Here are some of the books that have helped me along the way:

Fertility and Conception. The complete guide to getting pregnant. Zita West. 2003

The first book I bought when I realised that we weren’t going to automatically get pregnant. A very good introduction to fertility, nutrition, common fertility problems, ivf etc. I constantly referred to this book when we started out and also all through my IVF treatments. She has also written a newer version “Zita West’s Guide to getting pregnant. 2005” and although it is more up to date with some of the IVF technologies, I found the “Fertility and Conception....” one much better.

Chapters include: fertility facts; lifestyle and fertility; natural conception; testing your fertility; assisted conception.

The Complete Guide to IVF. An insiders guide to fertility clinics and treatments. Kate Brian.

I bought this book between my first and second IVF cycles. Because I had already been through one IVF cycle there wasn’t a lot new in the book for me. It’s a very easy read, non-technical and might be good before you start your first IVF cycle. (it’s a UK based book, not Irish, even though the authors name sounds Irish, but most of the information is applicable to both countries)

Chapters include: what is ivf and do I really need it?; finding the right clinic and treatment for you; your first appointment at the clinic; before you start treatment; preparing the eggs; in the laboratory; embryo transfer; the emotional impact; fertility counselling; the male perspective; using donor sperm and eggs; when treatment doesn’t work.......”

You can heal your life. Louise L. Hay.

This book is not specifically for fertility, however I found it a very useful introduction into the importance of listening to our own bodies, to help with healing and emotions.

Full Catastrophe living. How to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation. Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Although the title on this is quite off-putting I am finding this a very useful introduction to meditation, and the powerful effects it can have in reducing stress. Stress, unfortunately, can be one of the by-products of infertility. This book is helping me to manage my stress levels. There is a huge amount of information in the book, so it’s not a simple read. However, for anyone really interested in this topic I think it is very good. (I did a one day mindfulness meditation course, based on the principles in the book, and found it a good starting point. However, the whole world of meditation is still new to me so I am not an authority, just learning!).

 D.