Editorial Review

Celebrating 10 years of helping hundreds of thousands of women achieve pregnancy, avoid pregnancy naturally, and gain better control of their health and lives, the 10th Anniversary Edition of the classic bestseller will include:

•New 'Preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition"

•Updates on new fertility technologies

•Natural approaches to conception

•Updated Resources and Books

For any woman unhappy with her current method of birth control; demoralized by her quest to have a baby; or experiencing confusing symptoms in her cycle, this book provides answers to all these questions, plus amazing insights into a woman's body. Weschler thoroughly explains the empowering Fertility Awareness Method, which in only a couple minutes a day allows a woman to:

•Enjoy highly effective, scientifically proven birth control without chemicals or devices

•Maximize her chances of conception or expedite fertility treatment by identifying impediments to conception

•Increase the likelihood of choosing the gender of her baby

•Gain control of her sexual and gynecological health

Reviews

Required reading for EVERY woman!, May 4, 2003
I honestly thought that just being a woman ~ I knew all I needed to know to get pregnant. I am 35 now and ready to have a baby, so I stopped taking the pill and waited 2 cycles and thought all I had to do was plan our night of fun close to Ovulation "Day 14". Was I ever wrong!!

After trying unsuccessfully on my own for 5 months, I started to question my fertility. I purchased ovulation test strips and they wouldn't show a peak ovulation. I found others online who were trying to conceive and recommended this book. Once I received the book, I couldn't put it down! I was amazed at what little information I actually knew about my cycle ~ my own body and what it had been telling me all along. I just didn't understand it.

I learned not everyone ovulates on "Day 14", for me it is actually "Day 23". I assumed I wasn't ovulating and got frustrated at day 20-21 and would stop testing. I now know to look for signals to show when I'm ovulating and now test in the correct window.

By reading this book I now have a clear understanding of my cycle. At my age, I want to have a baby sooner than later, so I plan on taking a more aggressive approach to my fertilization. I talked with my doctor after 6 months, rather than 1 year. With the help of this book and charting, I was able to explain my cycle and show my doctor all my charts. I was able to provide all the information needed to show I have a short luteal phase. By providing this information to the doctor, we will be able to treat the ovulation problem that much quicker. My doctor commented that I was extremely organized and it really helped things along.

This book is very easy to read and understand. You will be able to clearly read your own body signals during your cycle, and have a better understanding of your fertilization ~ whether you want to become pregnant - or not.

I will share this book with other women and would recommend it for every woman!

Excellent, excellent, excellent, October 8, 2002
I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent, college-educated woman with a pretty darn firm grasp on How Babies Are Made, so when my husband and I decided to start a family, I thought it would be as easy as tossing the birth control pills aside and Let The Fun Begin! After almost a year with NO baby, followed by a miscarriage, I was starting to question my fertility. (After all, how hard can this be?) I went to the OBGYN, who immediately recommended Clomid and sex on the 14th day of my "cycle." I wasn't comfortable with the fertility pill concept, and saw a recommendation for this book instead. So, I picked it up.

WOW! Why don't they teach THIS in Sex Ed?? I wish I'd known this stuff when I was 13! I sure knew the mechanics of sex, alright, but not the mechanics of my own body. I was amazed at what I didn't know; while I had observed the various signs that are talked about, I didn't have the slightest clue what they meant. They never worried me, but they never gave me any insight, either. I started charting, figured out what day of the cycle I REALLY ovulated, and on the third try -SURPRISE!- we were pregnant! While the OB said to try on day 14, we REALLY needed to try on day 19. Sperm only live for 5 days max, so we would have missed our window of opportunity every time. :(

I have recommended this book to complete strangers whose friends were "trying to get pregnant," and lent it to my best friend when she mentioned going off the pill. She's due in December!

Now that my cycle is back, I've reclaimed the book back again to avoid another baby until we're ready. We're still breastfeeding, and using this as a birth control method doesn't come with the risk of drying up my milk supply. (I know, Micronor (mini-pill) is breastfeeding-friendly, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet.)

I am SO pleased with this book and the knowledge I gained from it; I can't believe I didn't know all this before my mid-twenties!

Brilliantly enlightening!, August 18, 1999
I bought this book after 4 unsuccessful months of trying, which was after 3 months of waiting after having 2 miscarriages. Since I'd gotten pregnant right away with my first child, I figured there might be something I needed to learn and I couldn't have been more right. This book is an absolute must for anyone, whether you're trying to get pregnant or not. I learned more about my body in the day and a half it took me to read the book than I ever did in any of the sex ed classes in school. After 4 months of what we thought was perfect timing and no success, we thought there might be a problem. I bought the book to learn about detecting ovulation and potential fertility problems. I got pregnant the first cycle I charted because of the knowledge I gained about ovulation and its signals. I learned through charting that I ovulated on Day 21 rather than Day 14. I was also able to determine I was pregnant without even taking a test! I'm so thrilled about the knowledge I've gained by reading this book and I feel much more in tune with my body now that I am pregnant. I urge any woman to get this book if you are at all interested in your body, pregnancy achievement, or pregnancy avoidance. This book is very well written in plain English that is easy to understand. The illustrations, color photographs, and numerous charting patterns were especially helpful to me. I can't say enough about this book!

