conception and contraception calendar

(64 pages)

It's Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends (Robie Sex Books) by: Robie H. Harris publisher: Candlewick released: 2006-07-25 ISBN: 0763600474 $11.55

From the expert team behind IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL and IT'S SO AMAZING! comes a book for younger children about their bodies — a resource that parents, teachers, librarians, health care providers, and clergy can use with ease and confidence.

Young children are curious about almost everything, especially their
bodies. And young children are not afraid to ask questions. What makes
me a girl? What makes me a boy? Why are some parts of girls' and boys'
bodies the same and why are some parts different? How was I made?
Where do babies come from? Is it true that a stork brings babies to
mommies and daddies?

IT'S NOT THE STORK! helps answer these endless and perfectly normal questions that preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school children ask about how they began. Through lively, comfortable language and sensitive, engaging artwork, Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley
address readers in a reassuring way, mindful of a child's healthy desire
for straightforward information. Two irresistible cartoon characters, a
curious bird and a squeamish bee, provide comic relief and give voice to
the full range of emotions and reactions children may experience while
learning about their amazing bodies. Vetted and approved by science,
health, and child development experts, the information is up-to-date,
age-appropriate, and scientifically accurate, and always aimed at helping
kids feel proud, knowledgeable, and comfortable about their own bodies,
about how they were born, and about the family they are part of.

with detail. But it has fascinated my kids from 5-9, yes I've bought the older books as well - the oldest one I think is still a bit much for my 9yo, but she likes the middle one . . . but they all enjoy this one - it seems to hit just the right notes for interesting information without too much yuck factor for them - and the cute illustrations confirm their ideas that some of this is just a little bit weird when you hear it!!

My not-quite-four (but very verbal) daughter got this book for Christmas, and it immediately became one of her favorites. I am pregnant again now, so she is very interested in all the discussion of pregnancy and birth, and it opened up discussions about what her birth was like and what it will be like when I have this baby. The first few times we read it she just listened wide-eyed and didn't talk much, but now we chat while we read it, and she will periodically come up to me and inform me that the food I am eating will go to the baby through the umbilical cord. I recommend this one highly for any preschooler who is curious and likes to understand how things work.

I got this book for my two boys, ages 10 and 5. They were so interested in it. My 10 year old's best friend was there the night when I started reading it to my 5 year old. At first they were giggling at some at the pictures. But pretty soon I had all three of them on the couch with me just soaking up information. They even asked some questions, and said they learned some things they didn't realize. It's very simple, and to the point, without going into great detail. The pictures are cartoons, but very realistic. It's a great book to start out with, because it doesn't get bogged down with details that are too complicated for children this age. I plan on getting the next two books for my older son.

While I recommend this book for pre-puberty kids with their parents guidance, I do not think it is appropriate for 4 years olds as the book portrays. I read it and then reviewed it with my 7 year old daughter because she had been asking alot of questions as I am pregnant with our third child. She still said "yuk" or giggled at some of the drawings, which is fine. But there is no way I would read it to my 4 year old son at this time.

When my kids started asking reproduction and anatomy questions, I checked out and read the reviews of every book on the subject I could find. I'm an RN, so it was important to me that it was accurate as well as engaging for my kids. I am so glad I picked this one. My children were 4 and 6 when we bought this book, and they absolutely loved it from the first reading. So did I. It has all the information I was hoping for and it is presented so appropriately for the age. Nothing is scary or more detailed than necessary. The illustrations are bright and fun and keep the kids engaged. The book is set up in such a way that is easy to navigate - that is, you can read it from beginning to end, and it flows appropriately - starting with body parts and boy/girl differences, reproduction in the middle, and a small section at the end about good and bad touches. You can also easily jump to the section that you or your child prefers without taking away from the book. For example, my daughter is fascinated by the cartoon showing the sperm swimming to the egg and we often just start there.

As a parent of young children and as an RN, I recommend this book to all parents

(259 pages)

The Fertile Female: How the Power of Longing for a Child Can Save Your Life and Change the World by: Julia Indichova publisher: Adell Press released: 2007-04-01 ISBN: 0966007875 $17.13

Written by an author whose expertise grew from an extensive counseling practice as well as personal experience. The Fertile Female offers 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.

