How to Conceive Naturally

Starred review from September 28, 2015
Orecchio and Buckley take the guesswork out of pregnancy with their guide for women conceiving naturally after age 30. In fact, this is a great guide for women of all ages who are looking to become mothersâand it's also a great source for fathers-to-be. Orecchio and Buckley's approach blends modern and traditional holistic medicine to help mothers create the "five-trimester plan" (the three trimesters of gestation, plus preconception and postpartum) that will work best for their own pregnancy. Much of the book emphasizes clean eating, explaining that what a woman puts into her body directly affects her health and the health of her baby. The co-authors take mothers and fathers through different experiences, both good (e.g., ways to share the joy of parenthood) and bad (e.g., hormonal changes that cause discomfort). In addition, they provide ample resources, including recipes, assessments, remedies, helpful web resources, and personal stories from other parents. What truly sets apart Orecchio and Buckley's work is their tone, which focuses on understanding and reverence for the human body, and their use of research to give expectant parents all the tools to make informed decisions. This guide is truly a must-read for anyone considering getting pregnant or expecting a child.

October 1, 2015

This title is based on a program Orecchio, a clinical and holistic nutritionist, and Buckley, a homeopath and doula, developed with their patients because of the lack of books on holistic nutrition focusing on each stage of pregnancy. Their premise is founded on the five "trimesters," the first one three months or more before conception, then the recognized trimesters of pregnancy, and the fifth period, the last three or more months postpartum. The first five chapters focus on preconception with advice on nutritional supplements, a 12-week detox, and recommended foods. The following sections concentrate on each trimester and postpartum, and the final chapters delve into fatherhood, a primer on homeopathy, and recipes and meal plans. Appendixes include a food glossary, information on the five most common food sensitivities and on improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and homeopathy guides. Further resources provide links to the authors' websites and product recommendations. Some advice may make readers uncomfortable (e.g., drinking raw milk; eating the placenta), but the authors suggest that readers ultimately decide what is best for them. VERDICT Those interested in alternative or natural methods for conception and pregnancy may find this book useful.--Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Chicago

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