I read most of this book in a day. I was trying to find some tips on unexplained infertility and I wrote down a few. There are parts that I agree with author and some that didn't. Most of the tips are the same things we see on the internet. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

I have a bunch of issues with this book. That isn't to say there isn't something to take away from it of benefit, but there are plenty of problematic elements to wade through which overshadow that, in my opinion.

Making Love & Babies is ostensibly a book about maximising your fertility and thus your chances of having a successful pregnancy. Alongside that it encourages a healthy mindset towards marriage or relationships. That should be a big tick from me, and it was, but this book feels like it needs to come with a huge warning.

I'll start with the obvious problem. Dr Ford highlights many other studies in her book, some of which she uses to encourage you to take her advice, but none of which she references directly. This means that you hear that "one study", let's say, says you should do "something" but you have no idea what study this is; most are not even mentioned by author! This is a big red flag for me, for a book suggesting women take on board her suggestions. This is particularly concerning because, from personal experience, women who are wanting to conceive and are looking for answers about their problems doing so are often incredibly vulnerable and susceptible to advice which may not actually be right for them.

Some of the other problems are that she's inaccurate in her sweeping statements, and this ties in to her lack of referencing. For example, she says, "Sometimes the changes in pressure during landing can cause miscarriage" in reference to her views on travelling whilst pregnant. Okay Dr Ford, let's take a look at the RCOG guidelines for flying whilst pregnant shall we? They say the following:

"A change in air pressure or a decrease in humidity won't cause your baby any harm. There is also no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labour or waters to break".

So, what do we have? Scare-mongering AND inaccuracies. How can I possibly recommend this to any pregnant women or women trying to conceive when I now know that the book isn't even accurate.

On top of the scare-mongering, lack of referencing and inaccuracies, there are other problems. I'll just list them. I don't appreciate the way she handled race, "Blacks reported slightly higher rates than Whites". I don't like the way she made throw-away comments about oral contraceptive users essentially only having a chance if they used a naturopath to help them conceive. Her judgement of personality traits not marrying up to being a successful parent, whilst well intentioned, were still decidedly judgemental, "If you are a perfectionist and want children, I suggest that you allow yourself to loosen up now" and much of what she said totally lacked a supportive tone or encouragement. Finally, and perhaps most unforgivably, she explains that most "infertile couples" will be able to conceive naturally if they just eat properly, exercise, stop tracking ovulation and put it out of their minds. I guess low sperm count, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and conditions like asherman's syndrome are easily overcome if you just forget about them then, is that right?

I can't recommend this book. It has too many problems which I just don't support and I think it both belittles and has potential to frighten a very vulnerable audience who deserve much better than this.

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.