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

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

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

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

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

(160 pages)

In the Womb: Witness the Journey from Conception to Birth through Astonishing 3D Images by: Peter Tallack publisher: National Geographic released: 2006-09-26 ISBN: 142620003X $16.50

Imagine being able to observe with astonishing clarity a child's delicate features as they evolve over the course of a pregnancy, or witness the complex behavior of new human life in utero. Now we can, thanks to the advent of innovative 3D and 4D imaging technologies that provide a powerful diagnostic tool for doctors and cast vivid light on our earliest development—and a profound new way for parents to bond with their babies on a deeper emotional level.

Combining more than 140 images of life-like models based on the latest science, computer-generated illustrations, and 3D ultrasound images with an uplifting, informative text, In the Womb is a week-by-week chronicle of the mysterious, magical progress from embryo to fetus to full-term infant.

Each spread features a central image and information about that particular stage as well as brief commentary explaining what we know and how we know it. For example, at 24 weeks we watch a fetus open and close her eyes, display facial expressions resembling a grimace and a frown, and stick out her tongue (no one has yet established exactly why). And during the last trimester, we learn, she experiences REM sleep and can hear loud noises through the fluids of her mother's body—a first hint of the world that awaits outside the womb.

Based on National Geographic's acclaimed television program, originally aired in 2005 and soon to be supplemented with two more 2-hour segments, In the Womb is the perfect gift for expectant parents and a fascinating perspective for anyone captivated by the miracle of life.

This book amazingly captures the scientific fact of life from conception and presents the journey in an easy to read format with loads of incredible pictures of real life. This would be a great gift for the newly pregnant mothers. I purchased a second copy for just that purpose.

The pictures in this book are absolutely amazing, and we will display it on our coffee table for years to come. Our only dislike was to the references to evolution. This book is extremely powerful in showing how children grow from inception to birth.

I was so excited to get this book after reviewing a similar one that a friend had, however, I was very disappointed in it. The pictures are clay models that an artist has molded. There are no real ultrasounds or images. With our wonderful technology today, I was hoping for the real thing not an artist's rendition of what a fetus and blood cells look like. Although the artist is talented, I was very disappointed that no where in the description of this book did it reveal that the images were clay models.

It is great to view, it shows you all babies details starting from creation, and till birth, unbelievbale images and details. One per page, and description plus more details, you won't believe how much it is nice really.

Highly recommended with its DVD.

This is an excellent product that demonstrates the genius of our Creator and documents the fact that a baby is human life long before birth.

(240 pages)

How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby by: Landrum B. Shettles, David M. Rorvik publisher: Main Street Books released: 1996-12-01 ISBN: 038548562X $13.95

More Than 1.5 Million Copies Sold!

Now Revised and Updated to Include the Latest Scientific Information and Even More Success Stories

For almost forty years, How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby has been the standard reference for couples trying to increase their chances of having the son or daughter they hope for. In this new edition of their classic book, Dr. Shettles and David Rorvik provide authoritative scientific studies and compelling anecdotal evidence demonstrating that the Shettles method continues to produce results unmatched by any other method. Dozens of testimonials confirm its ease of use and rate of success.

How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby explains the simple, at-home, noninvasive Shettles method and presents detailed steps to take to conceive a child of a specific gender. The properly applied Shettles method gives couples a 75 percent or better chance of having a child of the desired sex. Some researchers have reported success rates of up to 90 percent!

I bought this book along with several others and found myself confused. Many things conflicted from book to book but my mom and my sister both used Shettles for their boys after two girls so I stuck with it. We had a four day cut off. We followed his directions to a T. Our third son is now 18 mo old. It is not the endall. It may work for some, but does not for others. To me, it's still a 50/50 chance. You could do nothing and still end up with the opposite gender. Good luck.

