Recommended Books & Supplies for Fertility
Tracking Ovulation
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Wondfo OvulationTest Strips
(50 count) These ovulation predictor kit strips are affordable, informative and easy to use. |
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Basal Body Thermometer
There are many on the market, and any will do. The key is to take your temperature as soon as you wake up, before moving, speaking or drinking water. Record it right away in an app or paper chart, and do this every day of the month for 1-3 months in order to discover (in combination with other signs) when your optimal insemination window will be. |
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Fertility Microscope
If you're especially scientifically-minded, then this can be a really fun way to track your cycle. As your hormones change, your cervical mucous begins to create a pattern that looks like ferns, and this can be a fascinating way to learn more about your cycle! |
Supplements
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Wellevate
You may wish to take supplements to support your egg or sperm health, hormonal balance, stress management, or other fertility/conception-related goals. Plus of course there's the ever-present Prenatal Vitamin (which I'd suggest you make sure has methylated folate in it, not just the cheap folic acid found in many brands, and which you'll ideally start taking at least 3 months before conceiving). You can find some of my favorite products once you've created your account (just click the 'Shop Products' button, and my favs will appear at the top of the list). Wellevate is a dispensary offered by Emerson Ecologics, which is a fantastic company that I really trust. (Click here for more info on why they're a safer and more reliable resource than Amazon.) If you create an account through this link, you'll receive a lifetime savings of 10% off each order you place with them. Please do consult with the appropriate provider for your situation before purchasing, and feel free to reach out with any questions. |
Insemination Tools
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Good Clean Love Conception-Friendly Personal Lubricant There are only a few conception-friendly options available, and many emphasize heteronormative, cisgender, partnered, white imagery and language in their packaging and sales. This one is the most neutral I've found, and is also FDA-approved, and free of parabens, petrochemicals and glycerin. |
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Pre-Seed Conception-Friendly Personal Lubricant The most commonly used conception-friendly option, this is easy and effective as a sperm-friendly lubricant that can be used anytime in your conception window. |
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Instead Soft Cup
When trying to conceive via ICI/IVI with a partner or known donor, some prefer to use a soft cup to hold the sample close to the cervix to facilitate conception. |
Recommended Reading
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The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy & Birth
The go-to book for anyone trying to conceive, whether they identify as lesbian or not, this book covers a wide range of issues with insight and a wealth of information. |
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Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
Another go-to resource for those who wish to learn how to chart their cycles, for either conception or prevention. |
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It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF
If you're feeling ready to investigate more deeply into your labwork and supplement options, this book is a popular guide. |
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Fertility Wisdom: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Overcome Infertility
Written by a well known local Acupuncturist, this book walks you through the principles of Chinese Medicine that apply to improving conception, and how you can apply these at home. |
Hearthstone Midwifery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I would never refer a client to an item that I didn't fully believe in, and offer these listings in order to better support clients in sorting through the overwhelming abundance of options as they prepare for this next important stage in their lives. If you have feedback about any item listed here, please let me know!
I am constantly updating these lists based on client experiences, as well as my own, and would love to hear what you have learned.