Few of those who are lucky enough to conceive children naturally can have any idea of the sadness and anxiety infertility can cause. Anna McGrail deals with this painful subject with understanding and sensitivity and it comes as no surprise to learn that she has experienced the sorrow of miscarriages and fertility problems at first hand. The author's own story, which had the very happy ending of two healthy children, will offer hope to couples starting out on what can often be a long and painful journey, in the quest for a baby.

This book manages to find the ideal balance between detail and simplicity, starting with the basic physiology of reproduction and suggesting reasons why conception may not be occurring. Also explained are the tests likely to be carried out and the treatments currently available to tackle the problem. Using quotes from couples who have experienced different types of infertility problems themselves, McGrail goes on to consider options open to those who have no success in starting a family of their own. She realistically discusses adoption, surrogacy and taking the decision to accept and adapt to a life without children. In an area in which new techniques are constantly becoming available, you may have a fight on your hands to get the best treatment you can, as it varies tremendously from region to region. For these reasons, it is important to find a book such as this where the information is so up-to-date and comprehensive.

If you or someone close to you is having difficulty conceiving, it is important to learn all you can about the subject as preparation for the months, or even years, ahead. This is the ideal book to give you that knowledge. It also provides an exhaustive list of Web sites and publications dealing with associated topics. Definitely one for your bookshelf! --Carole Butterworth

Synopsis: Writing with sympathy and clarity on infertility McGrail addresses the issues of both successful and unsuccessful treatment, and lists alternatives to IVF for the childless couple.

The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement and Reproductive Wealth. Author Toni Weschler has been teaching fertility awareness for almost 20 years, and it's only just now gaining in popularity. As the book explains, by using simple fertility signs including peaks in morning body temperature and changes in cervical position and cervical mucus, it's possible to determine when ovulation is taking place. Fertility awareness is therefore useful for not only couples who are trying to conceive, but for those who are aiming to avoid pregnancy without the use of chemical contraceptives. It will be of special interest to those women who have suffered from infertility; many FAM practitioners have told the author that by filling in the detailed charts in the book, they've realised that they were chronically miscarrying, even when their doctors told them they weren't conceiving at all. As the book explains, by charting body temperature, it's simple to tell when pregnancy has occurred--and when there's danger of miscarriage. Taking Charge of Your Fertility also explains how to choose the sex of your baby by timing intercourse according to certain fertility signs. It also features thorough, easy-to-understand explanations of hormones, the menstrual cycle and menopause, along with fertility tests and treatments and their long- and short-term side effects, plus a top-notch resource section. This is recommended for any woman who wants to better understand her body.