My Mother actually used this method trying to conceive a son. It did not work for her. I guess that is for the best, because if it had worked I wouldn't have been born. My husband and I charted for months and followed the plan for a boy. At my 15 week scan it appears that I will be having a girl. The one great thing about trying for a boy with Shettles, is he makes it very easy to get pregnant. Good luck everyone. wishing you all happy, healthy babies.

just started researching the topic and came across the shettles method. Just had to post this because i found this PRETTY FUNNY. i read that shettles technique is 85% accurate. Well if you look at the total reviews, the amount of 1 and 2 star reviews (people that the method did not work out for) added up to 16.7%. meaning that for @ 83.3% people this method worked. I just had to post this as i think it to be EERILY close to the predicted 85% success rate. when the time comes i will definitely use this method.

I gave this two stars because some of information in the book is useful and may help in gender swaying. However, most modern research has disproven some of his core statements, such as that X and Y sperm move at different speeds (for example, new research suggests that there may be super X-swimmers, along with regular X-swimmers, which are faster than Y sperm even). Therefore, I think his emphasis on timing is not a safe way to sway, especially if you are trying to conceive a girl. X-sperm thrive in an acidic environment but the pH of the cervical mucous rises as ovulation approaches. So, if you have a 2-4 day cut-off and any Ys happen to survive (which they do, believe me!) they will be favoured by the alkaline egg-white cervical mucous that comes with ovulation, resulting in a boy. For this reason, unless you have a very low pH right up to conception and very little fertile cervical mucous, a cut-off does not guarantee a girl. Even with added supplements and diet this is not foolproof.

My personal experience: We had a 2-3 day cutoff, followed a girl diet and did everything else recommended for conceiving a girl. We had a boy.

I would not try to sway with Shettles again. If you do, be very sure that you will be happy with a child of the opposite gender. Shettles opposites occur far more often than you may think!

This worked for us! If you want a girl: missionary position, no female orgasm, early day in cycle (day 9). Good luck!

(208 pages)

Your Developing Baby, Conception to Birth (Harvard Medical School Guides) by: Peter M. Doubilet, Carol B. Benson, Roanne Weisman publisher: McGraw-Hill released: 2008-03-04 ISBN: 0071488715 $12.89

Awarded the iParenting Media Award for Excellent Product of 2008!

Experience the miracle of life-with your own eyes

Congratulations, parents-to-be! You're about to embark on a momentous journey. Even more exciting, you're the first generation of parents who-thanks to 3D and conventional ultrasound-can actually “see” your child before he or she is born. This wonderful, one-of-a-kind guide, written by two Harvard professors, takes you through every stage of your baby's development, from conception to delivery-with more than 200 images and drawings to illustrate each glorious moment.

Get a guided tour of a baby's journey with:

• Breathtaking 3D images of babies' faces, limbs, and other features
• Detailed 2D ultrasounds of developing organs and bones inside the body
• Visual pointers on what to look for, and what you're seeing, on the screen

With this illuminating guide, you'll be able to see how doctors determine if your baby is a boy or girl and whether you're having twins or multiples. You'll be able to watch the growth of your baby's hands, feet, heart, head, and more. Best of all, you'll be able to actively participate in the greatest journey of all: from single cell to bringing a new baby into the world.

Visit www.YourDevelopingBaby.com for more information.

Library Journal starred review:
"Using 250 diagnostic ultrasound images, Harvard radiology professors Doubilet and Carol B. Benson present a marvelous book charting the growth of babies in the womb. . . . The authors well explain the different types of ultrasound and their medical uses, especially the 3D images that show the baby’s outer surface and the 2D images revealing the internal development of organs. This virtual tour of a life in the making will attract future parents in droves."
--Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, FL

Sciencenews.org:
" . . . an accessible and captivating text that guides readers through 9 months of pregnancy."

The minute I saw this book, I knew it would make a great present for my cousin who is 16 weeks pregnant with her first child. She was thrilled and soon her mother and others were looking over her shoulder at the wonderful images. It's amazing how much detail you can see through the ultrasounds when they are diagrammed and explained as clearly as they are in this book.

If you want to know what you're baby looks like through different stages of your pregnancy, get this book! It really lets you know what your baby looks like and I thought it was awesome! I also liked another book just on pregnancy called You Know You're Pregnant When. Reflections on the Longest Nine Months of My Life

(592 pages)

Getting Pregnant: What You Need To Know Right Now by: Niels Lauersen, Colette Bouchez publisher: Fireside released: 2000-05-25 ISBN: 0684864045 $11.53

Whether you are young and fertile, over 40 and having trouble conceiving, or anywhere in between, here is the best resource to help you get pregnant.