An invaluable resource, but skepticism prevents heartache, January 27, 2002
'TCOYF,' as it is known in pre-conception communities, is definitely an invaluable resource for any woman or couple wanting a child (it is often referred to as the 'bible' of pre-conception). It arms you with the knowledge necessary to maximize chances of conception (or lower the risks of pregnancy in those who do not wish to conceive) and does so in an enjoyable, easy-to-read manner that does not belittle or overwhelm its audience. The wealth of information in this book about a woman's cycle and how to chart it are absolutely fantastic, and one is left with a sense of 'how could I not have known all this was going on in my body before?' Although I highly recommend this book, I would also like to offer a much-needed word of warning about it: page after page after page of success stories are presented, leaving the general impression that the whole process of conception is MUCH easier than it is. The author repeatedly presents 'case studies' of women who conceived after only ONE MONTH of using the methods in this book. The overall effect is one of effortless and immediate conception if the guidelines provided by the author are followed religiously. Although I do not believe it is intentional, I have to say I feel the book is deceptive in this regard. It also promotes methods of determining pregnancy that absolutely are NOT definite and that, if taken to heart by the reader, can leave one devestated at the end of a cycle, when the feeling of 'but I don't understand, the book said I must be pregnant' take over. I have seen too many women experience these disappointments to consider any honest review of this book complete without mentioning these things. The reader should use a healthy dose of skepticism about some of her more controversial ideas and use the book mainly as a guide to getting to know one's body and learn how to determine ovulation. It truly is invaluable in that regard. But don't let all those case studies get you overexcited or build up unrealistic expectations. Conception still is not an exact science, no matter how much knowledge you have at your disposal, and you still may be in for a wait, no matter how faithfully you follow these guidelines.

You've got to have this book - and recommend it to friends!!, May 4, 1999
After over 4 months of trying to get pregnant, a good friend of mine recommended this book. She told me that if nothing else I would feel more knowledgeable about my body, its cycles, and what it was telling me when. So I ordered it. It is so well written that I found myself looking forward to reading it. It is incredibly informative and easy to understand. And I immediately knew from reading it what my husband and I were doing wrong (we were a little late in my cycle each month). Thanks to the charting I knew that having a mild flu with fever delayed my cycle's ovulation date *and* I knew when to keep going before ovulation. I'm happy to write that thanks to my first cycle of charting I'm now 3 weeks pregnant. I very very highly recommend this book. It helped me to relax and, literally, go with my body's flow. (I wish there were one this good for during pregnancy!!) THANKS TONI!!!!

Essential for every woman, especially teens, June 19, 2000
This is not just a guide to getting pregnant. It is about knowing your body without being embarassed. It is quite liberating to read this book and then be able to recognize exactly where you are in your fertility cycle. Too often, women are made to feel guilty or shamed about even looking at our bodies. It's beyond imagination for some women to examine themselves or to ask questions about what exactly their bodies do. Weschler helps break this barrier and shows us why it's critical to overcome the societal embarassment or reluctance.

She makes a very good point: why is it that men are fertile all of the time, that women are fertile for just 5 days a month, yet the majority of birth control involves a woman taking a drug 30 days a month, or inserting a contraceptive device before every sexual encounter? Forget about the burden being placed on women (as long as we bear the children we will be ultimately responsible). Think about the ridiculousness of taking powerful hormonal drugs every day or having to use contraception when you're not even fertile! The drug and contraceptive industries are having a field day!

This book has three very distinct values:

1. An essential part of every adolescent girl's education about her changing body. This book will do more than almost anything else in preparing her for responsible sexual encounters, and will help her self esteem by getting rid of her trepidation about her body.

2. Tool for avoiding pregnancy.

3. Tool for achieving pregnancy.

It boils down to three basic fertility signs: basal temperature, cervical fluid, and height of cervix. Once you read the book and become accomplished at tracking each of the three signs, you can put away the thermometer. Weschler urges you to track the basal temperature faithfully for several months. But, especially if you're using the method as birth control, you can judge by the other two signs and safely avoid pregnancy. And it takes absolutely no extra effort or monitoring.

Most of us have heard the jokes about natural family planning. Weschler discusses those criticisms and shows why this book is different and reliable.

"Taking Charge of Your Fertility" will ease your mind and give you the confidence of being certain when you are fertile or not fertile.

Excellent information - but take with a grain of salt, February 22, 2005
If you are anything like me, you were about 12 years old when you learned everything you know about the female body. Of course back then we were more concerned about guessing who had gotten their period so far and too busy avoiding eye contact with the boys in the room to really pay much attention.

Now, both as an adult and as a woman actively trying to achieve pregnancy, this is invaluable information that I wish I had known all along. Through Ms. Weschler's clear and easy to understand writing, you'll learn to fill in those blanks: how everything works, what exactly goes on during your cycle, how best to time sex for conception (I learned within the first month of charting that we were off by about 10 days - no wonder our first attempts didn't work!) and so much more...including how HIS parts work (700 million sperm at any given time? OH MY!).

However, I would also take Ms. Weschler's blatant distain for the medical community with a grain of salt. YES, her methods provide invaluable knowledge for women and YES this is information I believe each woman should be armed with, but I do bristle at her constant dismissal of all doctors and her negative portrayal of them. Especially alarming was her description of colonoscopy as "demoralizing." No, this procedure isn't as fun as trip to Disneyland, but it has indisputably saved thousands of lives despite the stigma many would place on it. My hope is that women read this to learn more about themselves...but not shy away from seeking medical help when and if they need it.

An Amazing Learning Experience for Every Woman!, October 22, 2000
This book is absolutely wonderful. My sister sent it to me. I stopped birth control pills in March and with the charting of my cycles, purposely avoided conceiving. July was the first month I actually tried to get pregnant and I did...on the first month! I knew I was pregnant before I "missed my period" and before I took a test. My sister read it before me, and while off the pill, avoided pregnancy for over a year. The first month she decided to try to achieve pregnancy, she too, conceived...first month! We are both expecting in the spring...2 1/2 weeks apart.

I have sent this book to several friends and recommend it to everyone. It is such an important learning tool for all women, whether they are thinking of pregnancy or not. I learned so much about my body. It is just an incredible book and method. It is such a shame that doctors do not recommend fertility awareness to women. BUY THIS BOOK...you will LOVE it!!!

