Infertility: Web & Print Resources
Compiled By Dr Sara Rosenquist
Web:
- RESOLVE: National Infertility Support Organization
RESOLVE is a national organization specifically created to offer advocacy, support, and information to those
experiencing infertility. This organization can connect you with someone to talk to who knows what it's like to
struggle with infertility and its treatment.
Click here for RESOLVE Website.
The Triangle's chapter of RESOLVE aims to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people who are
experiencing infertility. There are support group meetings (at the time of this writing) in Raleigh, Chapel Hill,
and Cary, one or two Thursday evenings every month. For details, contact Terry Pell at 919-938-3214(H),
919-631-3697(Cell), or TERRYLPELL@yahoo.com
- The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination
Also called INCIID (pronounced "inside"). This is a not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to providing
easily accessible information to couples experiencing infertility. Their site has a comprehensive directory of
infertility resources, links to bulletin boards and chat rooms, news reports on treatment and technology, and
regular "Round Table" chat events with recognized experts in the area of infertility treatment. This site is a
must-see for the information hungry.
Click here for INCIID Website.
- BabyMed.com
Several of my infertility patients have mentioned that babymed.com has been a helpful website for them while
they were trying to get pregnant. The site contains much helpful information including a tracking calendar for
calculating ovulation.
Click here for BabyMed Website.
- American Society of Reproductive Medicine
The ASRM is a professional association (primarily of physicians) devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in
reproductive medicine and biology. The ASRM is a voluntary non-profit organization. Members must demonstrate the
high ethical principles of the medical profession, evidence an interest in reproductive medicine and biology,
and adhere to the objectives of the Society. This web page offers a FAQ section
including questions like: "How do I know if I could benefit from counseling?" and "How can therapy help me
cope with infertility?".
Click here for ASRM Website.
- Endometriosis Association
"An organization of women supporting women." This organization is a non-profit, self-help organization dedicated to
keeping up with the latest developments on endometriosis and offering support to those experiencing this medical
condition.
Click here for Endometriosis Association Website
- Institute for the Study and Treatment of Endometriosis
The ISTE supports and conducts basic and clinical research to: (1) elucidate the pathophysiology of endometriosis, (2)
clarify the association between endometriosis and infertility, (3) develop new, non-invasive diagnostic techniques,
(4) develop and test new preventative and therapeutic measures, and (5) identify medical and societal barriers to the
diagnosis of endometriosis.
Click here for Endometriosis Study and Treatment Website.
Adoption
- Adoption.org
This is a community service oriented, not-for-profit organization, not an adoption agency. At this site, families
can communicate and to gather information. The organization works to make quality adoption information available,
and transfers individuals interested in adoption to adoption agencies and attorneys to complete the adoption process.
It provides links to various adoption agencies, bulletin boards, and chat rooms.
Click here for Adoption.org Website.
- The North Carolina Division of Social Services
This site provides information on the process of adopting through domestic channels local to the North Carolina area.
It is often the first stop for couples trying to get information on local adoption.
Click here for North Carolina Division of Social Services Website.
- Mandala Adoption Services
If you are interested in international adoption but looking for a local agency with a personal touch, Mandala adoption
agency is worth checking into. Several of my patients have successfully adopted through this agency and have wonderful
things to say about it.
Click here for Mandala Adoption Website.
- NC Kids Adoption & Foster Care Network
First Lady Laura Bush is concerned with promoting adoption right here in the US. To read more about older kids in
North Carolina who are waiting for homes:
Click here for Adopt Us Kids Website.
(other states are available through their main web page)
Religious Organizations
- Hannah’s prayer: Christian support for fertility challenges
This website is an entry point for an extensive ring of web sites serving the Christian community. It includes
resources for infertility or the death of a baby at any time from conception through early infancy. Christian
resources on adoption and resources for men can also be found on this site.
Click here for Hannah's Prayer Website.