The only must-have fertility book, Getting Pregnant, completely revised and updated, not only addresses the needs of those who cannot conceive but serves as the ultimate guide for anyone planning to have a baby, now or in the future. Addressing the newest, state-of-the-art medical treatments for infertility, Getting Pregnant gives you all the latest news on:

• eight brand-new fertility drugs

• donor eggs and donor sperm

• a new 15-minute in-office surgery that can double conception odds

• breakthrough technologies for preventing chronic miscarriage

• how both sex and lifestyle factors affect fertility, including the "Nine to Five" guide for protecting your reproductive health on the job

Getting Pregnant also provides a wealth of practical information about the exercises, foods, and supplements that encourage a faster, healthier conception, as well as brand-new, all-natural techniques that influence the gender of your child. You'll also find a helpful six-month personal pregnancy planner that addresses all of your pre-conception health and medical needs.

Don't miss the new chapters that focus on protecting, increasing, and extending fertility, while new frontiers in both the treatment of male fertility and the science of motherhood are explored.

Although I only finished half of this book, I felt that for my siutation it was not appropriate. I had been trying to conceive for about 10 months when I started reading this book and about half way through decided to stop reading it because I started getting very stressed out over ALL of the things that I needed to "change"....It goes as far to say that even your clock radio could be affecting your fertility....are you kidding me?!?!?!?!? I just found it very inappropriate for someone who has been trying to get pregnant and is still in that 1 year time frame that is so often talked about. Unless you know that you have fertility issues and want to know some other options or treatments for your condition then I suggest that you do not read this book.

I found this book helpful as far as what we as a couple need to start off our new family...a must have for all trying to conceiver's :)

I was pregnant 4 days later so I didn't really need the book but if offered some good suggestions on sleep/diet/etc.

If you are looking for a book to give you information that you are too scared to ask, or never even thought about this is the book. Even my husband has picked it up and read it.

I would recommend this book for those that have been trying for more than 6 months. It gives you information in a simple to undestand way. Also, it is not a book that you have to read the entire thing through. Pick chapters out and read those only or first.

Goodluck!

I got this book and it definetly is like a refference guide, it does not go into depth and just reccomends the obvius, or describes what dif. vitamins are for, I bought at the same time TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR FERTILITY and it did give me a lot of information I did not know about our cycles, and now I am more knowledgable of as the name states: I FEEL IN CHARGE!!! and know what is going on in my body on a daily basis, a GREAT BOOK! GET IT!

(411 pages)

Conscious Conception: Elemental Journey Through the Labyrinth of Sexuality by: Jeannine Parvati Baker, Tamara Slayton, Frederick Baker publisher: North Atlantic Books released: 1986-11 ISBN: 0938190830 $25.00

Conscious Conception is the comprehensive reference for fertility awareness. All natural methods of family planning, both ancient and current, are presented within the larger context of sexuality and an evolving spirituality, which embraces the religious wisdom traditions and goes beyond.

The book is for anyone who wants to prepare before conception for the great journey as partners in creation: commonly known as becoming PARENTS. Couples who are labelled "infertile" will discover new possibilities and ways to naturally conceive.

This book is also for anyone exploring fertile sexuality and desires a way to avoid contraception and pregancy both at once. The information is shared with the hope that every baby can be a welcomed baby AND strengthen sexual relationships. Rather then rely upon medical device, chemicals or surgeries, the invitation of Conscious Conception is to experience fertility as not in the way of sexuality, but rather, that fertile sexuality is THE way of spirituality.

The authors boldly guide us through such real issues as abortion, adoption and choosing the gender and birth time of our babies yet always within a larger story of SOUL myth, metaphor and our evolution of ideas about sexuality and by extension, creation.

One prevailing concept in Conscious Conception is that we can put to rest the "victim-of-fertility" archetype which has been at best the inspiration of great literature/tragedy for millennia, and at worst has released much pain and suffering upon our Earth. We can become conscious of our capacity to co-create as simple as knowing when one is hungry or thristy, we can know when we are fertile and act in ways which are best-for-life.