A terrific guide to understanding our bodies!, October 11, 1999
My husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for six months when I heard about this book through a website. I purchased the book on amazon.com and started charting my cycles right away. Within two months my husband and I realized our fertility problems were nothing more than timing. We got pregnant on the second month of charting. Our son's due date is in December. I have recommended this book to so many people. There is so much information in it that you just never learned in school. Above everything else I realized it is normal not to be "normal". This book saved us the agony of fertility testing and unnecessary stress. For the first time we felt in control! I showed my charts to my doctor and he was extremely impressed with accuracy and teachings of the book. My sister-in-law is now using the book as a guide for her fertility problems. She is currently taking Clomid to overcome a medical condition. "Taking Charge" is helping her to keep track of her cycles and gives her a guideline to help deal with the unsympathetic doctors!

Irregular periods? Save valuable time, read this book NOW!, January 6, 2000
If your cycles are irregular, read this book NOW. I went to my gynecologist a FULL YEAR before I wanted to start trying for pregnancy (because I'm older and wanted to speed things up when the time came), said: What do I read/do now to get ready because I'm very irregular and my cycles are unpredictable? She talked about genetic compatability screenings, but never mentioned cervical fluid or going off the pill right away to determine what my non-pill-controlled cycles were like. She sent me off to "try for 6 cycles" (which in my case took nearly a year due to long cycles during which, I now know, thanks to Toni's wonderful book, I wasn't even ovulating!) What a waste of a 35-year-old woman's precious time! I haven't conceived instantaneously like many of the other woman testifying here, but I'm confident I'm now finally truly on my way. Even though there are almost 200 reviews posted about this book at the time of this writing, I felt I must add my comments (and endorsement), in the hopes they will push one more woman to order this book NOW and truly get educated about our body's awe-inspiring ability to tell us what we need to know to get pregnant. ... Read more

Editorial Review

MAKING BABIES offers a proven 3-month program designed to help any woman get pregnant. Fertility medicine today is all about aggressive surgical, chemical, and technological intervention, but Dr. David and Blakeway know a better way. Starting by identifying "fertility types," they cover everything from recognizing the causes of fertility problems to making lifestyle choices that enhance fertility to trying surprising strategies such as taking cough medicine, decreasing doses of fertility drugs, or getting acupuncture along with IVF. MAKING BABIES is a must-have for every woman trying to conceive, whether naturally or through medical intervention. Dr. David and Blakeway are revolutionizing the fertility field, one baby at a time. ... Read more

Reviews

Better book than the Infertility Cure!, November 1, 2009
Everyone raves about the Infertility Cure. I read the Infertility Cure then Making Babies back-to-back and thought Making Babies was a far superior book. It is easier to follow and understand and provides more knowledge on dietary and lifestyle changes to support fertility. The authors also email you back within 30 minutes if you submit a question!!!

Why I LOVE this book, August 22, 2009
This is a great resource for any wannabe parents. Among other things it has a long list of suggestions on everything from when to have intercourse, to what foods to eat, even some interesting points on what supplements to take. It also confirms something really important I learned at a workshop given by Julia Indichova, which is that going for the big guns of IVF, before we really understand what's going on with us, can do more harm than good. (Julia's book The Fertile Female is another great book I highly recommend) I also like the idea of a three month plan. The authors are suggesting that you should see some real changes and results in three months and if you don't it's time to move on. I spent years doing acupuncture and a year and a half doing medical treatment and stayed with it out of desperation not because I was seeing positive changes. It was not until I stopped all of that and really started to do my own reading and research that I started getting on the right track that led to our beautiful, healthy, conceived the old fashioned way baby girl. Now we are hoping for baby number two.

Finally, a new approach!, September 11, 2009
I can honestly say I've read every book in my library about infertility, and they all start to run together. This one stands out; I feel as though the authors are much more open to natural conception, rather than drugs or IVF right away. I think we'd all like to conceive naturally if we can, and this book provided me with several ideas and hopeful solutions to my own infertility. I'll write again in a few months if this "three month plan" works for me! In the meantime, this is a great book...I highly recommend it.
Something that really stood out for me was the Making Babies website, where you could send questions to the authors. I wrote in and got an answer from Jill Blakeway that same day. I was so impressed that she took the time to address my specific question, and so quickly! This book and the website are wonderful resources.

Achieving Pregnancy Naturally without IVF, September 17, 2010
Okay, Ladies. I've been told by local IVF doctors in Orlando that I needed a donor egg because I'd never conceive. Well, one day my dad was watching CNN and saw Dr. Sami David (who is a former IVF doctor) on TV talking about how many women can get pregnant naturally, but may need a few clever ways to achieve that in a cycle. For example, if your cervical mucus is thick and not very friendly for sperm, then take 600 mg of Mucinex twice a day around CD 10 - 13 (if you ovulate around days 12 or 13). This helps loosen the mucous to allow a friendlier environment. Or use a little Pre-Seed (Pre-Seed Personal Lubricant - Multi-use Tube) instead of any other lubricant. And the list goes on...

I travelled from Orlando to New York City to meet with both doctors that wrote this incredible book (you can also do a phone consultation along with medical records). Jill Blakeway is an acupuncturist who certainly knows her stuff. With the help of following this book, and understanding my body type and what it needed to create an environment that was perfect for conception, my husband and I were able to conceive NATURALLY within 2 cycles. I started following the book the first week of June, and by mid July, I had a positive blood pregnancy test of 136 on 11 DPO. Mind you, I have a slew of issues: my immune system, lack of progesterone and luteal phase defect, all which are discussed in the book along with many, many other issues. Because of these solved problems, I was able to conceive.

