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Awakening Fertility: The Essential Art of Preparing for Pregnancy
A gently nurturing guide for aspiring mothers, filled with advice, recipes, and natural remedies for women trying to conceive
The path to motherhood is a deep and transformative process filled with unknowns. Awakening Fertility is a loving guide to accompany you along the road to whatever is next for you—whether it be a child or a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman and the power that lies in your heart and in your womb. Including twenty-five healing recipes, Awakening Fertility is a source of connection, nourishment, and guidance to those desiring to become mothers. As opposed to the countless other books on "trying to conceive," Awakening Fertility looks at this time before motherhood as a chance for discovery and growth.
The path to motherhood is a deep and transformative process filled with unknowns. Awakening Fertility is a loving guide to accompany you along the road to whatever is next for you—whether it be a child or a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman and the power that lies in your heart and in your womb. Including twenty-five healing recipes, Awakening Fertility is a source of connection, nourishment, and guidance to those desiring to become mothers. As opposed to the countless other books on "trying to conceive," Awakening Fertility looks at this time before motherhood as a chance for discovery and growth.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
290 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 4, 2020
This is probably the single most important book I or anyone will ever read on fertility and preparing for pregnancy. I am still simmering in the wisdom of this book. While the nutritional and food advice is top notch, as I expected, what really struck me was the layered approach Heng Ou takes the reader on towards fertility. It is a beautiful and holistic approach that should start years before a woman is ready to pursue motherhood. The three universal themes and five realms of discovery that she introduces you to are essential for anyone seeking motherhood. I love that she walks through an entire mind-shift and transformation of thought around our bodies. The lifestyle wisdom of Heng Ou is a treasure! This book gives me so much to think about in regards to my mindset and lifestyle habits not only around my body and my dream to have a child, but also in how I choose to live my days. I also love the tidbits of Traditional Chinese Medicine advice woven throughout the book. I know a little more now about preserving and building Kidney, Liver, and Spleen chi, what they are, and why it is so crucial do so for both the woman and the man before conceiving. It is also encouraging that she includes sections about bonding with your mate pre-conception and developing one mind around creating a child together before jumping into it before either are truly ready. This book is filled to the brim with valuable insight and worth every penny!
April 26, 2023
This book was a big bummer. I really wanted to like it, but I didn’t. I really liked the concept introduced in the beginning about fertility being something you can optimize & infertility not being a true medical condition. I don’t really subscribe to the modern interpretations of fertility v infertility, so i appreciated another perspective, but I also heavily disagreed with a lot of the things in this book.
All in all, this book is a major miss because it attributes the power to create to the mother-to-be and father-to-be, when in reality that power rests in God’s hands. Without this admission of God’s power to open and close the womb as He pleases, this book lays the burden of creating human life primarily on the woman. A lot of the recommendations in this book came off as legalism to me. — just want a baby badly enough, eat healthily enough, eliminate enough toxins, connect with your partner enough, etc—. How exhausting! Yes, there are things we can do to steward our bodies well and steward our reproductive organs well, but ultimately we cannot take control of creating life.
[Most of the vaguely spiritual practices the book recommended seemed creepy and unhelpful. For example, praying to the spirit of your future child and asking your womb what it wants to eat🤢.]
I found some of the practical health related suggestions helpful. But honestly didn’t find much hope or joy in this book and I doubt how helpful it would be to most who would be looking for a book like this….
All in all, this book is a major miss because it attributes the power to create to the mother-to-be and father-to-be, when in reality that power rests in God’s hands. Without this admission of God’s power to open and close the womb as He pleases, this book lays the burden of creating human life primarily on the woman. A lot of the recommendations in this book came off as legalism to me. — just want a baby badly enough, eat healthily enough, eliminate enough toxins, connect with your partner enough, etc—. How exhausting! Yes, there are things we can do to steward our bodies well and steward our reproductive organs well, but ultimately we cannot take control of creating life.
