The More You Know: Three Recommendations For Your Fertility Library

If you were born in the ’80’s you’re probably familiar with NBC’s lite-brite-colored public service initiative : The More You Know. The two minute clips focused on public service campaigns with an education-centered message. Interestingly, the campaign was created in response to the teacher shortage in the late eighties, and was introduced in an effort to recruit and retain educators.

The full phrase “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know” actually originates with Aristotle. I think the intention of the NBC PSA, however, was more to say the more you know about a particular subject, the better equipped you are at coping with life. Both interpretations promote continual self-motivated education.

This post’s intention is to encourage you to know more. The internet is full of information but there is nothing like the well organized thoughtful arrangement of a published book. Especially given the complexity of fertility, having a great guide in front of you is well worth the weight of paper in your hands.

Below are three books I highly recommend to patients at different stages in their fertility journey. Empower yourself with quality information, because, you know: The More You Know*

1. Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH
This book is the bible when it comes to fertility. Self named “The Definitive Guide To Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health,” it will provide you with all the information you need to monitor your menstrual cycle—along with updated information on the latest reproductive technologies. New York Magazine writes,
“Alternately silly, whimsical, and exhaustingly specific, [Taking Charge of Your Fertility] was published fifteen years ago and is ranked higher by customers on Amazon than all other books except the third and fourth Harry Potters.”

2. The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis, Ph.D
This is a wellness program for those looking to combine both eastern and western practices to achieve pregnancy. It is a great resource for those who have been told they’re “infertile” by their MD but want to explore how eastern medicine can fill in where western medicine has left them hanging. Randine Lewis, PhD, is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who is the medical expert on About.com’s infertility site, HowToMakeAFamily.com, www.pregnancy.com and www.inciid.org

3. IVF: A Patient’s Guide by Rebecca Matthews, Ph.D
If you’ve decided to undergo IVF, starting the journey with a more-than-surface understanding of the process will make you feel in control. This patient’s guide lays out what to expect, provides answers to the most critical questions and equips you with information to make informed decisions on all of the complex choices wrapped up in the process of IVF.