The Book

Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy, an Integrative Approach to Fertility Care

Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy

Stephanie Gianarelli, LAc, FABORM and Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG completely updated this easy to read guide to maximizing your fertility with these at home tips for every body type. They help demystify fertility treatment, both western and eastern with easy to understand descriptions and explanations. A great resource for anyone attempting or planning to start trying to have a baby.

“I am so excited about this wonderful book! Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy, an Integrative Approach to Fertility Care is exactly the kind of guide that is so needed in today’s world. It’s an incredibly intuitive book that blends the best of both Eastern and Western approaches to fertility, and is an excellent resource for anyone trying to conceive.” – Toni Weschler, MPH, Internationally acclaimed author of the groundbreaking bestseller, Taking Charge of Your Fertility

Where to buy the 2nd edition of Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: an Integrative Approach to Fertility

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About the book:

Stephanie & Lora

A step-by-step guide for anyone wanting to learn more about fertility enhancement and increasing egg quality from both an Eastern and Western medicine perspective. Stephanie Gianarelli, licensed Acupuncturist and Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, and Dr. Lora Shahine, a board certified Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinologist, share their perspectives, experience, and research in both fields. A clear, concise, and evidence-based approach that anyone can understand and utilize. Get ready to learn and benefit from this integrated approach to fertility care!

An Excerpt from the Introduction:

Since many people choose to combine Eastern and Western fertility methods, Dr. Lora Shahine, board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and expert on Western fertility care, has joined me in the writing of this book. Using the time-tested methods of TCM fertility enhancement, as well as modern advances in science, we’ve worked together to bring you the best that the East and West has to offer in a format that is easy to read and implement.

In this book, we will cover optimal nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle choices for increased fertility as well as overall health for both mother and father. We will discuss how to monitor your menstrual cycles for irregularities and time intercourse to improve natural conception. We will review how TCM helps enhance fertility and how it supports women throughout their pregnancy and after they give birth.

We will also walk you through what to expect at your first acupuncture appointment and we will help demystify the Western medical approach to fertility evaluation and treatment by reviewing which options are available in addition to or in conjunction with a TCM approach to fertility care.

Throughout the book, we offer tips and anecdotes from our personal practices, and in chapter eight, we’ve included some insight into a Western medicine approach to prenatal care from Dr. Judy Kimelman, a practicing obstetrician and the current chair of the American College of OB/GYN Washington Section.

At the end of the book, we provide an extensive list of resources on the topics covered, including the most up to date research in the field of fertility enhancement. You’ll also find an appendix with information that will help you find a fertility care provider, figure out your TCM diagnosis, choose safe supplements, and eat to optimize health and fertility.

Let’s get started!

About the Authors:

Lora and Stephanie

Stephanie Gianarelli, LAc, FABORM

Stephanie Gianarelli

“As a fertility acupuncturist, it is my honor to assist women and their partners in their pursuit to become parents. I see parenthood as a sacred journey, and it’s my job to help prepare them for that journey by assisting them in becoming as healthy as possible in body, mind, and spirit. Not only does getting healthier often increase your chances of becoming pregnant, but according to the tenets of Chinese medicine, healthier parents make healthier children. And that’s my goal.”

Stephanie Gianarelli (LAc, Dipl.Ac, Dipl.CH) is a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) and a licensed and national board certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. Stephanie received her Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1999. She also completed post-graduate training in acupuncture and Chinese herbology focusing on gynecology at Zhe Jiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hang Zhou, P.R. China. She founded Acupuncture Northwest in Seattle, Washington in 2000, in the same building it is still in today.

Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG

Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG

“As a reproductive endocrinologist, I provide the kind of care I would want for myself, my family, and friends. Difficulty having a family is an intimate and personal challenge—medically and emotionally. I provide a caring, personal approach in a practice which provides the most advanced technology, up to date care, and high success rates.”

Lora Shahine, MD, FACOG, practices at Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists in Seattle, WA, and completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Stanford University. During her time at Stanford, Dr. Shahine served as a Clinical Instructor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, contributed to several research publications on women’s health and infertility, and trained in one of the few Centers for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in the United States.

