pre-conception

Balmerhon,

Let me know what you think of the Stay Fertile Longer book...if it is worth buying or not. Thanks!

Well, I've just had a good skim through Weschler's book and am a tad overwhelmed so will have to wait a day or so on Stay Fertile Longer.

In brief though, it claims to draw from expertise of top fertility practitioners
Has a fertility promoting diet, fitness, and emotional health strategies
Explains all treatment options available - both alternative and conventional
IDs many fertility compromising hazards
Provides a 'get pregnant now' plan

Will fill you in on more later!

balmerhon, I don't know if you're anything like me, but I tend to go into over-information mode about things, do loads of research, buy lots of books - - - and I can honestly say that it made me crazy at the beginning of my pregnancy. I bought 1 pregnancy book, 1 medical/first aid book, and 1 todderl book - and that was IT! I asked around about which books to get mind you, and had they not worked I would have tried to replace them - - - but there is such a thing as too much info, ESPECIALLY where babies are concerned & fertility. Hopefully you're not like me though, and can read up all you want and not get overwhelmed or feel like you're doing everything wrong. But I started getting stressed out by it all, with all the different advice and opinions, and in the end I had to throw them away and keep to one. It was the best decision I made. Its the kind of thing where being relazed, letting nature do its thing, and doing what you *feel* is right can go a long, long way. I hope I'm not stepping on your toes by saying this... I just thought that if you're anything like me, I'd have liked someone to tell me to calm down in the beginning, because you'll find plenty of other things to get worked up about.

balmerhon, I don't know if you're anything like me, but I tend to go into over-information mode about things, do loads of research, buy lots of books - - -

Well... I am a PhD research student!! 

I'v always sort of seen myself as a bit of the hippy earth mother type to a degree (so had hoped I could just let nature take it's course) but given my age and 'issues' I don't really regret getting these books. I just need to make a conscious decision about what I will and will not take on board or allow myself to get stressed about. If things don't happen as fast as we want down the road, or there are clear problems, then I can get more serious - but only then.

I think one of the things I do need to do is get my stress levels under control. But given all the things I've got going these days, it's gonna be an uphill struggle.

 

geally, just to get back to you on that book... I'm not sure I'm the best person to give out recommendations - being only a wannabe mom at this stage. But it would appear the book has good advice... that said, I'm not entirely convinced it says anything new. If you have fertility problems it may highlight a few things you don't know, but if you don't, I'm not sure it will be that much help. It seems that so much info in these baby books is the same information repeated over and over... just with varying degrees of severity (from 'it's OK to have a glass of wine' to 'you'd better not you alkie!')

Am I making sense? In short, it's got good info, but may not be anything you don't already know. 

Thanks...guess I should probably try to glance through it at the book store next time I'm there and see if I should buy it. (Not always easy with twins running in two directions!) I have not had fertility problems in the past, but I am 39 now and have talked about the (slight from my perspective) chance that we might want to conceive within the next two years. I have five children, becoming pregnant the first cycle of trying with each one, so I WAS very fertile at one time, I'm just wondering if the book might give me advice on how to maximize whatever fertility I still possess...or if it is mostly for younger women who are during their very fertile years and how to KEEP that fertility longer (rather than trying to RECLAIM, which I don't think is all that possible!) If this makes any sense to you??? 

Good luck to you!

The subtitle of the book is Planning now for pregnancy when you're ready - in your 20s 30s and 40s or today!

I think it does have suggestions for what you are saying. Wow, 5! You are supermom!!

Five Geally!!!!  You are my hero!!!!

Well, I don't know about that...the first three were planned (and are now teenagers), the last two are twins and were somewhat of a "surprise!" I've had really positive experiences with mothering...although I was just getting settled into finally making my own money and "reclaiming" my life after spending my 20's and early 30's full-time mothering when the twins came along, so now I have started over in that respect. Oh well, could be worse and I wouldn't trade them in for anything! (Multiple pregnancy, birth and the first two years were the most trying experience I have ever lived through, but I have made it and that makes me feel confident that I can do anything!)

I'll say it again!  YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!   

BTW Stacey, hope this isn't too personal, but are you actively trying for a baby or just actively gearing up for the trying?! Either way...good luck!

Nope, not personal.  Actively trying, though no luck yet.  Thank you!!!  I could use the luck!

I'll send out lots of positive thoughts your way...I can tell by all your baby posts that you're definitely ready to share your love with a little one! In the meantime, enjoy the trying!!! (And watch out for twins...the occurance tends to peak around age 35...I am proof of that statistic!)

Thanks I am SOOOOOO  Ready!!!!  Was not before, though I've always loved kids, but when I met Richard I knew I wanted them ASAP with him!!!   I'll take twins, though according to you and most other parents of twins there is little sleep to be had for a long while.

Yes...the whole twin dynamic is different than even having children close together in age. But, we do what we have to do! Have you used the charting methods in Taking Charge of your Fertility? I find it reassuring to know what is going on with my physical self from month to month. It has been a real eye-opener noticing how stress can delay my ovulation etc.

I know what you mean about wanting a little one with your special someone. That is the main reason I am even considering having one more (if possible.)