[Most of the vaguely spiritual practices the book recommended seemed creepy and unhelpful. For example, praying to the spirit of your future child and asking your womb what it wants to eat🤢.]
I found some of the practical health related suggestions helpful. But honestly didn’t find much hope or joy in this book and I doubt how helpful it would be to most who would be looking for a book like this….
November 23, 2020
"Awakening Fertility: The Essential Art of Preparing for Pregnancy"
by Heng Ou
Great book, useful tips, good recipes in the back of the book, although I would have to go out of my way to look for some of the ingredients as Asian markets. I do like Ou's gentle approach with people who may be vegetarians. She still so gracefully urged them to add a bit of animal proteins into their bodies for the sake of conceiving.
On page 119, there is a mention about sitting in silence with your partner that is very valuable. These days, so many couples go through their days together, however not really finding that connection. This is a good reminder to sit and be present with your partner. I've used this technique in the past, but after several married years together, we are not finishing up a day shared together, not really emotionally connecting. It's important we get this emotional connection back. I think most couples I know can use a bit of silence and eye contact sitting crossed-legged and breathing synchronised. After all, it is the fastest way back to each other.
On page 142, Ou recommended a specific brand of Chinese herbs if you felt called to use traditional Chinese medicine. I looked up the brand Women's Precious Pills and it looked a bit shady to me. Not sure if I would order from them just judging a pill by the cover and lack of reviews. This also holds true for Free and Easy Wanderer as there was only one review that I came across in my brief search.
My acupuncturist whom I see weekly has me on TCM and I'm trusting what she has to offer me.
I do love the title Stress: The Enemy of Ovulation on page 150. Stress is actually the enemy of health in general. I've recently started tracking my basal body temperature and know what my charts look like when I'm under lots of stress, likely not even ovulating during those months. Such a shame for a couple who is hoping to expand their family. Of course, its basic knowledge to commit to a stress-free living. However, can people be stressed without even knowing? Surely!
On page 150, Ou recommends scheduling a Red Tent Day, in fact, make that two in the month: once in the early phase of the menstruation and another shortly after the ovulation window has closed! This reminds me of each time when I invite my Vietnamese niece for walks and she tells me she "can't walk" that day. I ask her, "Why can't you walk with me? Are your legs not working?" She responds with, "Because I'm on my period and my mom tells me I can't do any walking when I have my flow." My initial reaction is that is a totally different perspective of my own, being a personal trainer who is very active each day of my cycle. I guess there is some truth in this point of view after all.
The recipes on the back look really good, especially those apricot turmeric balls, salted almond date bites, coconut rose bliss and other deserts. Too bad I don't have a food processor. It would have helped me significantly if there were photos that go with each of the recipes so I can visualise them as most were different from how I normally cook.
Overall, a good read and I'd recommend it to others who are also in their fertility journey with a Eastern medicine approach.
by Heng Ou
Great book, useful tips, good recipes in the back of the book, although I would have to go out of my way to look for some of the ingredients as Asian markets. I do like Ou's gentle approach with people who may be vegetarians. She still so gracefully urged them to add a bit of animal proteins into their bodies for the sake of conceiving.
On page 119, there is a mention about sitting in silence with your partner that is very valuable. These days, so many couples go through their days together, however not really finding that connection. This is a good reminder to sit and be present with your partner. I've used this technique in the past, but after several married years together, we are not finishing up a day shared together, not really emotionally connecting. It's important we get this emotional connection back. I think most couples I know can use a bit of silence and eye contact sitting crossed-legged and breathing synchronised. After all, it is the fastest way back to each other.
On page 142, Ou recommended a specific brand of Chinese herbs if you felt called to use traditional Chinese medicine. I looked up the brand Women's Precious Pills and it looked a bit shady to me. Not sure if I would order from them just judging a pill by the cover and lack of reviews. This also holds true for Free and Easy Wanderer as there was only one review that I came across in my brief search.