This natural knowing is aided by attention to not only our physical bodies and fertility cycles, but our dreams and desires. What is emerging at the end of this millennium is the realization that fertility awareness is a SOURCE experience, one which puts us in direct relationship with creative energy. By becoming conscious of our fertility, we become more creative.

It is our choice in what form we show the world our love a baby is but one option. Conscious Conception transcends the pro-choice and pro-life polemic. Conscious Conception is both at once simply stated, it's instruction is to "Choose Life".

The propaganda which is put out by the contraceptive industry results in many unwanted children and abortions. All contraceptive methods have failure rates which mean real conceptions. Natural Family planning has the best statistics in effectiveness for one reason when there is any possibility of pregnancy, abstinance is practiced. When fertile, regardless of contraceptive promises, babies can be conceived, and sometimes are.

Included are detailed ceremonies for healing previous abortions, both public and private rituals to resolve the past and be more present in the unfolding fertility story now. Abortion is not moralized as being "wrong" rather, it just hurts and is increasingly unneccessary as the practice of Conscious Conception/ Fertility Awareness is spread throughout the world. Again, contraception is deconstructed to show its inevitable failure while in contrast, when cyclical abstinance is employed, there are no conceptions.

Plus the world's best kept secret fertility awareness inclusive of abstinance, enhances a long-term monogamous relationship in many ways that usage of contraception cannot. It also is optimal in short-term relationships as the practicioners need fear no untimely pregnancy.

What would the world look like if every baby was a wanted, welcomed baby? If women knew ourselves and honestly communicated our truth in regards to fertility to our lovers? What if teens learned fertility awareness, which embraces the best of all ideas about sex education, and developed a real self to esteem? Conscious Conception describes such a world a world of the POSSIBLE FAMILY. Freebirth, waterbirth, tota

I bought this book because I was interested in natural techniques to fertility and "consciously" conceiving my future child. I was hoping that the authors would have an unbiased, balanced perspective; however, I have found that this book is VERY "new age". Don't get me wrong, there are many new age principals that I agree with. I just think that the authors of this book are on the extreme deep end and are extremely biased by their own opinions.

One example is in the article "Health, Nutrition & Fertility" by Frederick Hamilton Baker. In regards to the amount of chemicals that are found in foods and therefore in our bodies causing infertility, he says "It's as if the soul isn't very interested in coming to unhealthy parents especially in these 'latter days' when there are already so many other early obstacles to fulfillment. (Unnatural birthing practice, lack of breastfeeding, childhood torture in the form of cribs and city housing, etc.)"

"Torture" as he uses it, is such an extreme viewpoint. I haven't read the whole book; it's unreadable. But one can assume from this statement that he is pro- bed sharing - which is fine, except I think it's really rather rude and ignorant to assume that all children are "tortured" by being put into cribs (I know plenty of them who love their cribs, my own son being one of them). He also expresses a belief that eating meat is deviating from a healthy "whole" diet. Regardless of what he feels is personally best for himself, I think it is small-minded to assume that that must be the case for everyone and a better proclamation would have been that if you are not a vegetarian, meat consumption needs to be moderated.

Elsewhere in the book is an article by Jeannine Parvati Baker called "Astrology: Stars in Our Eyes or Preventing Dis-Aster". I don't know what else to really say about this article except that it seemed to lack a point. She talks excessively of what sign the moon (for example) was in when she first ovulated and then after she gave birth one out of five times, the signs of all of her children, etc., and goes on to say that she sees a pattern without really discussing what that pattern is. I am pretty in to astrology, more so than the average person, and I really didn't get the point.

