Resources & Products
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Hey everyone, here’s a list of different resources and products you may find helpful or interesting. I’ll be including more books, films, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, websites, and other products. I will be expanding this list to include information about adoption and fostering here soon. Keep checking back for more updates to the page.
Resource / Product | Details |
|---|---|
Helpful Websites | |
| Resolve.org | Resolve.org "The National Infertility Association" is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with infertility and what options are available. What sets Resolve apart from other infertility resources is they not only provide support groups but also teach people how to become an advocate for access for infertility treatment and adoption. |
| FertilityIQ.com | I wish I had known about this site early on because it is a great place to start to learn about infertility, treatment options, and how to find a medical provider. What I really like about this site is the ability to search doctors and clinics and to read actual reviews from patients. |
| Creatingafamily.org | Creating a Family: The National Infertility & Adoption Education Nonprofit This is an amazing authority site on infertility, adoption, and foster care. I like that it has so much information in all three areas. They are a non-profit that seeks to educate people in whatever direction they choose to pursue to create their family. |
| Pregnantish.com | I like that this site is a combination of informative articles as well as individual stories and interviews. The unique thing about Pregnantish is their events they hold. I plan on checking out one of their events when I am visiting a city that is holding an event. |
Books | |
  | 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 by Rebecca Fett This is one of the best resources out there about improving egg quality for improving odds for a healthy live birth. You can read my full review of the book here. Audiobook version Printed version |
  | Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health by Dr. Ben Lynch I recently had some genetic testing done and learned I have a MTHFR gene mutation, which relates to how to body processes folate and other vitamins essential during pregnancy. This book helped me learn about supplements and foods I can eat, specific to my gene mutation, that can help improve fertility odds. Read my full review here. Audiobook version Printed version |
  | Sperm Meets Egg Plan: Getting Pregnant Faster by Deanna Roy |
  | Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 20th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler |
  | Chasing Kites: One Mother's Unexpected Journey Through Infertility, Adoption, and Foster Care by Rachel McCracken |
  | Childless Living: The Joys and Challenges of Life without Children by Lisette Schuitemaker |
  | Empty Arms: Hope and Support for Those Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Tubal Pregnancy by Pam Vredevelt If you’ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss Empty Arms: Hope and Support for Those Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Tubal Pregnancy by Pam Vredevelt might provide you with some comfort as you go through the grieving process. She writes about her own experience with grieving the loss of her baby and how it impacted her life. Read my full review here. |
  | Empty Arms Journal: 21 Days of Good Grief Exercises for Healing After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or the Loss of a Baby by Pam Vredevelt and Yvonne Parks |
  | The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey The main character in this novel struggles with infertility. It's a really good read and I enjoyed it. Audiobook version Printed version |
  | To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey This is Eowyn Ivey's second novel with different characters but the main character also deals with infertility issues. There are some really great life lessons in this book. Read my full review here Audiobook version Printed version |
Films / TV | |
  | Don’t Talk About the Baby (2018) Documentary This is an excellent documentary that follows women who have experience miscarriage and infant loss. The main theme of the film is to let women know the importance of talking about these issues to fight the stigma of miscarriage and infant loss. By creating awareness we are creating more opportunities for research funding. You can read my full review here. |
  | Instant Family (2018) This is such a cute movie, based on a true story of a couple that fosters three siblings at the same time. It's a tear-jerker and has a lot of funny parts too. Read my full review here. |
 | Private Life (2018) Length: 2 hours 3 minutes Available on Netflix Damn! “Private Life” dives right into the deep end, with all the raw emotions that come up with infertility, IVF, and egg donation. It was funny at times, but mostly poignant (in a good way). Rachel (played by Kathryn Hahn) and Richard (played by Paul Giamatti) are in their 40s and have done multiple IUIs and now have to try out other means of artificial reproduction. Read my full review here. |