My acupuncturist whom I see weekly has me on TCM and I'm trusting what she has to offer me.
I do love the title Stress: The Enemy of Ovulation on page 150. Stress is actually the enemy of health in general. I've recently started tracking my basal body temperature and know what my charts look like when I'm under lots of stress, likely not even ovulating during those months. Such a shame for a couple who is hoping to expand their family. Of course, its basic knowledge to commit to a stress-free living. However, can people be stressed without even knowing? Surely!
On page 150, Ou recommends scheduling a Red Tent Day, in fact, make that two in the month: once in the early phase of the menstruation and another shortly after the ovulation window has closed! This reminds me of each time when I invite my Vietnamese niece for walks and she tells me she "can't walk" that day. I ask her, "Why can't you walk with me? Are your legs not working?" She responds with, "Because I'm on my period and my mom tells me I can't do any walking when I have my flow." My initial reaction is that is a totally different perspective of my own, being a personal trainer who is very active each day of my cycle. I guess there is some truth in this point of view after all.
The recipes on the back look really good, especially those apricot turmeric balls, salted almond date bites, coconut rose bliss and other deserts. Too bad I don't have a food processor. It would have helped me significantly if there were photos that go with each of the recipes so I can visualise them as most were different from how I normally cook.
Overall, a good read and I'd recommend it to others who are also in their fertility journey with a Eastern medicine approach.
May 23, 2023
Such a great read! This was my second time reading this book and as always , I loved it. A wonderfully grounded perspective on preparing for pregnancy and, really, being prepared at all times for the possibility. It is so essential to nourish ourselves as women in order to feel our best in pregnancy/labor/postpartum and to grow healthy humans that are well nourished, without depleting ourselves. We all know that most people don’t get the chance to actually plan out a conception, so implementing much of this book - the reduction of stress, honoring the cycle of women, continuously staying well nourished with excellent partner bonding means that whenever conception happens you’re ready. I hope every women gets a chance to read this book.
March 27, 2023
Trying to get every 17 year old to read this and jump on the bandwagon. You wanna have a baby in 10 years? (Or 2?) Start paying attention to a very precious discipline: the chance to nourish generations by nourishing your body. Love the connection to W.A Price and Chinese medicine approach to epigenetics, stress, nutrition, and the spirit.
July 17, 2020
An amazing resource for any woman who is looking to get pregnant, is pregnant, wants to be/ is a mother, or who just want to know their cycle better! With recipes and guidance on how to put your health, mental and physical well-being, and better understand your cycle at the forefront I'd recommend this book to anyone- pregnancy imminent or not. I've already ordered her other book First Forty Days!
October 14, 2020
This is one of the few books on fertility that are completely useless in my opinion.
First, in the beginning you have two pages filled with the names of "the wise ones": people in different parts of the world that have businesses that deal with women's fertility: acupuncture, massage, nutritionists etc. This whole book is just a huge advertisement for each of these businesses. Each chapter you get yet another description that wants itself to be otherworldly and inviting, like an ad to a yoga class, of one of the businesses: this person helps women do so and so with their diet, this one gives fertility restoring massages etc. but of course with no real substance or explanation: no diet recommendations or even types of massages that you could do locally: if you don't live where the "wise" ones live, this book is useless.
Secondly, the cover suggests a strong nutrition base for the book, but there's just one measly chapter and a few recipes. I don't mind the scarce amount of recipes since this book didn't claim to be a cookbook, but the nutrition advice is so general I could've ( and actually had) found out about with with a google search. The downside of the recipes is that they're heavily dependent of having a chinese market nearby, or most of them are impossible to do.
I will not recommend it to anyone.