In fact, much of this book seems to be a little self-indulgent. The authors speak from their own heavily biased perspective without maintaining any sort of objectivity or sense of how their experiences might relate to the reader. It is unfortunate, for this book had great potential - it's large with beautiful illustrations throughout and alot of the topic material is good. The writers just didn't seem to be able to keep their feet on the ground long enough for this book to really be practical at all. And quite frankly, it is also offensive. It seems to me that the authors are taking the viewpoint that living a natural lifestyle in sync with nature that you can achieve fertility, healthy pregnancy, etc. My last pregnancy ended in a stillbirth because my son had a birth defect, and I eat and buy everything organic, never take medication, do most of what they are suggesting in this book anyway. And it still happened. My point being not that living a natural lifestyle is not good, but there are most definitely instances in which modern technology and medicine can be helpful. For example, many women suffer from clotting disorders and suffer repeated pregnancy losses until they are diagnosed and take blood thinners during pregnancy, after which they are able to go full-term and give birth to healthy babies. I get the feeling like Jeanning Parvati Baker was lucky (nothing more, nothing less) to have given birth to five healthy children. I don't think that it's because of astrology, or vegetarianism, or anything else that she is talking about in this book.

So in conclusion I would say this book is good if you are extremely into new age ideas, as this book is VERY new age (I don't even know how other reviewers said it wasn't at all; this book reeks of it). But if you are someone who is not at all into new age ideas, or you are into some but combine new age with conventional wisdom to find the balance that is right for you, then this book is pretty worthless. I wish I could return it and get my money back. I am going to try to buy some other books that might be related to what it was I was originally looking for, and hopefully they will be much better than this book was.

Not an easy read... pretty "flighty" swoops around from subject to subject, really difficult to follow. Wouldn't particularily reccomend.

I am an avid reader of books on many topics..spiritual, medical, educational....this book is all that and more. It has changed me. I have recommended it to many friends and all have loved it (can't put it down). This book is such a great inspirational resource for women and while the focus is fertility...even those not trying to conceive will find plenty of empowering wisdom inside this book. It offers a great perspective of who we are as females and the power of creation that is contained within us. While some of the views are a bit controversial (abortion..to have or not to have....baker is confidently pro-life) ...my pro-choice self did not at all feel put off by baker's comments on the subject. In fact, quite the opposite. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This book is a beautiful, breath of fresh air! Ms. Baker is a goddess, and will thoroughly help you to see the goddess within yourself. What can I say about this lovely work of art? As you meditate through the words of this "bible", you will begin to cultivate a fertile self you never knew you had. I bought this book to help with my fertility problems, and it is wonderful in this aspect, but it is oh, so much more! Please read this book.

In today's world of ever-increasing assisted reproduction technology, this book is even more important than when it was first published in 1986. This enormously rich and original work of art takes readers on a very special journey. A journey about beginnings, with a very special guide-Jeannine Parvati Baker reigns as the spiritual leader of the Women's Movement in the US and her influence has spread abroad as well. She has always been a powerful advocate for babies to be born naturally into families who can express their own power inspite of the medical establishment.
Every individual considering pregnancy should study her insights, and return to the book again and again, because a conscious conception is the cornerstone of primal health.

(352 pages)

Fastest Way to Get Pregnant Naturally, The: The Latest Information On Conceiving a Healthy Baby On Your Timetable by: Christopher D. Williams publisher: Hyperion released: 2006-11-29 ISBN: 1401308708 $11.96

Dr. Christopher Williams's successful guide to conception, updated to reflect the fast-changing science of fertilityEach year a new group of couples decides they're ready to have a baby. One thing they all share: the desire to have a healthy baby as quickly as possible. They've done their thinking, they've made their plans, and they want to get pregnant NOW. Fortunately for them, renowned fertility specialist Christopher Williams, M.D., has updated his popular guide, The Fastest Way to Get Pregnant Naturally (nearly 43,000 copies sold), to include all the later findings. Since the first edition was published in 2001, there have been significant changes in fertility research and recommendations to maximize the odds during each cycle. The revised edition includes:-An updated introduction -Revised and reader-friendly figures -Current statistics -An examination of new products -Up-to-date nutritional information -New developments in all studies covered in the original book -The latest resource and reading information -A new chapter preparing readers for the first appointment with a fertility doctorThis book continues to be a valuable and timely resource for couples ready to start their families.

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 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.

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.

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.