  | Making Babies (2019) Movie Length: 87 minutes Available on Amazon This is a quirky comedy about a couple who deals with infertility and IVF. It has a few serious moments but it is mostly a comedy. If you are wanting to see the lighter side of infertility check out this movie. Read my full review here. |
 | One More Shot (2018) Documentary Length: 1 hr 29 min Available on iTunes and Vimeo On Demand This was one of the first documentaries I watched about IVF and I learned a boatload of information about the process. Maya Grobel and Noah Moskin filmed their own infertility story including IVF and how they handled some incredibly difficult situations. Their ability to share their true emotions and be open about the process helped me to have reasonable expectations about IVF and be open to different ways to build a family including egg donation and embryo adoption. Read my full review here. |
| Baby Makers: The Fertility Clinic (IVF Documentary) | Baby Makers: The Fertility Clinic (IVF Documentary) (2017) Length: 58 min Available on YouTube I think this is one of the best shows about the IVF process from beginning to end. If you are curious about all the behind-the-scenes aspects of IVF treatment at the clinic, you won’t be disappointed with this show. Read my full review here. |
| Foster | Foster (2019) Documentary Length: 1 hr 53 min Available on HBO This documentary is an incredibly moving and raw look at what it means to be going through the foster system. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California and looks at the challenges faced by the children in the system and foster care workers. |
 | The Great Sperm Race (2009) Documentary Director & Writer: Julian Jones Length: 51 min Air Date: March 23, 2009 Available on YouTube This documentary had a really unique take on showing and describing the sperms journey to fertilize the egg. It used actors dressed in white to represent sperm and it showed them running around mountainous regions (similar to the uterus), to show a large-scale version of what the sperm goes through competing with each other to be the one sperm to make it out of 250 million sperm. I found it to be funny and informative in that I have a much greater appreciation for the miracle life truly is, because out of 250 million sperm, only one can fertilize and potentially lead to a live birth. This would be great to watch if you are experiencing Male Factor Infertility, or are just curious about how fertilization occurs. |
| Larry King Now “Giuliana & Bill Rancic” | TV Show Larry King Now “Giuliana & Bill Rancic” Season 2, Episode 4 Air Date: July 18, 2013 Length 24 minutes Available on Hulu Giuliana and Bill Rancic talk about their infertility struggles. Bill explains how Giuliana’s infertility treatment process actually helped them discover that she had breast cancer. She survived cancer but no longer had the option of carrying her own child. They had an embryo frozen prior to her breast cancer treatment. She and Bill talk about finding a surrogate for their embryo that is genetically both of theirs and how they have a little baby now that they are raising. |
| Modern Baby | Modern Baby Documentary (2019) Length: 48 minutes Available on YouTube Four different couples show us what it is really like to do IVF in order to have children. If you want to hear a variety of perspectives, this is a great show to watch. They talk about some of the tough decisions that must be made in order to pursue their dream of starting a family. Read my full review here. |
Fertility/Genetic Testing | |
  | Modern Fertility Test - Women's Health Hormone Test You Can Take at Home - Not Available NY, NJ, RI Want to find out how fertile you are? The Modern Fertility test is an affordable option that shows your hormone levels and gives you an overall picture of where you stand with your fertility. What hormones will they test? Depending on the type of birth control you are on they can test up to eight different hormone levels which may include: AMH (Anti-mullerian hormone) FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) E2 (Estradiol) LH (Luteinizing hormone) TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) FT4 (Free thyroxine) PRL (Prolactin) T (Testosterone) Order your test today. |
  | 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service: Personal Genetic DNA Test Including Health Predispositions, Carrier Status, Wellness, and Trait Reports |
Supplements | |
  | Thorne Research Basic Prenatal - Folate Multivitamin - 90 Capsules |
  | Nordic Naturals Pro Prenatal DHA - 480 mg DHA, 400 IU D3, Targeted Support for Neurological, Visual, and Immune Development in Babies and a Healthy Mood in Mothers*, Unflavored, 90 Soft Gels |
  | Solgar: Choline/Inositol 500/500mg 100 Vcaps 2-Pack |
  | Solgar - Vitamin E 200 IU, 100 Vegetarian Softgels |
  | Doctor’s Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels, 100 mg 180 Veggie Caps |
