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 Paperback – February 23, 2019

The media could not be loaded. I bought this book back in June of 2024 when my husband and I were told that we may be able to get pregnant when we were told for over ten years that we wouldn't be able to. I'm not taking IVF, and nothing against anyone who is, but I wanted to be honest in that I'm an older woman wanting to get pregnant. My mom had five miscarriages before she had me, and I don't want to go through that pain if I can avoid it.My husband and I have read this book from cover to cover. We have looked at the citations and we're so impressed by Rebecca Fett's research in the US, Europe, Australia, and beyond. She talks about what root extracts could be contaminated in certain countries, what is a myth and what is truth. If there is controversial info out there, she gives you both sides. She talks to you about how to talk to your fertility specialists, doctors, spouse, etc about everything. My husband is going to wear boxers, which he hates, because of this book.We've switched from plastic to stainless steel and glass, we've gone from nonstick Teflon to Green Pan brand, and we've stopped having sodas. Everything we eat now is organic, frozen instead of canned if we can't get fresh, and all of our stainless steel straws have been brought with us.My husband and I don't care if you think that were crazy for doing this. What we do want is a healthy baby, if that's in God's plan. We are doing all that we can on our end to give ourselves our best shot.Is IVF expensive? Yes. Is adoption expensive? Yes. Are supplements expensive? Yes. Is switching our entire life around expensive? Yes. But you know what else is expensive? Having a baby with a brain disorder that needs hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical care. You know what else can be expensive, mentally, emotionally, and in cash? Not being able to have a baby, having a miscarriage, having several miscarriages, and the heartache that goes along with all of it.My husband and I are getting at least three months of supplements under our belts before we start trying, and let me tell you, God sent us this book, and Rebecca Fett.Also, do you know who emailed me about her new book when I said that Amazon was saying it wouldn't ship until February of 2025 when I preordered it? Rebecca Fett emailed me back when I told her about the problem. She was so sweet and kind. She really does want us all to have that baby, if we can. God bless her.If I could, I'd buy this for everyone that I know who is trying to get pregnant if they wouldn't be offended. Heck, I might still do it if they share their life with me and want some help.

Late 30s hopeful mom-to-be. Sometimes life doesn't work out the way you hoped...Ordered this book when AMH scores tested low. Not sure how that's going to work out after implementing instructions, but book mentioned some basic vitamins which are helpful. I was told in the past to take vitamin D by my gyno (prior to fertility journey) and did for a while but eventually forgot. Book reminded me of the importance of vitamin D generally but also in making quality eggs. I started taking vitamin D & B as well as other things she includes, and my life has turned around in ways I did not expect. I used to struggle with severe sadness in the week before period. I'm talking crying all day long for 2 days, feeling like I couldn't do basic things, and like I was generally unloved despite the very supportive and wonderful people in my life telling me otherwise. I had isolated myself from friends to an extent and thought maybe I needed to seek out medication for depression, since I had been on it before. Add to it the fact that the conception journey is BRUTAL when you struggle and all the intrusive thoughts about aging etc. that encumber you as you learn the reality of how much time you have. It's only been one month of taking the vitamins, and I haven't been able to get in to see my doctor to confirm, but I'm betting I had a deficiency, as many women do--especially those of us working in offices. I feel lighter and more energetic generally, and I did not have any of the same drastic feelings this month as menses approached. Even though I was sad when I the dreaded period came again, and I had some minor irritability on a home depot run, I didn't suffer the way I have months prior. This is life changing for me personally. Maybe it also feels like I am empowered to do something while I wait for fertility clinic referral, but I think it's more, something subtle and under the surface is just clicking better. I'm thankful to the writer and will update if I have success getting that AMH up a little.

I bought the book following a failed embryo transfer, as I was looking for answers and solutions. Though we still had embryos left to transfer, they were of lower quality and I decided to start taking the supplements just in case. Fast forward 4 months of supplements and 2 more failed transfers, we decided to do another retrieval cycle.At almost 39 yearly old, we started the retrieval cycle with 8 visible follicles, but ended up retrieving 10 eggs. 8 were mature, 7 fertilized and 5 reached the blastocyst stage at AA, AB or BA quality grading. All 5 tested genetically normal.The number and quality is so far beyond our expectations and any of the three previous retrievals. Even better than during the first retrieval when I was 33 years old (I had 2 genetically normal embryos of AA and AB quality back then).At 38, we had 2 other retrievals. One resulted in CB embryo and another one had an AA and BC embryo.To have 5 genetically normal and all of high quality at almost 39, we are so beyond grateful to Rebecca for this book.I remember reading the reviews when I first bought the book in glimpse of hope that others saw positive results from following the recommendations. And I am so happy and hopeful to be writing this review now, in hopes it will help other mamas to be find answers and solutions.

A family member had ongoing fertility issues. This was very upsetting for all of us. I ran into a very nice nurse with her toddler in a grocery store. I was glad I started talking to her because she was very knowledgeable. It's a very complicated subject with lots of steps to take on the infertility journey. This lays out what steps are available and goes into detail about what is involved. I read a lot of it too and thought it was very easy to understand and also reassuring to parents dealing with this issue.