The most important thing for me was conceiving naturally and having both DR. DAVID AND JILL BE SO INCREDIBLY POSITIVE about our wanting to conceive a child. No nay-saying with these doctors. In addition, they are very KIND, KNOWLEDGEABLE, COMPETENT, AND CARING. The book was our bible to conceiving naturally. I highly, highly recommend this book and doctors. It's certainly worth it!

Anyone considering fertility treatment, please read this book!, August 17, 2009
I am honored to be the first to review this essential book for anyone interested in the pro's and con's of natural and assisted fertility treatment. Doctors David and Blakeway do a fabulous job in explaining pertinent, yet mostly overlooked ways to rev up fertility before embarking on assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and IUI. We (as acupuncturists specializing in infertility) are often seeing patients too late in the game, and hope this book encourages couples struggling with infertility to give natural treatments such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine a try.
My only complaint was there was no listing in the resource guide for the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, which is the certifying body for acupuncturists specializing in infertility (www.aborm.org).
In short, I will definitely recommend this book to my patients as a navigation guide to more effective infertility treatment, whether embarking on a medicated or natural path (or both).

Should have started here first!, July 21, 2010
This book works. My husband and I began trying shortly after we were married when I was 27. A year and a half later, still no baby. During that time, I read every book under the sun, and faithfully charted CM, temperature, etc...I could tell you my cycles and ovulation to a T, but none of that seemed to help. After I read this book, I took several of the steps given for my body type and planned my 3-month prepregnancy time. I hadn't even ordered the additional supplements yet to help level out my hormones, when I found out I was pregnant. I am now 6 months pregnant with a little girl! I swear that this book and the few things it said to get my body healthy per eastern and western medicine did the trick. If you could only pick one book on fertility, this should be it!

I am pregnant after 3 months!, September 10, 2010
My husband and I tried for years to get pregnant on our own without success. Finally, we turned to traditional (Western) fertility treatments. I was diagnosed with high FSH and my husband also had borderline low sperm count. We were told we would likely never achieve pregnancy "on our own." We were fortunate enough to get pregnant on our first round of IVF, and I was pregnant with fraternal twins. I gave birth at 31 weeks. My daughter was a stillborn and my son was a preemie and was in the NICU for five weeks. I don't regret anything I went through to have my son, but the experience was traumatic and I wish someone had told me all the risks before the IVF.

We tried for a second baby at the beginning of this year, again using IVF. This time it failed, and the doctor had no real explanation why. At that point, I decided to look for alternative advice before doing another IVF and that's when I found the Making Babies program. I fully intended to use the program to prepare my body for another IVF in 6-9 months. Imagine my surprise when I was pregnant at the end of three months!

I am now 20 weeks (having a girl!) and am recommending the book to everyone I know. It was very easy to understand and follow--and I had never done anything like this before. Following their advice, I felt better than I had in years, and I found that I LOVED doing acupuncture; I have continued it through my entire pregnancy because it has been so beneficial.

The book is at least worth a read--and you might end up saving thousands of dollars in the process. Thank you to Drs. David and Blakeway--you have changed my life!

Fantastic book...easy to read and comprehend, December 30, 2009
I generally do not write any reviews for products I've bought in the past but this book was so helpful, I have to share my thoughts. This book was invaluable to me in learning about my body and how the whole pregnancy process works. I took a series of tests a month ago and found out that my FSH was on the high side for my age of 35. My doctor said that I should take more aggressive measures to get pregnant. I was on the path to starting on fertility drugs right away but then I found this book. It made me slow down and think a bit. I started seeing an acupuncturist who also provided herbs. I started doing meditation and just destressing. It's been a couple of weeks, and I just took a pregnancy test and it's positive! Even though I probably concieved a few days before having this book, I'm sure the last couple of weeks of practicing what the book recommended had a lot to do with a healthy implantation phase. I wrote to Jill(one of the authors) via their website asking for advise on acupuncture during pregnancy. Taking her advise, I'm continuing acupuncture during first tri-mester to prevent miscarriage. So far so good.

The options that your doctor never presents...you must read this book!, October 9, 2009
I've had appointments with my ob/gyn and I've had appointments with a reproductive endocrinologist and something about those appointments left me feeling like something was missing. I never felt that the doctors were taking the "whole" me into consideration when ordering tests or prescribing fertility drugs. The dependence on these procedures and pills didn't sit well with me. After reading this book, it confirmed what I felt in my heart, that there truly is another way to approach my fertility challenges. It doesn't have to start with expensive procedures or medication that may or may not be more harmful than good. It can start with taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. In the end, I may fall into the category that needs more invasive assistance to get pregnant, but I will have peace of mind that I have exhausted all possibilities to conceiving naturally. Thank God for the wonderful authors of this book that are able to share this knowledge with us.

The definitive book on fertility and women's health, August 11, 2010
I have endometriosis, to the point where I often need to take two or more days off work each month every time I ovulate and menstruate due to extreme pain. Unrelated to this, I have had four miscarriages and no children. In the past year and a half, I have been poked and prodded by a number of doctors, had 37 vials of blood drawn, had dye injected in my whoo-ha, felt alone and guilty and powerless. This book put me back in control. Using the quiz on the Making Babies Program website, I found I was the Tired and Stuck types. One week after changing my diet, starting acupressure and following some of the other guidelines in the book, I was no longer walking around in a mental fog from being exhausted all the time. That very same month, I was able to lengthen my luteal phase from 11 to 15 days and shorten my entire cycle (which prior to this ran like a Rolex) by 2 whole days. Not to mention the fact that I had more energy than I ever had in my life and was no longer struggling from the daily pain of endometriosis. My husband, by virtue of eating the same food as I, also gained more energy and lost weight. All from ONE month on the program. This month, ovulation again came early (as was my goal), and we are again expecting. Even if I lose this one as well, I finally feel like I've broken the cycle of despair and hopelessness.

