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Recommended Reading

Patients at Fertile Ground Health Group often ask us to recommend relevant, informative and easy to read books to support their health journey and goals. 

Our Practitioners have reviewed and selected the following books.  To buy your copy, call us on 9419 9988 or click on the book to follow the links to Amazon.com.

Book Reviews:

 

Getting Pregnant Faster by Dr Marilyn Glenville


Recommended by Naturopath, Rhiannon Hardingham

Getting Pregnant Faster offers a comprehensive outline of the processes and benefits of natural preconception healthcare.  Citing statistics and scientific research, Dr Marilyn Glenville (a British nutritionist) makes the argument for adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle before attempting conception (something that we at FGHG highly recommend!).  With science now showing that health factors such as diet, lifestyle and stress are just as important prior to conception as they are during pregnancy, this book pulls together essential and up-to-date research from varying sources, offering easy access to the information every couple should know before conceiving.

Dr Glenville effectively combines nutritional guidelines with information about conventional medical options, including details on IVF, ICSI and other assisted reproductive technology.  The clear step by step approach helps the reader to easily follow the preconception care plan, whilst also assisting in the successful navigation of medical fertility testing and procedures.   By clearly setting time requirements around each step, the reader is easily able to judge their readiness for every stage of the process, and to identify the correct time to seek medical assistance.

By adopting the practices outlined in this book, Dr Glenville shows that everyone has the power to positively influence their fertility.  Proper preconception care can benefit many aspects of fertility, including: the chances of natural conception; conditions affecting ovulation and egg-quality (such as polycystic ovarian syndrome- PCOS); male fertility factors; the success rates of IVF and ICSI cycles; miscarriage risks; maternal health; and, of course, offering your newborn the best possible start to life.

At Fertile Ground Health Group, we recommend everyone, no matter where you are in your fertility journey, take the time to read this book, consult with our practitioners, and implement the changes that can support the best possible outcomes for you and your family.

Now In Stock.  RRP $25.50

To order your copy of Getting Pregnant Faster by Dr Marilyn Glenville, call our reception on 03 9419 9988 or email us on reception@fertileground.com.au. 

Alternatively, books may be purchased securely through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

Broken Open - How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
by Elizabeth Lesser


Recommended by Director, Milly Dabrowski

In the more than twenty-five years since she co-founded Omega Institute - now the world's largest center for spiritual retreat and personal growth - Elizabeth Lesser has been an intimate witness to the ways in which people weather change and transition. 

In a beautifully crafted blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir, she offers tools to help us make the choice we all face in times of challenge:  Will we be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed? 

Lesser shares tales of ordinary people who have risen from the ashes of illness, divorce, loss of a job or a loved one - stronger, wiser, and more in touch with their purpose and passion.  And she draws on the world's great spiritual and psychological traditions to support us as we too learn to break open and blossom into who we were meant to be.

Now In Stock.  RRP $25.00

To order your copy of Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser, call our reception on
03 9419 9988 or email us on reception@fertileground.com.au.  

Alternatively, books may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

Making Babies - Personal IVF Stories by Theresa Miller


Recommended by Acupuncturist, Kerry Marshall

Around 15 per cent of couples in various Western countries suffer from infertility. Every year thousands try IVF and other assisted-reproduction techniques but only about a third go home with a baby in their arms. IVF now accounts for 3 per cent of all births in Australia and the numbers are similar in other developed countries.

Making Babies tells the stories behind the statistics inside the world of egg harvesting blatocyst transferral and hormone injections. Here are fourteen personal memoirs of IVF survivors: many are inspiring some are heartbreaking and others are miraculous. From single mothers to long-term heterosexual and gay couples Making Babies presents an array of experiences from those who have been touched by the incredible possibilities that are opened up by IVF technology.

Within this remarkable collection of memoirs are stories of personal endurance loss unwavering dedication and sacrifice and above all confirmation of the inexplicable love that stems from the act of becoming a parent whether through natural means reproductive technology surrogacy or adoption.