First, in the beginning you have two pages filled with the names of "the wise ones": people in different parts of the world that have businesses that deal with women's fertility: acupuncture, massage, nutritionists etc. This whole book is just a huge advertisement for each of these businesses. Each chapter you get yet another description that wants itself to be otherworldly and inviting, like an ad to a yoga class, of one of the businesses: this person helps women do so and so with their diet, this one gives fertility restoring massages etc. but of course with no real substance or explanation: no diet recommendations or even types of massages that you could do locally: if you don't live where the "wise" ones live, this book is useless.
Secondly, the cover suggests a strong nutrition base for the book, but there's just one measly chapter and a few recipes. I don't mind the scarce amount of recipes since this book didn't claim to be a cookbook, but the nutrition advice is so general I could've ( and actually had) found out about with with a google search. The downside of the recipes is that they're heavily dependent of having a chinese market nearby, or most of them are impossible to do.
I will not recommend it to anyone.
November 28, 2024
I LOVE this book! It’s one of my favorites for fertility, hormone health, and pregnancy prep. I love the Traditional Chinese Medicine take on fertility and overall health in the body based on energy flow and how your three main organ systems (liver, spleen, and kidneys) are functioning.
I like this book better than many others like it because it’s a lot slower and less do do do. It puts a big emphasis on leaning into your feminine nature, feeling safe, nourishing and nurturing yourself, and slowing down in order to support your hormone health and fertility.
However because it’s heavy in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, parts of it are very new-agey, and as a Christian that’s something I don’t want to take part in. That’s the only reason why I gave it 4 instead of 5. Other than that I highly recommend it, and even then you can easily pass over those parts and pick and choose which parts you take away and play to your own health practices.
I like this book better than many others like it because it’s a lot slower and less do do do. It puts a big emphasis on leaning into your feminine nature, feeling safe, nourishing and nurturing yourself, and slowing down in order to support your hormone health and fertility.
However because it’s heavy in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, parts of it are very new-agey, and as a Christian that’s something I don’t want to take part in. That’s the only reason why I gave it 4 instead of 5. Other than that I highly recommend it, and even then you can easily pass over those parts and pick and choose which parts you take away and play to your own health practices.
May 22, 2021
I bought this book after visiting my sister after she had her first baby, because I saw this author's other book (the first forty days) on my sister's coffee table. The book is absolutely beautiful and I thought it was amazing that someone would write a book about preparing your body for pregnancy, instead of only caring about the women who ARE pregnant. I have been trying to get pregnant for 6 years, so this subject is very near and dear to my heart.
I enjoyed this book very much, but I ended up returning it to Amazon because I found that the recipes were incredibly difficult with a lot of ingredients I have no clue where to find (and I am a really adventurous cook), plus a lot of it is based from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is very spiritual, and I was looking for a more practical solution. However, I am still glad I read this book, and I did learn a few things from it!
I enjoyed this book very much, but I ended up returning it to Amazon because I found that the recipes were incredibly difficult with a lot of ingredients I have no clue where to find (and I am a really adventurous cook), plus a lot of it is based from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is very spiritual, and I was looking for a more practical solution. However, I am still glad I read this book, and I did learn a few things from it!
June 10, 2024
full of wisdom, ancient Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic practices, and practical tools. even if you arnt trying to conceive, this applies to any woman. honoring the body and how God designed it is so lost in a world filled with women who are stressed, anxious, and without boundaries. this book is so needed and loving in its approach! I’d recommend to any of my friends.
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February 11, 2023read this book because I'm interested in learning a holistic, eastern view of pregnancy and postpartum. I skimmed through many parts of it as it just doesn't align with my beliefs & im honestly not sure how much i can stomach the recipes, but it is interesting to read and learn about especially when I feel the western approach is very hands-off. Going through it myself, I didn't feel as taken care of as I would think women should be given the whole experience is extremely life changing
March 28, 2023
Really resourceful read for anyone with a uterus, I wish I had read this years ago! Lots of guidance on preparing your mind and body for pregnancy, but also a lot of practices that should be put in place even without babies in mind. The TCM perspective is refreshing, enlightening and comforting. Will absolutely add First Forty Days to my collection when/if the time comes.