My favorite line of this book is that "80 percent is perfection." I appreciate that I don't have to follow the program religiously to make a difference in my health and fertility. Although I will never meet the authors, I feel like they have given me more emotional support and caring, helpful advice than any of my specialists. I'll never go to another book on the topic of recurrent miscarriage. Making Babies is the definitive reference on fertility and women's health. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Infertility affects one out of six couples today. Dr. Lewis presents a groundbreaking alternative approach to infertility, explaining how she used traditional Chinese medicine to treat her own infertility, successfully conceiving and giving birth to two children. ... Read more

Reviews

Mother of two who was given no chance, December 6, 2006
This book is a MUST READ for anyone trying to get pregnant. At 39 I had an FSH of 15.9 and was told by a fertility specialist to consider donor eggs or adoption - end of story no other options. He said I was out of eggs and gave me a 5% chance of conciving (with or without IVF) and a 1% chance of carrying a baby to full term. My husband and I where devistated to say the least. I did tons of research, sat in chat rooms and read thousands of on-line postings and support group websites. This book made the difference! I never believed in anything non-western and thought all the other stuff like acupuncture was hokey. I read the book cover to cover, followed a strict diet and did acupunture. After one, yes ONE month of trying I became pregnent and had a perfect girl. Nine months after that I did everything again and after four months of trying go pregnant again and have perfect little boy. I want to put their pictures on a brick and throw it through that doctors wondow. If you are having problems please read this book. While I understand that this may not help someone with blocked tubes who needs surgery at least you can check the box that it's not an imbalance due to bad diet or stress. Please ladies, read this book with an open mind and give it a try. This book and a lot of sincere prayer helped me. And to those of you trying who are frustrated and heartbroken please know that you are not alone!

Inspirational -- Terrific Resource for Infertile Couples, February 2, 2004
I'm also a patient of Dr. Lewis' clinic in Houston, and I've been very impressed with the treatment plan used so far. My daughter was a miracle IVF baby and I'm trying to conceive a 2nd child in the face of much negative prognosis under strictly Western medicine. Dr. Lewis' book (and her accupuncture clinic!) have given me new hope and inspiration. Incidentally, "Reader in CA" (so typical for someone like that to write a negative review under the cloak of anonymity): I attempted another IVF cycle with one of the top fertility clinics in Houston this last November, and in my information packet was a brochure for Dr. Lewis' accupuncture clinic! I was already a patient at the time, but I was reassured that my RE's IVF coordinator said they had seen consistently better results with ART cycles done in conjunction with an accupuncture regimen. Sounds to me like a "Reader in CA" is the one who is woefully misinformed! Most of the "top fertility" doctors in the US are increasingly encouraging the use of accupuncture with ART cycles.

In reading through the clear explanations of various imbalances in the female reproductive system included in Dr. Lewis' book, it's readily apparent to me what sorts of things may be interfering with my overall fertility. I thought the book was very well-written and obviously the product of extensive research over many years. I found it easy to read and absorb, but it's hardly fluff or "pseudo-science." I especially enjoyed the section on dietary and lifestyle changes that can be adopted. Incidentally, the last third of the book is devoted to complementary treatments for infertility conditions diagnosed by Western medicine (these treatments aren't necessarily meant to *replace* Western treatments, but rather to be used in conjunction with, a complement to Western science). In sum, I highly recommend this book for all fertility patients!

I've edited this review in June 2003 to indicate that I'm now 12 weeks pregnant with the 2nd child I'd been told I'd never conceive with my own eggs. I conceived just 3 months after adopting many of the dietary and lifestyle changes advocated by Randine Lewis in this book (and by Julia Indichova in Inconceivable). Success!

It sure is helping me (Edited to add success), January 10, 2005
***ETA: I did more acupuncture but again ran out of money. So, going back to Ms. Lewis' book, I did my points with a point stimulator and followed my herbal routine along with practicing meditation and guided imagery. And in May 2006, I had my third and permanent positive pregnancy test. I continued my meditation and took it super easy. While my pregnancy was a bit difficult due to an incompetent cervix, I am thrilled to say that this January my beautiful, healthy, sweet little boy celebrated his first birthday. He was born just 5 months shy of my 41st birthday!***

First let me say, that I've been struggling with infertility for over 3 years. I went through two failed IVF cycles, a couple of failed IUI's and for what? NOTHING!! I had started my journey at the age of 35 and couldn't believe that I was already done for when it came to having children.

I will admit that my first book was Inconceivable by Julia Indichova (that led me to wheatgrass to help my FSH levels). I then purchased Alice Domar's "Conquering Infertility" to help me get in the right state of mind. Finally, I came to The Infertility Cure.

I did the acupuncture for some time but finally my funds simply gave way. Instead I relied on her illustrations to choose points for acupressure. I also did the questionnaire and used it to self-diagnose for herbal remedies. I did a great deal of research on each herb to ensure I understood all implications (I would strongly suggest seeing an herbalist to ensure you are choosing correctly).

Well, in August of 2004, I found myself holding a positive home pregnancy test! After over three years of trying to conceive, we had actually succeeded, on our own, with no medical intervention! After spending $21,000 in infertility treatments, I was able to find success in a book that was less than $25.00.

Unfortunately, my pregnancy didn't last. I lost it just two short weeks after I saw my positive. But I didn't lose hope. After all, I had finally moved a step past where I had been for so long. I continued to practice Ms. Lewis' suggestions and found myself pregnant yet again this past December. Again, I am losing that one as I write this but I've not done any of her recommendations for losses.

I am going to make the investment once again for acupuncture treatments. And again, I am going to re-read my book. This time, I am going to pay extra attention to the section on miscarriages. I've no doubt that I will succeed, and with the help of this book! I wish I could afford one of the getaways at Grove Park. But since I can't I'll accept this as a close enough second.