Now In Stock.  RRP $31.50

To order your copy of Making Babies Personal IVF Stories, call our reception on
03 9419 9988 or email us on reception@fertileground.com.au.  

Alternatively, books may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

 

 

The New Essential Guide To Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy & Birth by Stephanie Brill


Recommended by Naturopath, Kathryn Ridd

The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth has been thoroughly updated ensuring that this book remains the best source for women embarking on this most important step. Authors Stephanie Brill, the co-founder of the nationally renowned Maia Midwifery and Preconception Services, draws upon her years of expertise in working with lesbians, single women, and all the many faces of alternative families.

Brill covers the latest information in insemination and fertility technology and presents the most up-to-date information on developments in all areas of conception and pregnancy, including:

  • New fertility drugs and protocols in fertility clinics that have become standard since publication of the first edition
  • How to time for self-insemination based on age considerations
  • The special needs of butch women and women who are transitioning from female to male
  • Expanded coverage of safe-sex practices during pregnancy

The wealth of information included in this indispensable volume makes The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth the definitive resource on childbirth for the new American family.

Stephanie Brill is co-founder of Maia Midwifery and Preconception Services in Berkeley, CA, which has achieved national recognition by helping thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals with every aspect of creating a family. Brill is also the author of The Queer Parent's Primer and serves as the director of Maia.

To order your copy of The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy and Birth, call our reception on 03 9419 9988 or email us on reception@fertileground.com.au.  

Alternatively, books may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

The Baby Making Bible by Emma Cannon


Recommended by Acupuncturist, Kerry Marshall

Written by one of the country's leading complementary fertility specialists, The Baby-Making Bible draws together Emma Cannon's years of experience and success in treating couples hoping to get pregnant. Her special plan blends the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine with the highest standards in Western medical practice. Whether you are trying for a natural conception or undergoing treatment for assisted conception, she offers a practical plan you can follow to create a fertile environment and encourage healthy baby-making.

Emma approaches fertility in its widest context by taking you through her essential couples' health and lifestyle check, and makes suggestions to help you achieve optimum dietary, environmental and emotional health. She also offers specific advice for anyone who has been diagnosed with unexplained infertility or who is embarking on fertility treatment. The book features a foreword by Dr Tim Evans.

The Baby Making Bible may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

Natural Childcare: The Complete Guide For All Thinking Parents From Preconception To Preschool by Elayne T Brightlight


Recommended by Naturopath, Gina Fox

Natural Childcare is a down to earth guide for new parents or parents-to-be looking for alternative advice in child care.  Natural Childcare is set out in two sections; the first covering conception, pre-natal care, pregnancy and birth; the second section covering post birth issues including vaccinations, baby, infant and mother health issues, breastfeeding and sleep.  There is also a section on fatherhood!

Written with Elayne Brightlight's own distinctive style and sense of humour, Natural Childcare is a great reference for all parents.

Natural Childcare may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

Well Adjusted Babies by Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani


Recommended by Naturopath, Gina Fox

Well Adjusted Babies is a popular guide to holistic parenting from pregnancy through to early childhood.  Written by a chiropractor Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani, this book is an excellent read if you are interested in learning about the risks involved with foods, toxins, drugs and household chemicals.

Well Adjusted Babies also covers vaccinations, breastfeeding and nutrition for mother and baby, giving the reader valuable information to enable them to make their own informed decisions.

Well Adjusted Babies may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

 

The Power Of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

 
Recommended by Massage Therapist, Jodie Williams

Ekhart Tolle's message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment.  And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice, and enthusiasm make this an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means.

Foremost, Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container - more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness.

The Power Of Now may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

 

  

Your Body, Your Baby, Your Birth by Jenny Smith


Recommended by Acupuncturist, Kerry Marshall

In this book, Jenny Smith takes readers by the hand through every stage of pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks of their baby's life. She encourages mums-to-be to approach birth with a positive, confident mindset and to be prepared for every eventuality - even if things don't go according to plan. You will also find out about the NHS system and how you can make it work best for you - including the choices available and a who's who of antenatal care.

