plans, etc should look to the Healing Gourmet book on fertility. It has a similar approach (to insulin resistance) but provides concrete suggestions for meal planning.

The gist of this book is that insulin resistance--a condition that can be pre-diabetic, and a condition that can be MODERATED BY PROPER DIET--impedes fertility. The book describes that problem and proposes a solution.

I am not a fan of all the low-carb diets that have been popular these past few years. Luckily, this doctor doesn't seem to be an extremist. His suggestions are to balance carbohydrates and protein, both throughout the day and AT EVERY MEAL, thus avoiding insulin surges. He also prescribes eating something at the end of the day (bedtime) in order to avoid a "starvation" period of more than 8-9 hours.

According to his charts, if I were to try to use his system to lessen my insulin resistance (and, based upon his research, become more fertile), I would be expected to eat about 92 grams of protein and 92 grams of carbohydrates per day. He also gives a goal for fat grams. While I don't recall what mine was, I noted that it was comparable to what a standard weight loss diet would suggest.

To compare with a "normal" diet range for my height/weight (from a diet/fitness site I subscribe to):
PROTEIN -- 92 g (Groll) -- 30 to 136 g (my diet)
CARBS -- 92 g (Groll) -- 135 - 252 g (my diet)

I am not a nutrition expert to evaluate this professionally, but it doesn't seem too extreme to my reading of the numbers. I also recall that, during my pregnancy (in 2003), my doctor and our Bradley method childbirth instructor advised me to eat at least 80 g of protein per day. I believe that a higher protein level is frequently advised for pregnancy, so it could be relevant to fertility as well.

Groll also discusses the importance of exercise both for general health and as another way to decrease insulin surges that can lead to insulin resistance. All in all, his program appeared reasonable and healthy to me.

For someone struggling with infertility, I expect that following a plan like this might be a simple, cost-effective step to take before submitting to other more expensive and invasive fertility treatments. Naturally, anyone with specific health issues should consult their physician before starting this or any other diet and exercise plan!

It is a very good book which, in very simple terms, explains how this nutrition plan works. I have PCOS and this book makes me hopeful that I may be able to control my condition without serious medication. I certainly would recommend this nutrition plan before trying Metformin. I was surprised how quickly the plan worked: I saw improvements in my symptoms within weeks after starting the plan. In fact, I have so much more energy and feel so much better that I would want to stick to this way of eating indefinitely. I only wish there would be more and better receipes in this book.

The main idea of this book is that a high-protien, low-carb diet will increase your odds at having a child. What the author doesn't mention is that maintaining a high-protien, low-carb diet for an extended period of time can actually harm, not help, you. Rememeber, Atkins died of heart disease. The author of this book insists that by losing weight while on such a diet will increase your fertility. ANY weight loss will increase your fertility. The premise of the book, eat right and exercise, is a good one. The way he says to go about it is bad advice. 90% of all dieters fail. Why? Because diets don't work. Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise is the only sure fire way to lose weight and increase your odds of having a child.

Experiences of loss, failure, abandonment, injustice inflicted by intimates -- and comfort, consolation and restoration -- replay over and over again in the lives of human beings. Because of this, biblical passages that reflect these themes resonate with many people, regardless of calling or creed, at the deepest levels.

In "Bearing the Unbearable," Karl A. Schultz links some of the best-loved and most poignant stories of the Bible to that bereft state in which we sometimes find ourselves. The author teaches how, through the natural process of lectio divina ("holy reading"), the inspired word of God can provide comfort and consolation in our darkest moments and effect healing and renewal.

The Holy Bible, God's inspired word, reflects every human experience. Schultz reminds us -- as does Scripture -- that God made us, knows us, loves us, and calls us into relationship with Him, encouraging us to share with Him our sufferings as well as our joys.