I'm going to have my baby! I have no doubt about it!

This treatment WORKED for me ..., January 5, 2004
Of course western medicine has done wonderful things but are we so arrogant that we would assume that something practiced for thousands of years has no value? Anyone who thinks that western medicine alone is the ONLY real treatment option for infertility has obviously never experienced or been exposed to the sheer miracle this treatment offers. "A Reader" from CA (of course this person would go nameless) and other skeptics should realize that those struggling with infertility have nothing to lose and that these treatments are the perfect accompaniment to a "western" protocol.

As a PCOS/Endometriosis patient with no success via the standard ob/gyn/RE protocol, I began to ovulate on my own (documented by temp charts, ovulation kits and physician examinations). In addition, I stopped having migraines and allergies and felt so much better overall, I can hardly describe how much it has helped me. Unfortunately due to a severe male factor problem, we were not able to conceive and have since moved on.

I personally know of dozens of people who have had success using this treatment after years and years of failure including multiple miscarriages, etc. What is "A Reader" so afraid of?

Dr. Lewis is a very committed professional who I have seen work tirelessly with her patients and on this book so that she can help others. Her only motivation is to help people and I felt like this review was an attack by somebody who doesn't know what they're talking about. Predatory? If something works then it works - I'd rather know of success stories than of studies. But for those who need such things, there was a study published in the medical journal "Fertility & Sterility" regarding the success of acupucture in conjunction with IVF. Link here: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/HealthyWoman/GMA020416Accupuncture.html .

Could it be that since each IVF treatment costs between $10K - $15K per cycle, some might be afraid that we'll stop spending our life savings, taking on second mortgages and going deep into debt for medical treatment that is rarely covered by insurance and that is immediately "prescribed" by so many doctors (is this not truly "predatory"?). Worse, some might simply feel that they have NO HOPE because they aren't rich enough to pursue this treatment (which often times isn't even necessary).

Acupuncture/herbal therapy does not incur anywhere near those kinds of costs! Give it a chance, even if you are skeptical (which I was, along with being afraid of needles, and it was just fine). In the hands of a competent professional, you will not be disappointed. One last thing - many Reproductive Endocinologists have figured out that this treatment will greatly help their own success rates and I would not see one who isn't supportive of this treatment in conjunction with their protocol. Thank you, Dr. Lewis for the wonderful gift of this book and for everything you've done to help those struggling with infertility.

It can happen to you, April 6, 2006
I bought this book in July of 04, after 2 failed attempts at IVF.
We started late at having a baby. We conceived naturally in 2002, but miscarried, the embryo was not viable. I found a licensed acupuncturist, quit my job as a first grade teacher and after 6 months of treatment using herbs, acupuncture and prayer we conceived! We had a little boy in October 05'. I do believe that acupuncture and the regiment I followed helped us to have our son. I continued acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and still do today. I was 43 1/2 when our little man was born. The book gave me a whole different perspective on infertility and other options to use and help along with the IVF.

Anna

Kimberly F., January 28, 2004
I bought this book about three weeks ago, after nine years of fertility struggles. I am 44 and skeptical, but what did I have to lose? I know this is strange, but when I started reading Dr Lewis's message, I felt like this was my answer, finally. Well, for the first time in my life, my period was late. I had a positive pregnancy test yesterday. I don't know what will happen, but I can tell you that this book changed my life in more ways than one.

Its a precious book, April 27, 2006
After 4 years trying to conceive I got pregnant one month after read this book and follow Randine's advices. It was amazing. Everything makes sense. I am recomending this book to all my brazilian friends but it is a pitty there is no portuguese version. I had history of recurrent miscarriages and genetic problemas but got pregnant naturally at age of 41 yo and high FSH after 9 induction Clomid cycles, videolaparoscopy, 2 HSGs and 3 negative IUIs

Can't rate this book high enough..., May 4, 2007
I am 45 years old and have a beautiful five-month-old baby girl, after a western fertility doctor said I had "between a zero to five-percent chance" of conceiving with my own egg. Applying the information from this book changed my reproductive health entirely. TCM is underrated in this country. Dr. Randine Lewis, THANK YOU a million times over.

A great book on a great treatment, January 5, 2004
At 35 years old I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and after several very invasive and unpleasant treatments was told that I would not be able to have my own children. I was not ready to give up and seeked acupuncture treatment. My acupuncturist happened to be Dr. Lewis. Within 2 months I noticed that I did not suffer from the painful symptoms that the doctors could not seem to stop. The doctors wanted to do a hysterectomy. After 7 months of acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbs I was pregnant, with twins. Her book "talks" to you on your level, as if she is actually talking to you. I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking alternative help with their infertility or use along with assisted technologies. Her book gives you information on diet and tips that you can use to help yourself as well.

Essential Reading for Anyone Trying to Overcome Infertility, January 5, 2004
Dr. Lewis' new book is a must-read for anyone---medical professionals and patients alike---dealing with the emotional, physical, and financial rollercoaster that encompasses infertility today. She outlines the general principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and provides in-depth information about treatments for a variety of infertility issues ranging from unexplained infertility to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Most important, Dr. Lewis' book gives new hope to millions of people who dream of becoming parents. One of the most powerful thoughts in this book, from my perspective, is that infertile couples are *not broken* but rather imbalanced. For those patients who have only walked along the treatment paths that Western medicine has to offer, Dr. Lewis' well-written text is a guide to forging a new path---one that can replace and/or complement Western medicine. Through and through, this book is empowering and healing for both the physical and spiritual self. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and if left unchecked, is linked to serious health issues like infertility, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. In this groundbreaking book, registered dietitian Hillary Wright explains this increasingly diagnosed disorder and introduces the holistic symptom-management program she developed by working with hundreds of patients. With Wright’s proven diet and lifestyle-based program, you can influence your reproductive hormones and take charge of your health. Featuring a carbohydrate distribution approach at its core, The PCOS Diet Plan also zeroes in on exactly what exercise, supplements, and self-care choices you can make to feel better every day.
 