February 24, 2025
I’m glad I didn’t buy this book and borrowed from the library instead. I have the First Forty Days which I love! But this wasn’t it for me. It’s basically just about conscious conception but it’s also kind of from a privileged place? I don’t know, there’s some helpful things in there but I wouldn’t buy it personally.
March 5, 2024
I loved this book! Whether you are thinking about getting pregnant in the future, already pregnant, or just looking for insight on how to nourish your body, it’s such a good read. It takes more of a holistic and TCM approach but doesn’t forget modern stressors that are common today. An easy and understanding read. I really liked that the authors sourced a group of experts in different areas and put everyone’s expertise into play.
December 30, 2024
great and interesting read and not just about women’s fertility. this book contains so much knowledge on men’s fertility and women’s overall reproductive health from a holistic standpoint. so informative even outside of general fertile well being.
September 26, 2025
Loved this book! It was such a nice reminder to the energetics and spiritual side of conception and just felt good to read and inspired me to lean into more peace, softness and pleasure in my life. 10/10 recommend to anyone preparing for pregnancy
December 4, 2024
Listening to this was especially pleasing; I loved her voice.
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February 9, 2025calm down my IUD isn't going anywhere anytime soon
May 26, 2025
Audiobook
February 11, 2024
Fascinating - I could not put this book down! I never expected this to be such a page turner but the writing is incredible. I love that the focus of the book is so heavy on preparation and not only physical but emotional. The TCM strategies and strategies from a wide variety of experts made it very credible and applicable. I honestly got so much more from this book than just information about conceiving, it really resonated in all aspects of our lives. All women should read this book!
“When you muster the courage to truly surrender to what is happening, to let go and accept what is… with all of its searing pain and discomfort, you open yourself up to great beauty and wisdom, ultimately awakening who you really are” (pg. 161). Just beautiful.
“When you muster the courage to truly surrender to what is happening, to let go and accept what is… with all of its searing pain and discomfort, you open yourself up to great beauty and wisdom, ultimately awakening who you really are” (pg. 161). Just beautiful.
January 13, 2024
This is a book anyone who is a woman should read. It covers so much about women’s healthy and vitality and wisdom that we need to thrive it’s so wrong to think this is just a book for women looking to start a family. It’s a 360 view of taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to thrive, have vitality in all areas and of course prepare to conceive.
January 23, 2025
Recommend this book to everyone, especially anyone wanting to have kids in the future. Lots of information, ideas and things to think about. Big focus on holistic health and nourishing your body with food, thoughts and intentions.
May 10, 2024
I was interested to learn about TCM and the holistic approach. Coming from a medical background, I find it so interesting to see how alternative medicine can complement western medicine. Up until chapter 5, it was very engaging, some sound advice on thinking ahead and communication, and interesting information about TCM.
But chapter 5, yikes.
• Lots of pro Weston A. Price material - really undermines all credibility the author had
• Pro raw milk messaging??? In 2024??
• Lots of focus on grass-fed pasture-raised non-GMO, with no explanation why the authors recommend this
• Suggesting that a plant based diet is insufficient and that you should consult a nutrition professional ... while quoting Weston A. Price as a source on nutrition ...
Honestly if I had known the author was a Weston A Price fangirl I wouldn't have bothered with it, a few minutes of research will show that his work has been completely debunked, and that his recommendations are widely accepted to be dangerous and incorrect.
Edited to add - Says reduce inflammatory foods then includes bacon in the recipes - a group 1 carcinogen...
But chapter 5, yikes.
• Lots of pro Weston A. Price material - really undermines all credibility the author had
• Pro raw milk messaging??? In 2024??
• Lots of focus on grass-fed pasture-raised non-GMO, with no explanation why the authors recommend this
• Suggesting that a plant based diet is insufficient and that you should consult a nutrition professional ... while quoting Weston A. Price as a source on nutrition ...