Each chapter of this book opens with a vibrant illustration, rendered in stained glass in the original by Nick Parrendo, that brings to life a familiar biblical scene. (The reader might delight in the color rendition of several of the images at the author's website.) Following the image is Schultz's meditation on that particular scene, after which he explores present-day practical, personal, social, and spiritual aspects of the story. Schultz speaks not only to the particular experience of biological infertility but also, more generally, to what he calls "functional" infertility: thoughts and emotions, and reactions and responses, that arise when our hopes are frustrated or our dreams shattered.

"Bearing the Unbearable" reminds us that we are not alone in our journey, even -- and perhaps especially -- in the midst of most profound grief. What's more, we find that this process of examining and considering our suffering in the light of Scripture can open our eyes to the movement of grace in our lives. For the open reader, Schultz's insights and inquiries can lead to an intensely personal experience of Divine Providence.

Who else might benefit from this book? Medical doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists, ministers and priests, pastoral counselors, and spiritual directors: all will find that "Bearing the Unbearable" provides inspiration, unique insights, and new directions in their work.

I cannot think of anyone who would not benefit from this beautifully written and beautifully illustrated work.

In this wonderfully illustrated book portraying the characters of the Bible, Karl Schultz assists the reader with understanding the meaning of suffering and patience. Bearing the Unbearable guides the reader in developing a renewed zest for life being aware of God's presence and initiative. Schultz conveys the value of love, forgiveness, charity, and mercy for those struggling with infertility and other profound suffering. Bearing the Unbearable is a must read for all who face the difficult trials of life.

This book was not helpful for me. It did not give any insight into productively coping with infertility, but instead rambled on about religion and accepting your infertility. Nonsense! I should have known from the creepy picture on the cover. Who gave this book 5 stars, the author?

I just could not relate to this author. I'm happy that childfree worked for her, but there is a huge difference between making the decision to live childfree before you exhausted your treatment options and making the decison after coming to the logistical end of treatment (whether it be due to the insurance, finances or probability of success running out...). This book speaks to the former group of decision-makers; people who I would argue are closer to being childless by choice rather than chance.

My husband and I are nearing the end of our fertility treatment options and, in all honesty, are leaning more toward childfree than adoption, but not because we haven't seriously considered the latter. If you have no interest in adoption whatsoever, then you may be able to better relate to this book. If, however, you are struggling between the two, I think you'll find this book a little too one-sided and simplistic to be of much assistance. A better book would be "Sweet Grapes: How to Stop Being Infertile and Start Living Again" by Jean and Michael Carter.

I do wish that I had had this book years ago, as it is an excellent book for those in the infertility maze who are trying to find their way to acheiving some sort of resolution.

I tend to find many books about regarding the infertility issue very depressing, focusing on "making do" or pushing the reader off to the adoption route without seriously considering the childfree route.

The author tells her own story and explains to the reader in detail about how she arrived at her own choice to be childfree.

This book contains heartfelt case histories and helpful quotes from various women throughout. Each woman has a unique story, so the reader is bound to find someone to whom she can relate.

The author also includes helpful responses to those well-meaning (or not such well-meaning) people who will try to question the reader's positions and choices.

A definate must-read!

A better title or this rather slim and somewhat melodramtic book might "Childfree Instead of Fertility Treatment" since that was the choice the author made and the one she is best qualified to talk about.

Everyone must make their own choices in this area and what works for one person may not work for another. However, potential purchasers should be aware that the author decided to terminate fertility treatment before trying either IUI or IVF and never seriously considered adoption. This suggests that choosing the childfree option was perhaps less of a struggle than for someone who has exhausted fertility treatment options and is now trying to decide between adoption (or egg/embryo/sperm donation) and childfree. Such a person may be better served by the book "Sweet Grapes: How to Stop Being Infertile and Start Living Again". That book has the added advantage of being written by a couple for couples.

On the other hand, the book does raise some good points and given the seriousness of the decision being made, buying both books would not be a complete waste of money.