With information on how to develop healthy meal plans, choose a sustainable exercise routine, relieve stress, address fertility issues, and find emotional support, this accessible, all-in-one guide will be your trusted companion to a better life.

Editorial Review

The leading single-source book in women's health care, reproductive medicine, and pelvic surgery

A Doody's Core Title!

Editorial Review

A memoir of hope for the thousands of women struggling with infertility, from one who beat the odds by simply tuning in to her body and tapping her well of sheer determination.

At a time when more and more women are trying to get pregnant at increasingly advanced ages, fertility specialists and homeopathic researchers boast endless treatment options. But when Julia Indichova made the rounds of medical doctors and nontraditional healers, she was still unable to conceive a child. It was only when she forsook their financially and emotionally draining advice, turning inward instead, that she finally met with reproductive success. Inconceivable recounts this journey from hopeless diagnoses to elated motherhood.

Anyone who has faced infertility will relate to Julia’s desperate measures: acupuncture, unidentifiable black-and-white pellets, herb soup, foul-smellingfruit, even making love on red sheets. Five reproductive endocrinologists told her that there was no documented case of anyone in her hormonal condition getting pregnant, forcing her to finally embark on her own intuitive regimen. After eight caffeine-free, nutrient-rich, yoga-laden months, complemented by visualization exercises, Julia received amazing news; incredibly, she was pregnant. Nine months later she gave birth to a healthy girl.

Unlike the many infertility books that take a clinical “how to” approach, Inconceivable simply professes the wisdom of giving expert status back to the patient. Julia’s self-discovery, and her ability to see her body as an ally once again, yield a beautiful message about the importance of honoring the body’s innate powers, and the power of life itself. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

This new fourth edition explains cycle irregularities and nutritional values to improved and understand our body balance; invaluable to Natural Family Planning couples. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers draws on decades of medical experience to provide educational and revolutionary insights into the world of women's health. The NaPro Technology Revolution provides real solutions to real problems such as infertility, repetitive miscarriage, menstrual cramps, postpartum depression, PMS, prematurity prevention, ovarian cysts, hormonal abnormalities, irregular/abnormal bleeding, chronic discharges, polycystic ovarian disease, and family planning. Hilgers sheds light on abnormal ovarian function, an issue that millions of women unknowingly suffer from. His methods have proven to assist infertile couples nearly three times more successfully than those who use In Vitro Fertilization, without the dangers of early abortions, frozen embryos, or high rates of multiple pregnancy. The NaProTechnology Prematurity Prevention Program cuts the rate from the national 12.7% to 7%. The NaPro Technology Revolution discusses what every woman has a right to know about her body, her health, and her future! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Could having the occasional small bowl of ice cream lead to a midnight craving for pickles and ice cream?

• Avoiding trans fats
• Eating more beans, nuts, and other fertility-boosting plant protein
• Embracing whole grains such as oatmeal and barley
• Having a glass of whole milk or other full-fat dairy product every day (a small bowl of ice cream every now and then counts, too!)
• Staying away from sugared sodas

The Nurses' Health Study exhaustively examined the effects of diet and other lifestyle changes on fertility among nearly 20,000 female nurses. It scrutinized everything from alcohol to vitamins. In plain language, two of the study's lead researchers translate its groundbreaking findings into changes you can put into practice today, setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy and forming the foundation for an eating strategy that will serve you well for the rest of your life. The Fertility Diet also offers a week's worth of meal plans and fifteen delicious recipes.

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. ... Read more

Editorial Review

GIRL OR BOY -- THE CHOICE IS YOURS

For the first time ever, you don't need to simply hope that your next baby will be the daughter you always wanted or the son who balances your family.Guarantee the Sex of Your Baby tells how today's revolutionary medical techniques such as sperm sorting and Preimplantantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) allow you to choose the sex of your next baby with 99.99% certainty.

Guarantee the Sex of Your Baby guides you step by step through the maze of sex selection options and, in easy-to-understand terms, explains the high-tech medical procedures that empower you to have the baby of your dreams.

Guarantee the Sex of Your Baby

• Reveals which high-tech procedures are most effective
• Explains the pros and cons of low-tech approaches, including the Shettles Method
• Exposes the myths and misnomers of sex selection
• Tells how to find a fertility specialist who can help you
• Includes vital information on preventing genetic disorders using PGD

About the Author

Robin Elise Weiss, BA, ICCE-CPE, CLC, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, is a childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, doula trainer, lactation counselor, and proud mother of seven children (two sons an five daughters). ... Read more

Editorial Review

It's not just a healthy diet that can affect a woman's chances of getting pregnant certain foods can actually help boost fertility. Now, the nation's #1 fertility magazine offers a full course of recipes specifically designed to help you get pregnant. With surprisingly healthy ingredients like avocado, filet mignon, even dark chocolate, adding calcium, folate, and antioxidants to your diet has never been tastier! Brimming with expert advice and tips, this is the unparalleled resource for any woman preparing to start a family. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A wise and compassionate guide to getting successfully through one of the most expensive and stressful fertility treatments.

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. ... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful book! A Must-Have for IVFers!, January 8, 2006
I am the kind of person who researches and reads EVERYTHING when they are faced with an issue or problem. Needless to say, I have purchased a multitude of IVF books, and this one is one of my favorites. It goes through the IVF process step-by-step, shares sample protocols, and explains ALL the medicines. In fact, I found myself going back and re-reading several parts of the book while in the midst of the IVF process. It's simply a must-have!