Armed with this insider knowledge, you will learn precisely what you can do to help yourself during each trimester so that you feel calm and able to deal with every eventuality. With a section devoted entirely to your birth, you will know what is going on at every stage - from the first signs of labour to holding your baby for the first time.

Jenny's reassuring voice and broad-ranging practical advice make this book very special indeed. Using case studies and tried-and-tested mental preparation techniques, you will also learn how to train your mind to overcome any fears and feel prepared every step of the way. This book is for every pregnant woman who wants to feel confident about the biggest event of her life.

 

Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception by Zita West


Recommended by Naturopath, Rhiannon Hardingham

Embarking on IVF - or any assisted fertility treatment - can be a very demanding and stressful experience, but the right physical, nutritional and emotional support can lessen these stresses and strains and increase your chances of success.

In Zita West's Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception leading fertility and pregnancy expert, Zita West, offers an in-depth explanation of all aspects of fertility and, uniquely, addresses the issues involved in using assisted conception. In her clear, yet sensitive, style Zita explains:

  • All aspects of fertility - from preconception and trying naturally through to assisted conception
  • What is involved in the IVF process
  • How to prepare your body to increase your chances of conceiving successfully
  • The importance of a proactive approach to diet and nutrition
  • How complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase your chances of success

Including interviews with leading experts in the field, case histories from patients and Zita's own holistic principles, this is an invaluable guide for the growing number of people who are considering, or have already embarked on, medical intervention to enable them to conceive.

Guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

 

IVF and Ever After: The Emotional Needs of Families by Nichola Bedos


Recommended by Naturopath, Rhiannon Hardingham

A groundbreaking work, "IVF and Ever After" explores in-vitro fertilisation, the impact the treatment has on families and relationships and how to manage the stress it causes.

Author Nichola Bedos explains the critical skills needed to cope with the emotional highs and lows of IVF, the joys of achieving the miracle of life and the long-term challenges of establishing a healthy, functioning family. Using real-life stores and the latest international research, she brings together the most up-to-date information for parents.

"IVF and Ever After" moves beyond the here and now' to look at the hard issues involved in IVF, such as telling a child about IVF conception, what to do with spare frozen embryos, and the implications of legislation about surrogacy. Couples thinking about IVF treatment, those undergoing treatment and IVF parents who are experiencing emotional lows' without knowing why will find this an invaluable guide, as will health professionals who work with IVF families.

IVF and Ever After may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below:

 

The Natural Way to a Better Pregnancy by Francesca Naish & Janette Roberts


Recommended by Naturopath, Rhiannon Hardingham

Francesca Naish is a naturopath and herbalist and well known as an expert clinician and educator in the area of pre-conception and pregnancy health.    

This is a guide for parents interested in a natural and stress-free pregnancy with chapters covering food, nutritional requirements of pregnancy, exercise, a healthy lifestyle and antenatal testing.

You and Your Bump by Emma Cannon


Recommended by Acupuncturist, Kerry Marshall

Written by a leading complementary fertility specialist, Emma Cannon, this companion for pre-conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period blends the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine with conventional Western medical practice. With her fusion approach, Emma offers advice to help mums-to-be prepare for labour and post-birth and solutions to pregnancy-related conditions.

"You and Your Bump" gently takes you through each stage of your pregnancy with advice on: your general health and lifestyle, good nutrition and the link between emotions and physical health; baby development and changes to your body; common pregnancy conditions and treatments, with both Eastern and Western approaches; preparing for labour and motherhood; and, how dads can help at each stage.

"A brilliant book from a woman who knows what she's talking about. I adore Emma Cannon". (Sophie Dahl). "Her unique approach to health and fertility bridges the gap between Western and Eastern medicine". (Dr Tim Evans).

You and Your Bump may be securely purchased through Amazon.com by clicking the book link below: