If you’re on a quest to understand fertility better or seeking guidance during your conception journey, the wealth of information available can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are several books, apps, and tools that the team at MakeAmom recommends to support you along the way.
Books
Understanding Your Fertility: The Comprehensive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
by Jamie Thompson
This enlightening read will surprise you with insights about your own body. It includes valuable information on tracking your menstrual cycle and identifying ovulation. We recommend this as an essential starting point for anyone aiming to conceive. It also equips you with the knowledge to utilize the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM).
The Essential Guide to Conception and Pregnancy for LGBTQ+ Families
by Alex Rivera
This book is a fantastic resource for both LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual couples. It features detailed chapters on self-insemination and provides important information on cycle monitoring and timing for insemination. It’s particularly beneficial for those considering using frozen sperm from a sperm bank.
Boosting Fertility: A Comprehensive 3-Month Program for Optimal Conception
by Sarah Collins and Mark Blakeway
Often likened to “The Infertility Solution,” this guide presents straightforward strategies for adjusting your lifestyle to enhance fertility. It’s an excellent resource for both newcomers and those who may need a fresh perspective after months of trying to conceive.
The Infertility Solution
by Dr. Lisa Hartman
If you’ve encountered the term “unexplained infertility” from a healthcare provider, this book may help restore your hope and confidence. While it overlaps with “Boosting Fertility,” it focuses more on those with diagnosed fertility challenges. The book offers a holistic viewpoint on conception, integrating both Eastern and Western medical perspectives. Though the initial chapters may be dense, it provides valuable insights into Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary techniques.
Ovulation Prediction Tools
MakeAmom Ovulation Predictor Kit
Among the various ovulation predictor kits available, the one offered by MakeAmom is a team favorite. This kit clearly indicates when you begin to surge and when you’re at peak ovulation. Recognizing hormone surges is crucial for those trying to conceive. Each kit provides seven tests, giving you an entire week of monitoring!
Fertility-Friendly Lubricants
Good Clean Love BioGenesis™ Fertility Lubricant
This is the only sperm-friendly lubricant we recommend if needed. If you’re facing fluid challenges, consider making some lifestyle adjustments first to create a more sperm-friendly environment. If you know it’s the optimal time for conception and still feel a lack of fluid, a little foreplay can be beneficial. Should that not suffice, then consider Biogenesis™ Fertility Lubricant.
Apps
My Cycles
A popular choice, this free app helps you estimate your fertile days and track your ovulation if you maintain a regular 28-day cycle. It also enables you to monitor weight, mood, and symptoms, as well as treatments ranging from prenatal vitamins to IVF.
Fertility Friend
This app, particularly its VIP version, is well-loved for tracking the essentials of your cycle. It offers an engaging community for BBT charting enthusiasts, where users can share charts and provide feedback. After conceiving, you can continue connecting with others due around the same time. The user-friendly interface offers numerous tracking options and effective analysis tools to identify optimal conception days.
Glow
This app stands out for its modern design and comprehensive features. It can sync with devices like FitBit and offers a community platform for sharing charts and seeking advice. Many on the MakeAmom team have found it to be an emerging favorite.
If you’re looking for more information on conception, be sure to check out our post on how MakeAmom eases the pressure of conception. Additionally, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides valuable insights into treating infertility.
For those interested in learning about their reproductive anatomy, we highly recommend visiting this resource for essential information about pregnancy and home insemination.
To summarize:
Explore these recommended resources to empower your conception journey. From insightful books and user-friendly apps to valuable tools, MakeAmom is here to support you every step of the way. Join the MakeAmom community for additional support and to connect with others on the same path.