Good Info, But Trite and Patronising, May 2, 2006
The book is filled with good definitions about the winding road that is IVF-fertility treatment is packed with acronyms, abbreviations, and science, and the author does do a good job of explaining what all of the acronyms and abbreviations are. The book flows well and has wit, but the constant underlying message is one of success! IVF succeeds! Just keep your legs in the air/take to bed rest/keep thinking smiley happy positive thoughts and it always works! As someone who's been through a few rounds of IVF and ongoing still, it's not that easy for most people. IVF is hard enough without infusing constant messages of false hope-I feel the author is irresponsible in suggesting that IVF can be otherwise.

good guidebook, October 19, 2005
The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Liza Charlesworth
Publisher: De Capo Press
ISBN: 0-7382-0897-3

IVF for most people is a private event that they will learn as they go through each cycle on their personal road to parenthood. This is that journey's guidebook. It is written very matter-of-factly with simple language even with technical terminology.

Written as a step by step "how to manual" of sorts, what it lacks in that personal touch it makes up for in sheer volume of information. It weighs in at 300 pages (at a bargain price of $16.95) and has 10 chapters with charts, graphs, sample calendars, resource guide, and a glossary of terminology.

For a "IVF for Dummies" type of book, I'd recommend this for its wealth of knowledge. I know I'm glad to have it in my arsenal of books when I understand this complex and nerve wracking procedure for myself. I believe most people will be able to use this guide and benefit from it. A great resource.

Great if you are in the very beginning stages., October 12, 2005
I found this book to be a bit boring and repetitve of all the info I have found on the web and through my doctors. It definitely appealed more to the emotional side, which is needed so much in this field, but I was looking for concrete suggestions on maximizing my chances with IVF and I didn't really find that in the book. It's a helpful read if you are just beginning the process and need some solid basic information, but not as helpful if you are already well informed.

Good general process description but forgets to mention the exceptions, January 7, 2007
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.

Everything I needed to know in one book, October 9, 2005
When I found out we needed IVF in order to become parents, I didn't know much about it, didn't know anyone who had been through it, didn't live near any ART clinics, and was scared spitless... until I read this wonderful book. The author gives you sample schedules, explanations of typical procedures and medications, and many stories of what other people have been through. It is all in plain English, like you're talking to your best friend, but explains complicated terminology, and provides a great balance of being hopeful and yet logical/practical/cautious. We are now saving up for our first cycle and I feel very good about the process to come.

A Guy�s Perspective, May 8, 2004
My wife and I are struggling with infertility. I don�t know how it is for other couples (it varies, I�m sure) but the inability to have a baby can be heartbreaking for guys, too. So it was nice to come across a guide aimed at couples. Liza Charlesworth�s wise, heartfelt book provides superb advice on a bunch of key issues: picking the right doctor, understanding IVF protocol, getting your finances together, keeping sane. I especially enjoyed the insights from other women -- and men --who have struggled with the process. It gave my wife and I hope, which is worth everything.

Editorial Review

Written by an author whose expertise grew from an extensive counseling practice as well as personal experience. The Fertile Femaleoffers a hope-filled view of reproductive difficulties, with a deeper understanding of the often-confusing messages of mind-body and alternative medicine. With an engaging mix of passion and humor the book initiates a public debate on the politics of infertility and its effect on our health care system. Includes practice exercises and a section on dietary recommendations, complete with recipes. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Get pregnant--naturally!

The Fertility Diet reveals startling new research from the landmark Nurses' Health Study, which shows that the food you eat can boost your fertility. The book prescribes ten simple changes in diet and activity that can increase your chances of getting pregnant.These changes include:

• Cutting back on red meat and trans fats
• Getting protein and iron from veggies and nuts
• Choosing whole-fat milk and even ice cream
• Drinking coffee, tea, and alcohol in moderation
• Losing weight (if needed) and exercising

The Nurses' Health Study exhaustively examined the effects of diet and other lifestyle changes on fertility among nearly 20,000 female nurses. Two of the study's lead researchers translate its groundbreaking findings into changes you can put into practice today, setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy and forming the foundation for an eating strategy that will serve you well for the rest of your life. The Fertility Diet also offers a week's worth of meal plans and delicious recipes that will make following the guildelines easy and tasty. ... Read more

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!
 
For ten years, Making a Baby has been the definitive source for couples who want to get pregnant, offering vital information on fertility technology, advances in baby-boosting medications, and cutting-edge medical techniques. Written with compassion and clarity, and now with even more tips on the best ways to prepare the body to get pregnant, this invaluable book, in a newly revised and updated edition, reveals how to protect, increase, and extend your fertility. Inside you’ll find
 
• the four basic requirements for reproduction
• findings from the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study that explain dietary ways to boost fertility
• breakthrough information connecting insulin levels with ovulation
• updates on the importance of marine omega-3 fatty acids in your baby’s development
• groundbreaking pregnancy advice for women over 35
• news about polycystic ovary syndrome—and the recommended fertility drugs that may temporarily override this condition and boost chances of conception
• what every man should know about his long-term reproductive health, including the most recent findings on male infertility
 
This detailed, insightful, and meticulously researched book will help guide you to a wonderful new beginning as a parent!
  ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

'Must reading for the thousands of people struggling with the pain of infertility.' -Christiane Northrup, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Over six million Americans a year struggle with the costs-physi-cal, financial, and emotional-of infertility. Now, three psycho-lo-gists who have faced infertility themselves show couples how to: - Reduce their sense of helplessness and isolation - Identify their mates' coping styles to erase unfair expectations - Listen to their 'unsung lullabies'-their conscious and unconscious dreams about having a family-to mourn the losses of infertility and move on. Ground-breaking, wise, and compassionate, Unsung Lullabies is a necessary companion for anyone coping with infertility. ... Read more