Dr. Shahine is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a fellow in The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), The Washington State Obstetrical Association, The Seattle Gynecology Society, and The Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.

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Here’s what people on Amazon are saying about the book:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource for my fertility patients! By Kathleen Oleary on May 1, 2016 Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase I really enjoyed reading this book as I have many patients who are interested in integrating acupuncture into their fertility treatment. As a physician, I appreciate the research presented in this book, and it helps me answer the questions my patients have about how Eastern medicine can be used to optimize their preconception health. I loved the chapters discussing diet and supplements for fertility/egg/sperm health– this is a hot topic and an important subject I discuss at all of my new patient consultations. I am excited to tell my patients about this book as I know that it will be an invaluable resource during their journey to start or complete their family.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for licensed acupuncturist/TCM practitioners who specialize fertility treatment ByDavid Lin on June 3, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition As a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner I find this book very informative because it not only includes all the relevant information on fertility/conception/pregnancy from TCM’s stand point of view, more importantly it also touches on various important topics such as recommended supplements, latest ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), lifestyle advice etc. which would be very helpful for anyone who specializes in this area. I would recommend this book to my fellow colleagues if you are currently seeing fertility patients. This is a must-have book to enhance your clinical practice.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the dietary and supplement recommendations By Tamara on March 31, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I really enjoyed how this book combined Eastern and Western medicine. I found the dietary and supplement recommendations throughout the book to be very informative and useful. This is a great book not only for those going through fertility treatment but for anyone preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

5.0 out of 5 stars I would definitely recommend this guide to anyone considering a hybrid approach By Daphne Siniscalcoon April 4, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition This is an unusual take on fertility, as it marries both Eastern and Western perspectives. I would definitely recommend this guide to anyone considering a hybrid approach.

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact yet comprehensive — read this book before the thicker ones! By justkeepbreathingon April 25, 2016 Format: Paperback I wish I had read this book years ago when I tried to get through “The Infertility Cure” and “Making Babies.” It would have saved me a lot of time and guilt (for wanting to get through those books, but struggling because I found them very dense!). This is a very thoughtfully written and compiled resource addressing fertility issues from both the Eastern and Western standpoint. I appreciated the introduction to oriental medicine, balanced with the perspective of western medicine– and yet agreeable. People struggling to conceive are often open to whatever approach it will take to find success. This book filters through all the snuff out there and lays it out methodically and simply in a format and tone that are easy to digest. I also think the chapter on pregnancy health is valuable for incorporating all the elements of the book in addressing future self-care. Very good book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Science-based research, East meets West, and user-friendly! By Fiona McLeod on May 2, 2016 Format: Paperback I run several fertility journey support groups in-person and online and we have collectively read pretty much every fertility book out there. I’m also a contributor to Still a Mother: Journeys Through Perinatal Bereavement — a spiritual support book for the fertility journey — so I understand from a writer’s perspective what information is helpful (at least to me) to be conveyed. “Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy” receives five stars because it has excellent science-based research, blends the Eastern and Western perspectives on fertility, and is user-friendly. I find this book easy to dip into as a resource, as well as being read from cover to cover. I hope the authors will continue to update the book as new findings about fertility are discovered. This is a must-have for those who are beginning to think about conceiving and for those who are already well on their journey.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read that distills both western and eastern medicine. By Christy Johnsonon June 5, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I have recommended this book to so many people! Trying to get (And stay) pregnant is such a stressful time and there is so much information + mis-information out there. It is helpful to see practical and science based advice in one place. The blend of eastern and western medicine is unique and this book nicely explains what is known. I wish I had read this when going through fertility treatments (IVF did not work for us but post-IVF getting myself holistically healthy did) and I am so grateful others have this resource.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fertility journey couples must read! By Shantel on April 3, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition Incredible book! Gives great through insight from both an Eastern and Western approach to fertility enchantment. Explained things in an easy to understand way. The attention to details covering pre conception, pregnancy, and post pregnancy was a great whole picture approach to the conception road. I’ve tried both Eastern and Western approaches and reading this book helps me feel more confident in understanding my treatment plan. I highly recommend this book to anyone currently trying to conceive, it will enhance your confidence in stepping out of the box.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the dietary and supplement recommendations By Tamaraon March 31, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I really enjoyed how this book combined Eastern and Western medicine. I found the dietary and supplement recommendations throughout the book to be very informative and useful. This is a great book not only for those going through fertility treatment but for anyone preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! By Leah on January 24, 2016 Format: Paperback “I was pleasantly surprised at how clearly presented this book is … packed full of well-researched information uniquely combining both Eastern & Western approaches to fertility health. Every person desiring to conceive should reach for this book to more fully understand their options & their bodies. Great book! An additional note: I appreciated the chapter on optimizing natural conception & basal body temperature.”