Honestly if I had known the author was a Weston A Price fangirl I wouldn't have bothered with it, a few minutes of research will show that his work has been completely debunked, and that his recommendations are widely accepted to be dangerous and incorrect.
Edited to add - Says reduce inflammatory foods then includes bacon in the recipes - a group 1 carcinogen...
March 8, 2021
Some really useful tips and ideas, I found it really helpful to understand different perspectives around fertility and preparing for pregnancy. Particularly the importance of reducing stress. However, I disagree that animal based proteins are required, and also felt that soya was given a bad rep, you have to eat/drink a lot of soya products for it to affect hormones. One other comment is that I think this book is very heteronormative and doesn't offer much insight into other methods of conception.
December 2, 2020
This book is great if you want/NEED food that tastes good and feels good. I am using it way ahead of time to prepare for pregnancy. I am using it more recently to level out my physical and mental health, my hormones, etc. I'm also using this because it's easy to get caught up in going vegan, gluten free, carnivore and I just wanted a combo that wasn't limiting. I stumbled upon this book while google searching and bought it immediately. A month later I bought the First 40 Days, another book of hers. I LOVE IT. I went in open-minded, no real expectations but just some good recipes. The beginning half is her talking a lot about her own experiences in relationship to food and the type of diet you will come to know. In the second book I was so excited to see new recipes that I kind of skipped forward past her descriptions. If you're new to this way of eating then it was good to go over certain things she describes; it's not just food but food for thought. I LOVE THE RECIPES. I haven't tried them all, but I go on benders of day after day recipes sometimes. It's nice to keep discovering new flavors like flavors I did not know were possible with carrots and celery. There are a lot of ingredients that overlap in other recipes. You can stock your pantry with some basics like certain grains, vinegars, sauces and spices, but I just did a little bit at a time. And when it didn't fit in the budget, I omitted it or substituted it. Don't have barley? Use quinoa. Don't have goji berries? Use cranberries. Don't have dandelion greens? I used lettuce, escarole, turnip greens etc. That's the best advice I can offer, don't go in with the idea of perfection. I feel like the produce and the meats can be changed out for what you have and can afford. The only thing I'm scared to try are the desserts. I'm a real stickler for sugary chocolatey goodness. Enjoy the book, play with the recipes and prepare to feel good. I feel great when I eat these foods. Some taste healthy and others taste like melted butter on your tongue, either way I know I'm getting what my body needs, what it deserves.
February 6, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook because I benefitted IMMENSELY from Heng Ou’s other book, the First Forty Days (if you haven’t read it and will be entering postpartum soon or will be supporting someone through postpartum, YOU MUST read it!!!).
Here’s the deal - a majority of this book was five stars for me. A majority of this book, I would recommend highly to ANY woman in her childbearing years - whether she was on a journey to conception or not. In my opinion and according to this book, awareness of fertility and knowledge on how best to eat to support fertility should not begin at the moment you decide you want a baby. Ideally, it would be something taught and passed down by your mother/grandmother/aunties from the time you had your first period. And a majority of this book had such solid information on food and fertility and made me so excited to get to share this kind of information with my three daughters when the time comes!
Some of it, however, was pretty woo-woo (chapters 4 and 6 the most so). Which…hey…I can handle some woo-woo stuff. But…I most likely will not be asking my womb what it has to tell me or recommending people to speak to the spirit of their future child hehe :)
The other caveat I will give is that I do believe you can optimize your fertility and that our bodies are designed for healing, but I believe it’s God who opens and closes the womb…and if your journey to conceive has had bumps in the road, losses, or has been long in spite of doing all the right things this book could come across as legalistic. “Do this and you will have no problems having a baby.” It isn’t always that simple, and while I believe the author does hold space for people in those situations, it may be best for some to not pick this one up.
