Top 4 Book Resources for TTC
something magical happens
when you grab the reigns of your own health…
About 1 in 8 couples experience some form of infertility and the numbers are growing. If that’s you right now, I know it can feel extremely lonely. Even though the numbers of us are growing, you can feel lost in the crowd. I know from experience just how frustrating, lonely, and heart-wrenching it can be.
Throughout our infertility experience, I’ve come to appreciate my learned experiences of my own, but also others’ testimonies. Many people are apart of our story. So many had a hand in the becoming of our greatest blessing and IUI success. Letting our friends and family in on our journey + connecting with others has created so much peace in our journey.
It’s a vulnerable part of your life, but remember, we are made for connection with others! By taking the step to share our story, so many people have reached out and shared their own story with me and has allowed beautiful connections in my life, ultimately helping both of us. Give it a try. I promise it gets easier.
I also want you to know this…
Yes, doctors, family, your support system, your spouse are all important and great resources. But don’t forget the importance of YOU being your biggest asset and resource. There is something magical that happens when you grab the reigns + empower yourself...
I’ve been a nurse for 11 years and sadly I’ve noticed how doctors and nurses are rushed and don’t take the time to truly listen intently to you. How many times have you been with a doctor and you think of a question as they are talking, but they talk so fast you can’t even get your question out before they are talking about the next thing?! Then you have a new question by then and have forgotten the previous question. We’re also guilty of using medical jargon, assuming you know the medical language we do. It’s exhausting and frustrating as a patient. Ask questions until you fully understand. No matter how long it takes! (I also suggest finding a doctor who does take the time to listen and answer any and every question.)
Which brings me to the biggest and most powerful resource….YOU. Educating yourself is like the secret sauce. And it’s underrated these days. But I’m telling you, good things take time and it will be well worth it.
YOU are the gate keeper to your body.
YOU are in charge of your health.
Only YOU control what crosses the barrier to you.
It’s hard to explain this concept to someone who’s not there yet. To someone who doesn’t yet understand the POWER within themselves.
The world always wants a quick fix. The least resistance. The easiest route from point A to point B. But that’s just a deception. Because the beauty is found in the pain. The answer is found within. The reward is found in doing the work.
So you might be disappointed when I tell you that for some it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Put in the work, educate yourself, and take control of your health.
You can take action to increase your fertility and create a healthy environment for a healthy babe.
No one will be there to tell you what to do and how to take care of yourself like you can. So get to know your body, your cycle, and what it looks like create what’s needed to make a healthy babe!
Here are the books that helped me empower myself the most (in the order I recommend):
The Bible. The MOST helpful. Get to know who created you + who will be creating your little one. He will walk beside you and be your biggest helper if you’ll let Him. Health isn’t just about the body. Mind, body, soul is all connected. Especially if you’re experiencing infertility, this helped bring the most peace in my own journey. I like New Living Translation or New King James Versions (NKJV) the best and a study bible helps because it has footnotes explaining some of the things I don’t quite understand.
Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nicols. This book is GOLD. The strongest evidence-based book I’ve seen yet on prenatal nutrition and what to eat while pregnant. You can naturally restore your body, know exactly where to get your nutritional needs, and she talks about so much more! Learn about diet, supplements, toxins, postpartum, etc. I still use this today and I’m guilty for highlighting most words on the page than not.
Woman Code by Alisa Vitti. This book will change your life. This books allows you to start connecting the dots between your cycle and what it’s telling you about your health. Learn how to decode your cycle and hormones and learn what all those symptoms mean. If you want to truly understand your body better and want healing, this is your book. From syncing your cycle, hormone imbalances, meal plans, and resetting your “WomanCode,” you’ll discover more about your body and you’ll gain understanding around tuning into the signs your body is giving you.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. Great book for taking charge of your own health. This book goes into great detail on timing - like tracking your cycle and how, when to have sex + how to know when, tracking temperature, and also covers conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, + PCOS, balancing hormones, + maximizing your chances. If you want more guidance on the how to make a baby part, this is helpful for that.
Having a fertile lifestyle equals a fertile body. If you are wanting to upgrade your lifestyle to include more fertile habits, I’ve made a great free resource on this. Grab your copy of Prepare your Body for Pregnancy ebook HERE.
I hope these resources help you in your journey!
Always rooting for you friend!
Jess B.