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a fantastic resource that combines many seemingly disparate approaches to fertility… By Kelsi L on January 12, 2016 Format: Paperback “I personally struggled to get pregnant with my son and found the search for answers and options to be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. This book is a fantastic resource that combines many seemingly disparate approaches to fertility into an incredibly helpful holistic guide. From current western fertility treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle choices and charting your basal body temperature, this book covers it all without the bias one might find when consulting with a typical healthcare specialist. Highly recommended.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book if you are trying to conceive! By snowlotus on November 22, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition “Read this book if you are trying to conceive! The authors are experts – one in the Western medicine approach to fertility treatments, and the other in Eastern medicine approaches to fertility. They give a very helpful overview of what you can expect from either approach, and also on the value of integrating the two approaches. As a Yoga for Fertility instructor, I believe it is crucial to have this understanding and appreciation for both approaches, in order to make the best decisions for yourself, especially if you are experiencing challenges on your journey to parenthood. The authors provide this important information in a way that is easy for anyone to understand, and even provide some tools for self-assessment. The information in this book is a great adjunct to a yoga for fertility practice!”

5.0 out of 5 stars West meets East in Fertility By sierra cristiano on October 26, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase “This book is a guide for patients open to considering multiple perspectives on Fertility treatment and how they can be used in concert. I am inspired by the mutual respect of the authors and am interested in continuing my research in this area of TCM partnered Western Fertility Treatment.”

5.0 out of 5 stars By Brooke Schmidly on August 27, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition “This is a fantastic book for any family hoping to have a baby. The blending of traditiomal chinese medicine and Western medicine is a model for healthful living in addition to family planning. The resources section is awesome and is the best summary of medical studies I have seen. You will learn so much from this book and have faith and hope for a baby restored.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for anyone trying to get pregnant By amber on May 27, 2015 “This short e-book (yay!) is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to get pregnant. The authors explain how eastern and western medicine can be used separately or together to help you build your family in simple, clear language. I’ve had acupuncture before, but I had never learned about any of the science behind it, and this book does a great job of explaining the hows and the whys. I also appreciated the many references to peer-reviewed journal articles that have examined the ways eastern medicine can enhance fertility (great for all you skeptics!). I would definitely recommend this book to anyone trying to get pregnant.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT resource for anyone thinking about getting pregnant! By Josh on May 20, 2015 “An excellent resource for anyone considering starting a family, even if you never use acupuncture or see a fertility doctor. IMs. Gianarelli done an amazing job! Ease to read, practical and high informative this is one of the best books available. It provides clear, useful and up-to-date information on both Eastern and Western medical approaches to fertility and lets you know what to expect in the process. I’ve managed the practice of a successful fertility acupuncturists for more than 15 years and work as a Certified Health Coach. I will be encouraging all our patients to read this book!”

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read for anyone interested in looking at all sides … By M Torres on May 21, 2015 “This book is a helpful guide for anyone wanting to learn more about all fertility treatment options. It presents both Eastern medicine options (acupuncture, herbs, supplements) and Western medicine options (prescription medications, inseminations, and IVF) in a clear, concise manner. I appreciated the research behind the book and the list of references/scientific studies for the options described. A fantastic read for anyone interested in looking at all sides of fertility.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read By Nevine S. Webster on May 24, 2015 “This book is a must read for anyone who is struggling to start or grow their family. I even recommend this book to those who have a loved one who is struggling in their fertility journey. The collaboration of an Eastern and Western approach to fertility, and their shared goal of a healthy lifestyle, is fascinating.”