- Stars of David International
A non-profit information and support network for Jewish and partly-Jewish adoptive families of all sizes, ages,
and origins. It provides help for all members of the triad including Jewish birth parents, adoptees, adoptive
parents, prospective parents, single parents, grandparents, interfaith couples, and so on. This site is
linked to an extensive ring of web sites serving the Jewish community.
Click here for Stars of David Website.
Books:
- Conquering Infertility: Dr. Alice Domar’s Mind/Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping with Infertility
by Alice D. Domar and Alice Lesch
Alice Domar, Ph.D. is the psychologist who is most recognized as an international leader in the field of mind/body medicine
and women’s health. She is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School,
and the premier researcher of the link between stress and infertility. Her book is informative and friendly, delivering
the message that emotional well being has a profound effect on health with sound science and heartfelt compassion. For more
on Dr. Domar visit www.domarcenter.com
- The Couple’s Guide to Fertility
by Gary Berger, Marc Goldstein, and Mark Fuerst
A comprehensive reference book. The authors examine all the known causes of infertility along with the
diagnostic tests associated with each condition. Factual information is interspersed with stories of patients
told in their own words. The authors report on all available therapies as well as alternatives to further
treatment, including adoption and surrogate parenting. They supply a directory of fertility specialists in the
United States and fertility clinics in Canada, and also suggest questions you may want to ask your doctor so you
can participate fully in your own care.
- Healing the Infertile Family: Strengthening Your Relationship in the Search for Parenthood
by Gay Becker
The stress of infertility and the intrusiveness of treatment can often strain the marriage for those going
through this painful passage. This book offers encouragement and advice to help couples in maintaining
their sexual identity and sense of unity as they face pressure from family and friends, and as they handle
the frustrations of treatment.
- The Ache for a Child
by Debra Bridwell
Written from a Christian perspective, this book offers hope and insight into the emotional side of
pregnancy loss and infertility. It takes a candid look into the moral, ethical, medical, and spiritual
struggles that infertile couples face. Issues are addressed from the compassionate viewpoint of someone who
has been there.
- And Hannah Wept : Infertility, Adoption, and the Jewish Couple
by Michael Gold
This is a sensitive and compelling book that describes Jewish responses to infertility.
- The Endometriosis Sourcebook
by Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association
This very technical reference book is full of information on research, new treatments, alternative
treatments, common myths and advice for coping. It also contains personal case histories and useful
advice.
- Sweet Grapes: How to stop being infertile and start living again.
by Jean W. Carter and Michael Carter
This book is slanted toward the option of childfree living. It presents and discusses available
options and emphasizes that every couple must make a conscious choice about which path to take. The
authors reflect on their choice to remain childfree.
- What to expect when you’re experiencing infertility: How to cope with the emotional crisis and survive
by Debby Peoples and Harriet Ferguson
This book addresses the emotional stages of coming to terms with infertility: crisis, acceptance,
resolution, and epilogue. The authors use a question-and-answer format to offer practical advice on
how to contend with the emotional ups and downs of infertility - from learning how to communicate
feelings more effectively to coping with the losses of failed treatments or miscarriages.
- Coping with Miscarriage: A Simple, Reassuring Guide to Emotional and Physical Healing
by Mimi Luebbermann
Just what the title promises. The author explains the physical, emotional, and social effects of
miscarriage, giving the reader ample permission to grieve.
- Surviving Pregnancy Loss
by Rochelle Friedman and Bonnie Gradstein
Originally written in 1982, this book is a classic, although some of my patients have commented on
language or assumptions they consider to be dated. It provides a compassionate and comprehensive
discussion of the physical and emotional consequences of pregnancy loss from miscarriage, ectopic
pregnancy, or stillbirth.
- Empty Cradle, Broken Heart
by Deborah Davis
This sensitive book offers reassurance and encouragement to parents who struggle with anger, guilt,
and despair in the process of grieving the death of a baby.
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