Overall, I would recommend if you have an interest in optimizing health/fertility or are on a trying to conceive journey. Just let the weird stuff in one ear and out the other hahah
Here’s the deal - a majority of this book was five stars for me. A majority of this book, I would recommend highly to ANY woman in her childbearing years - whether she was on a journey to conception or not. In my opinion and according to this book, awareness of fertility and knowledge on how best to eat to support fertility should not begin at the moment you decide you want a baby. Ideally, it would be something taught and passed down by your mother/grandmother/aunties from the time you had your first period. And a majority of this book had such solid information on food and fertility and made me so excited to get to share this kind of information with my three daughters when the time comes!
Some of it, however, was pretty woo-woo (chapters 4 and 6 the most so). Which…hey…I can handle some woo-woo stuff. But…I most likely will not be asking my womb what it has to tell me or recommending people to speak to the spirit of their future child hehe :)
The other caveat I will give is that I do believe you can optimize your fertility and that our bodies are designed for healing, but I believe it’s God who opens and closes the womb…and if your journey to conceive has had bumps in the road, losses, or has been long in spite of doing all the right things this book could come across as legalistic. “Do this and you will have no problems having a baby.” It isn’t always that simple, and while I believe the author does hold space for people in those situations, it may be best for some to not pick this one up.
Overall, I would recommend if you have an interest in optimizing health/fertility or are on a trying to conceive journey. Just let the weird stuff in one ear and out the other hahah
February 4, 2023
A wonderfully meditative preconception guide that offers eastern and holistic wisdom and spiritual guidance on the journey towards motherhood.
In reading this book, I couldn't help but to feel the generations of women walking alongside me lending their strength on a journey only women can take. Weaving together the guidance of a variety of wise ones, Awakening Fertility connects the dots between numerous holistic philosophies from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda. As someone who doesn’t have this type of motherly guidance in her life, it was gratifying and emotional to open myself up to receive the wisdom that other women and my ancestors can share, and to feel their spiritual support. The wisdom from the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers brought a flood of tears to my eyes. "A breeze is stirring. Feel the sun on your wings”
Beyond just preparing for motherhood, this book is a contemplation of womanhood, of looking deeper within and building a strong relationship with ourselves - of embracing our cyclical natures and the ebbs and flows of our lives. It’s a reminder to slow down and to truly listen and take care of ourselves.
My only critique is that I would have loved a deeper explanation of the recipes included, with additional information about why certain ingredients are included as well as suitable substitutions for people with different dietary preferences.
As someone who isn’t actively trying to have a baby, but who is starting to contemplate the idea - this book is exactly what I needed.
In reading this book, I couldn't help but to feel the generations of women walking alongside me lending their strength on a journey only women can take. Weaving together the guidance of a variety of wise ones, Awakening Fertility connects the dots between numerous holistic philosophies from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda. As someone who doesn’t have this type of motherly guidance in her life, it was gratifying and emotional to open myself up to receive the wisdom that other women and my ancestors can share, and to feel their spiritual support. The wisdom from the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers brought a flood of tears to my eyes. "A breeze is stirring. Feel the sun on your wings”
Beyond just preparing for motherhood, this book is a contemplation of womanhood, of looking deeper within and building a strong relationship with ourselves - of embracing our cyclical natures and the ebbs and flows of our lives. It’s a reminder to slow down and to truly listen and take care of ourselves.
My only critique is that I would have loved a deeper explanation of the recipes included, with additional information about why certain ingredients are included as well as suitable substitutions for people with different dietary preferences.
As someone who isn’t actively trying to have a baby, but who is starting to contemplate the idea - this book is exactly what I needed.
May 28, 2025
I gathered a couple of helpful tips from this book, and I may try some of the recipes, but overall, it was way too “out there” for me. It contained a lot of the information I’ve learned from other holistic/natural sources on fertility and pregnancy, but with the added influence of TCM (so, LOTS of talk about jing, chi, yin, yang, etc.).