  | Nature Made Melatonin 2.5mg Gummies, 130 Count for Supporting Restful Sleep† (Packaging May Vary) |
  | Nature Made Vitamin B-6, 100 mg, Tablets, 100 ct (Pack of 3) by Nature Made |
  | Jarrow Formulas N-A-C (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine), Supports Liver & Lung Function, 500 mg, 200 Caps |
  | Thorne Research - 5-MTHF 5 mg Folate - Active Vitamin B9 Folate Supplement - 60 Capsules I use this folate supplement as part of my treatment plan. |
  | Bio Pn Quinone Q10 100mg Gold |
  | Solgar – L-Arginine 500 mg, 100 Vegetable Capsules L-Arginine is especially helpful in the months prior to Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) to help thicken the uterine lining. The recommended daily dose prior to FET is 6 grams. But keep in mind that this supplement is not recommended prior to egg retrieval or fresh transfer due to some studies saying it may negatively impact egg quality for a few months. |
TTC Products | |
  | Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown, 5 Pregnancy Tests Digital tests are great for when you have a hard time reading the lines from regular pregnancy tests. It definitely takes the guess work out of it. |
  | First Response Early Result Gold Digital Pregnancy Test -- by First Response Here is another great digital pregnancy test that can show you results 6 days sooner than traditional pregnancy tests. It's my go-to early pregnancy test. |
  | Clear Blue Fertility Monitor |
  | Mira Fertility Tracking Monitor Kit, Includes 10 Ovulation Test Wands, Displays Actual LH Hormone Concentrations, FDA Certified |
Miscarriage Jewelry | Infant Loss Jewelry | |
  | Baby Name Necklace – ROI - Dainty Feet Footprints Charm - Memorial Infant Loss Gift - 5/8 Inch Disc – Handstamped 14K Gold Filled Jewelry – Personalized Birthstone |
  | Gold Angel Wing Necklace – ROI - Dainty Memorial Charm Gift - Delicate Loss Pearl - Handstamped Jewelry – Personalize Initial Crystal Color |
  | Tiny Angel Wing Necklace - Dainty Silver or Gold Guardian Wing Necklace Minimalist Jewelry - Memorial, Miscarriage Infant Loss |
  | Angel Baby Memorial Charm • Miscarriage Necklace • Tiny Winged Heart • Sterling Silver • Too Beautiful for Earth |
  | ''Always in My Heart'' Sentimental Quote Thin Brass Band Bangle Hook Mantra Bracelet Sympathy, Remembrance, Condolences, Thinking of You Jewelry Gifts (Silver Tone) |
Clothing | Infertility Awareness | Remembrance | |
  | Mom of an Angel Shirt |
  | Angel Mommy T-Shirt. Miscarriage Awareness Infant Loss Tee |
  | October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month Hoodie |
  | Heart Blue Pink Ribbon Pregnancy Infant Loss Awareness T-Shirt |
  | Daddy Of An Angel T-Shirt National Pregnancy and Infant Loss |
  | Grandma Of A Little Angel Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Long Sleeve T-Shirt |
Nontoxic Products | |
  | Trader Joe's All Natural Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste with Baking Soda and Fluoride 6oz (Pack of 2) Think Dirty Rating: 0 |
  | Burts Bees 100% Natural Origin Moisturizing Lip Balm, Beeswax, 2 Tubes in Blister Box Think Dirty Rating: 2 |
  | Burt's Bees Baby 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment, Face & Body Baby Ointment – 7.5 Ounce Tub Think Dirty Rating: 3 |
  | Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Bar Soap (Baby Unscented, 5 oz, 6-Pack) -Made with Organic Oils, For Face, Body & Hair, Gentle for Sensitive Skin & Babies, No Added Fragrance,Biodegradable,Vegan,Non-GMO Think Dirty Rating: 1 |
  | Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented, 32 Ounce) Think Dirty Rating: 2 |
  | The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash | Tear Free Baby Shampoo + Body Wash | Naturally Derived Ingredients | Sulfate & Paraben Free Baby Wash | 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Think Dirty Rating: 3 |
  | The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Conditioner | Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Tested | Gentle for Babies | Tear Free | Paraben Free | Lavender Essential Oils & Chamomile | 10 Fluid Ounces Think Dirty Rating: 3 |
  | Benecos Happy Nails - Nail Polish: Cherry Red Think Dirty Rating: 3 This was the first nontoxic nail color I tried and I loved it. Nice red color and it went on really well. Check out my review on YouTube here. |
  | Honeybee Gardens Watercolors Nail Enamel Fairy Dust | Non Toxic | Water-Based | Earth Friendly Think Dirty Rating: 3 |
  | Piggy Paint 100% Non-toxic Nail Polish - Low Odor - Brand Spankin Blue Think Dirty Rating: 3 |
  | Revlon Extra Life Top Coat, 0.5 Ounce Think Dirty Rating: 3 This topcoat went on just like a regular topcoat, but has the benefit of being nontoxic. Check out my review on YouTube. |
  | Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover Unscented - 4 fl. Oz. Think Dirty Rating: 3 Typical nail polish removers are some of the most toxic beauty products out there, so this nontoxic nail polish remover I highly recommend using to replace your old one. See me try this nail polish remover for the first time in my YouTube review here. |