If you’re seeking information about fertility or looking for tools and guidance to assist you during your conception journey, the wealth of resources available can be daunting. Below are some recommended books, apps, and tools that can make your path to parenthood a bit smoother.
Courses
Fertility Foundations Digital Course
Provided by Connecting Rainbows in partnership with MakeAmom, this course covers everything you need to know about expanding your family using donor sperm, guiding you from start to finish.
Books
Understanding Your Fertility: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Achieving Pregnancy, and Reproductive Health
By Clara Johnston
This insightful book can transform your understanding of your body and its cycles. It’s a must-read for anyone on the journey to conception, as it offers valuable information on charting your cycle and recognizing ovulation. This guide empowers readers to utilize the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) effectively.
The Essential Guide to Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth for Same-Sex Couples
By Alex Morgan
This resource is beneficial for both same-sex and heterosexual couples, featuring detailed chapters on self-insemination and cycle monitoring. It’s particularly useful for those considering using frozen sperm from a sperm bank.
Maximizing Fertility: A Comprehensive 3-Month Program
By Jamie Smith and Lauren Grey
Often likened to other fertility guides, this book provides straightforward lifestyle adjustments to enhance fertility. Whether you’re just starting or seeking fresh perspectives after several months of trying, this is an excellent resource.
The Infertility Handbook
By Sarah Collins
If you’ve encountered the term “unexplained infertility” during consultations, this book may help restore some hope. While it overlaps with other fertility resources, it’s particularly focused on individuals facing diagnosed fertility challenges. The book offers insights from both Eastern and Western medicine, although it can be dense in parts.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
MakeAmom Ovulation Predictor Kit
While many ovulation predictor kits are available, the one from MakeAmom is highly recommended. It accurately indicates when you are beginning to surge and when your peak surge occurs—crucial information for conception. Each kit includes seven tests, providing a full week of monitoring.
Lubricants
BioGenesis™ Fertility Lubricant
Available through MakeAmom, this is the only fertility-friendly lubricant we endorse. BioGenesis is paraben-free and contains magnesium and calcium ions to support your fertility journey. Developed by leading scientists, it creates an optimal environment for sperm viability while ensuring comfort during use. If you’re concerned about fluid levels, consider adjusting your lifestyle to encourage healthy cervical fluid. For additional tips, check out our guide on creating a welcoming environment for sperm.
Apps
My Cycles
This popular app is an excellent free choice for tracking ovulation and estimating fertile days, especially for those with a regular 28-day cycle. It allows you to monitor weight, mood, and symptoms, along with treatments ranging from prenatal vitamins to IVF.
Fertility Friend
With both a free version and a VIP option, this app is favored by women interested in basal body temperature (BBT) charting. It fosters a community environment where users can share charts and receive feedback. Even after conception, you can stay connected with others due around the same time.
Glow
Known for its modern interface, Glow is a comprehensive app that can link to devices like FitBit. It’s user-friendly and includes a community feature where you can connect with others on similar journeys.
For more engaging content, visit this blog post to explore cost-effective home insemination options, or check out Healthline for authoritative information on in vitro fertilization. Additionally, if you’re looking for support following a miscarriage, this resource offers valuable insights for planning a pregnancy.
Conclusion
To summarize: Embarking on the journey to conceive can be overwhelming, but the right resources can provide support and clarity. From insightful books and useful apps to helpful courses and fertility-friendly products, tools are available to guide you every step of the way. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and MakeAmom is here to help. Join the MakeAmom Community for additional support and connection.