(224 pages)

Getting Pregnant Naturally: Healthy Choices To Boost Your Chances Of Conceiving Without Fertility Drugs by: Winifred Conkling publisher: Harper Paperbacks released: 1999-02-01 ISBN: 0380796333 $11.16

this product took forever to arrive... over the 21 business days... when i placed a 2 star review i was sent an email asking me to remove my opinions. now that the book has actually arrived i am redoing my review with more stars. the book was in great condition and had no tears, stains, folds, or markings. if you have a month to wait around on it to be delivered i would recommend buying from this user.

This book does a good job of explaining how to use the methods of natural family planning (NFP) with the goal of conceiving. I had taken a NFP course before I was married to learn how to prevent conception, and this book took that knowledge and helped me learn how to apply it to trying to conceive.

I would agree with other comments that it is not for those who are having great difficulty conceiving and are facing infertility issues.

I was not looking for information about herbs or alternative therapies, so I cannot comment on those sections of the book.

This is great for those wanting details about the physiology of conception.

This book is OK for someone who doesn't know her menstual cycle, has never monitored BBT or cervical mucus, has never tried ovulation predictor kit... I mean, WHO HAS NOT STARTED TRYING YET. Otherwise, you won't find anything new here.

This book introduce many herbs to boost your fertility.
But NATURAL doesn't mean harmless.
Each herb is explained like "estrogen promoting""Progesteron promoting" but it doesn't tell you WHEN of your cycle you should take it.
Don't guinea-pig your fertility.

Let me begin by saying that the first book anyone should read if they are trying to conceive is Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Wechsler. This book has some good information and recommendations. I tried to conceive for 2 years. I began taking evening primrose oil daily after reading this book. About 6 months later, I discovered the website tryingtoconceive.com and learned that evening primrose oil should only be taken prior to ovulation because it can cause uterine contractions and interfere with the implantation of an egg. After discontinuing the EPO from ovulation to menstruation, I conceived within 3 months. So, I guess you could say, had I NOT read this book, I may have been pregnant sooner.

This book is for people who do not have infertility issues. It does not address any real actions for people with proven infertility. It is a waste of time for the infertile reader.

(352 pages)

Parenting Begins before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit For You and Your Future Child by: Carista Luminare-Rosen Ph.D. publisher: Healing Arts Press released: 2000-05-01 ISBN: 0892818271 $11.53

• Shows prospective parents how they can lay the foundations for a healthy and happy family life even before their child is conceived and born.

• Shows parents how they can optimize their children's physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

• Guides parents through a unique program designed to prepare them for the myriad changes, adjustments, and joys that accompany the major transition to parenthood.

An inspiring and groundbreaking book, Parenting Begins Before Conception shows prospective parents how they can lay the foundations for a healthy and happy family life even before a child is conceived and born.  New research contends that prenatal life and the birth experience are often profound determinants of human personality and aptitude.  Hundreds of university and hospital studies conclude that unborn children see, hear, and feel in the womb.

Dr. Carista Luminare-Rosen explores the universal forces underlying conception and shows parents how they can optimize their child's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health by considering a host of important issues well in advance.  Weaving together modern preconception and prenatal health knowledge with ancient wisdom, the author guides parents through a unique holistic program designed to prepare them for the myriad changes, adjustments, and joys that accompany the major transition to parenthood.  Dr. Luminare-Rosen helps readers consider their own readiness for parenthood--physically, psychologically, and spiritually--so that when the child of their dreams arrives, they are fully prepred to welcome this new being--body, mind, and soul.

Everyone who is considering starting a family should read this book. It is incredicble how your childs spirit selects you! You can prepare years ahead for your the arrival of your child and integrate this new member into your family with a higher sense of ease. I would also recommend it to anyone that has a young child. It will help you understand the dynamic of what our job really is as a parent. My husband and I do not have a child but this book is helping us to prepare and be the best parents we can be when we are ready. . .

My husband and I have read a number of books to help us fully understand what it means to be a future parent and what we can do to prepare for a successful and healthy conception. Dr. Rosen's book offered us an incredibly comprehensive view of the issues -- everything from practical tips on nutrition and lifestyle to explorations of the emotional links to your future child's soul. You'll find pearls of wisdom in this book that your own parents probably never even considered! It's well written, easy to follow, and the questions at the end of each chapter allow you to tailor the information to suit your unique needs.