Ultimately, I just do not share the author’s worldview. Lily Nichols’ Real Food for Fertility left me with so much great information that caused me to consider how to be a good steward of my body and how God created plants and animals to be sufficient sources of nutrition; this book, however, just left me rolling my eyes over the suggestions to “connect with my womb” or to “pray to the spirit of my unborn child.” I do think that there are certain practical steps that both women and men can take to improve the chances of conception, but the only Being that can hear my prayers and influence my ability to bear a child is God.
A couple of things I did like:
-there was a surprisingly good section encouraging forgiveness; although certainly not from a biblical worldview, it still contained a lot of truth and touched on the negative physiologic impact of unforgiveness.
-she encouraged eating 90% clean and 10% “fun”—I appreciated the balance here!
-when you crave sugar, your body almost always needs protein.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book, though. Real Food for Fertility would be my recommendation on pre-pregnancy nutrition and fertility awareness 😊
Ultimately, I just do not share the author’s worldview. Lily Nichols’ Real Food for Fertility left me with so much great information that caused me to consider how to be a good steward of my body and how God created plants and animals to be sufficient sources of nutrition; this book, however, just left me rolling my eyes over the suggestions to “connect with my womb” or to “pray to the spirit of my unborn child.” I do think that there are certain practical steps that both women and men can take to improve the chances of conception, but the only Being that can hear my prayers and influence my ability to bear a child is God.
A couple of things I did like:
-there was a surprisingly good section encouraging forgiveness; although certainly not from a biblical worldview, it still contained a lot of truth and touched on the negative physiologic impact of unforgiveness.
-she encouraged eating 90% clean and 10% “fun”—I appreciated the balance here!
-when you crave sugar, your body almost always needs protein.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book, though. Real Food for Fertility would be my recommendation on pre-pregnancy nutrition and fertility awareness 😊
November 28, 2020
Awakening Fertility provided excellent insight into connecting to the feminine. I have a deeper understanding of both my own menstrual cycle and the ways in which I can support my mind-body-spirit alignment using methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The recipes are delicious and bring a sense of calm and peace into my kitchen as I prepare them. The one thing that keeps this from a 5-star rating for me, is the failure to respect and honor the path of all to pregnancy. While my wife and I were able to extract lessons, we had to put in some mental aerobics that we'd rather see the authors consider and incorporate. While we understand that some of this facilitated ease of writing for the authors, it merely pushes the barrier to apply these lessons down to many more readers who already encounter many struggles in the world of pregnancy and fertility resources - those who struggle to conceive. This book was very focused on the heteronormative path to conception without medical support.
March 2, 2023
This is such a brilliant book - full of wisdom, practical tips and ideas but without any "you must" or "you mustn't." Heng Ou supports women in learning to listen to their bodies and intuitively knowing what they need and how to best look after themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all preaching, only explanations of how our bodies and reproductive system work and gentle lifestyle and dietary suggestions.
I'm already a mum and not planning to conceive again anytime soon, but I discovered "Awakening Fertility" among Audible free listens and thought it looked fascinating. But the book exceeded my expectations. Every woman will richly benefit from reading this book, regardless of whether you want to have kids or are already a mum like me. There is so much information and wisdom about the human body, menstrual cycle and healthy lifestyle. "Awakening Fertility" is a must-read for every woman.
The book is beautifully written and flawlessly narrated, so listening to it was 6 hours of soothing and inspiring bliss! Thank you, Heng Ou!
I'm already a mum and not planning to conceive again anytime soon, but I discovered "Awakening Fertility" among Audible free listens and thought it looked fascinating. But the book exceeded my expectations. Every woman will richly benefit from reading this book, regardless of whether you want to have kids or are already a mum like me. There is so much information and wisdom about the human body, menstrual cycle and healthy lifestyle. "Awakening Fertility" is a must-read for every woman.
The book is beautifully written and flawlessly narrated, so listening to it was 6 hours of soothing and inspiring bliss! Thank you, Heng Ou!
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