Fertility Support: Good Books for your Journey

Fertility Support: Physical and Emotional

Navigating through infertility is a difficult process on multiple levels. Western and Eastern medicine both offer options that can be used alone or in conjunction with each other. Some individuals and couples choose to try acupuncture and herbs for a few months before starting assisted reproduction methods, while other people choose to use acupuncture to support their IVF or IUI treatments.

As you journey through your own individual choices, don’t forget to take care of your mental and emotional selves. Whether making this journey alone or with a partner, you will face many challenges. Remember that you are not alone. There are support groups through your local fertility clinics and online. Reach out to family and friends that have gone through similar situations. Books can also be helpful guides. Here are two books that I think are valuable for anyone facing fertility concerns.

The Mind-Body Fertility Connection, by James Schwartz, examines the possibility of emotional and mental blocks to conception. Many women leave their doctors office with unexplained infertility. Schwartz believes when women or couples are given this diagnosis they should begin to consider the possible involvement of their minds and hearts in their fertility journey. His book asks provocative questions that may be difficult to work through. Treating fertility patients, I see women and couples dealing with many hard questions. While this work is a strain on our perceptions of ourselves and our relationships, it many times brings people closer to their own personal truths and into a more compassionate relationship. Schwartz’s book offers these opportunities and also effective exercises to help overcome limiting beliefs. This book is truly a holistic approach to fertility.

Unsung Lullabies, by Janet Jaffe, Ph.D and Martha and David Diamond, Ph.D, explores the emotional maze involved with infertility. This book invites couples and individuals to acknowledge their reproductive story – what they thought it would be and how they see it now. The book speaks to differing styles of coping for couples and the intricacies of expectations we hold for ourselves and our partners. This book will help you further explore your emotions, helping to reduce your sense of helplessness and isolation.