Infertility Resources

I have read just about every book out there that I could find on infertility and getting pregnant.  Some have been more helpful than others. Here are those books that I have found particularly helpful, both with coping and general information.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: I first learned about this book on the Knot discussion boards. About a month after I threw out the birth control, I realized that my recollection of high school biology was next to nil and there was no good information in one place on what to expect after ten years of birth control pills. So, I bought my copy and dutifully digested it.  Three and a half years later, I still use it and I still find it very empowering to know what exactly my body is doing and why.  My only complaint is that when you’ve been dealing wtih infertility for a while, it can be very demoralizing reading the charts of the girls who got pregnant just by having sex.  What a concept.

How to Get Pregnant: this title always cracks me up because it just seems to beg the obvious answer of “duh, have sex!”

Fortunately, Dr. Silber does more than say “duh” and provides a lot of good information on the technical aspects of infertility treatment.  It’s not a “let’s love our bodies” book like TCOYF, but it does have a lot of good information that is readable and it makes a good reference.  I did find it a little on the alarmist side, though, particularly about the decline in overall fertility over the years, which is still very much open to debate.  Overall, excellent reference and a good primer if you are just dipping your toe in the infertility pool.

A Few Good Eggs: Two Chicks Dish on Overcoming the Insanity of Infertility: I found this book right when I was diagnosed with blocked tubes (and thus infertility) and it was a true light in the darkness.  I loved the style of it – both authors dealt with infertility and had little side bars in each chapter sharing their experiences. Their husbands also pitched in some comments.  They cover a lot of ground from how to pick an RE to miscarriage and I’ve found something useful in each section.  They also have a great website. No down sides with this one. 

Conquering Infertility: This book has helped me through all stages of my journey and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s also an excellent book for learning how to be mindful in all situations, not just in the face of infertility. I had not come across the concept of mindful living, but she does a great job of introducing it in the context of infertility treatment. 

My fellow IF bloggers also have provided a lot of insight and wisdom about infertility and miscarriage. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:

• To My Dear Friend on the Day After Her Wedding, by Karen at One Good Egg: A hedge against hubris.
• Kindness in a Box, by S. at An Offering Of Love: a wonderful list of what to put in a care package for someone after a miscarriage. I hope I never have to send one, but if I do, I’ll know how to do it right.