A good solid resource for couples trying to conceive, Making Babies is a go-to-guide for fertility.
In my clinic I have 2 copies of Making Babies that are constantly on loan to clients to help them demystify their bodies and discover what their real fertility issues are, whether they're using IVF or not. Here I'll give you a taste of the pearls of wisdom inside this book and how to use it to your best advantage. To begin, authors of Making Babies Jill Blakeway & Sami S. David aren't just any health and medical practitioners.
Jill Bkaeway is a licensed Acupuncturist, Board certified herbalist and founder of the Yin Ova Centre in New York, whose main focus is fertility. Jill has appeared several times on the Doctor Oz show to speak about Traditional Chinese Medicine and natural therapies.
Sami S. David is a reproductive endocrinologist. He was known as the first doctor in New York State to successfully perform IVF. Now he concentrates on more conservative approaches to infertility.
Both authors use case studies in the book to illustrate couples hurdles trying to conceive and how the use of their 3 month recommended fertility program helped people achieve a successful pregnancy & birth.
With professionals carrying credentials like these, you trust they know what they're talking about. They impart knowledge and practical advice that is invaluable to couples trying to conceive.
Making Babies covers the basics such as:
- Your anatomy and how it works
- Hormone cycles
- Ovulation
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Low sperm counts
- Lifestyle advice
- Stress management
- Nutrition
- Supplementation
- IVF and to consider integrating it into your fertility plan as it was intended; as a last resort.
Blakeway & David also discuss The Fertility Types in Making Babies. And this section has been the most useful for me as a practitioner to help "translate" what I'm doing on the acupuncture table to the client or prescribing to them in a packet of herbal medicine. This breaks down the barriers for the public in understanding what TCM is about and how it can help them, for their individual Fertility Type.
It gets the client involved in the fertility process and has been a relief for clients who don't know what else they can do for themselves - it provides lists of practical tips and hints.
When I ask the client to read The Fertility Types and decide what they think they are, we are often in agreement diagnostically. Which leads me to the point of- people know themselves and know their bodies. Involving them in the fertility process just empowers them even more.
The Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs I provide added to the changes a client makes, using this book enhances the clients ability to conceive. It also helps them feel more energetic, sleep better, eat well and exercise- all pillars of just being WELL.
A Highly recommended read for anyone trying to conceive whether with or without IVF. For the client who "wants something to do" about their health, this is the fertility book for them.