Family Bonds is a bit more personal than Bartholet's other title, Nobody's Children. Bartholet is a mother to one child born prior to her divorce, and two boys adopted from Peru as a single, divorcee. Batholet states that "The myth is that the legal structure surrounding adoption is designed to serve the best interests of the child. Actually experiencing the system as an adoptive parent shattered this myth for me." As a woman who endured the international adoption process I too had this myth shattered. The current adoption system, both domestic and international, is a travesty. The needs of children are the lowest priority and their "best interests" is something to which only lip service is paid. Anyone who has traveled to a foreign country can attest to the heartbreaking conditions of orphanages and the bizarre affinity for orphanages over international adoption. You need only be exposed briefly to babies languishing in wooden cribs or strapped to potties as early as possible to be appalled by the fact that so-called "advocates" for children oppose adoption and actually support anti-adoption sentiments. Most of the children in these orphanages are not legally "available" for adoption, yet they are purportedly "better off" being NOBODY'S CHILD than being an American's child. It is a disquieting notion, but nonetheless a reality.

Elizabeth Bartholet is a voice of reason in the adoption world; a world that is sadly perverted by anti-adoption forces clinging to a mythological ideology that blood equates to the best parenting scenario for all children. This is a dangerous ideology as many are willing to sacrifice children's lives in order to defend it. Children rot away in the foster care system and most are reunited with their parents at all costs - to the point that many are killed by their biological parents who are unfit to parent them. It is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's short story The Lottery. We cling to barbaric ways simply because it is "the way we've always done it".

If you're an adoptee or birthmother, don't waste your money on this narrow-minded view of adoption. Bartholet has little to say about birthmothers! When she does mention birthmothers, she seems to view them as inconsequential baby machines. No empathy in this book!

I found Elizabeth Bartholet's view of parenting to be thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate. As the birth mother of one, this book made me want to consider adoption as a compassionate way to expand my family -- even without fertility problems as the motivation.

Patricia Irwin Jonhston offers with this book a resource for those with trouble conceiving. Ms. Johnston wrote this book after her struggles with infertility and after adopting children of her own. During her struggle with infertility, she found very few references for those not in the medical profession, so she set out to create one of her own. A great part of this book are the references at the end of each chapter-she gives lots of good tips for organizations and other books that can help a person dig deeper into their problem. Topics covered in this book are: how and when to find a doctor, what testing might be needed, infertility myths, help with the decision to adopt or stop infertility treatment and much more. It is comprehensive, though not indepth on all topics. I would recommend this, as a fellow infertility patient, as a great place to start. If you are looking for information on a specific topic, you may not find it in this book, but it will probably give you help with where to go next.

Hands down this book sucked. $ave your money.

This book is excellent for women who are just starting to have trouble concieving. It gives detailed descriptions of what your body should be doing naturally during each cycle and what you can do to tell if something could be wrong, for instance, if you are ovulating each cycle or not.

This is the best book on infertility and its effects on relationships that I've read (and I've read quite a few). It is written by an anthropologist who has struggled with infertility herself and is based on her research. I never expected to find such words of wisdom in a book like this. Empowering, life-affirming, hopeful, and full of love. Every couple who is experiencing infertility should read it. I would also recommend it to infertility doctors and counselors, and social workers working with adoption.

I am so thankful for Gay Becker and her research. This book is a treasure.

I read this book cover to cover. from the beginning it wasn't grabbing my attention.I was very bored while reading it.It's main focus to me was on older couples, 35 and up, with infertility problems. Completely ignoring the younger reader such as myself. (I'm 24 and have had infertility issues for 4 yrs.)I did like the interviews the author used to express the couples actual feelings, although, my husband and myself didn't seem to relate to a lot of the male perspective and some of the female perspective the author was giving. The title is -Healing the Infertile family:Strengthening your relationship in the search for Parenthood- I don't feel like I learned any new coping techniques,I don't feel any good information on what my husband and myself could do to strengthen our relationship was presented like the title would insinuate. So I rate this book only 2 stars.