i>The First Forty Days--Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, andMarisa Belger--comes a gently nurturing guide for aspiring mothers that offers emotional support and practical advice.

There are many paths that women can choose in their lives: building a career, becoming a partner or spouse, becoming a part of a community; but none is more important, rewarding, or fulfilling than the choice to bring new life into the world. Nothing can be more intimidating than planning for motherhood, though.

The path to motherhood is a deep and transformative process. It can also include unexpected twists and turns. Awakening Fertility is a loving companion to accompany you along the journey--whether your desire to become a mother burns fiercely today or is a future calling just beginning to stir. Chapters here include:

• The three universal themes and the five realms of discovery
• Dreaming
• Preparing
• Clearing
• Fortifying
• Conceiving
• Recipes, such as:
  • Pork & Daikon Broth
  • Chicken, Red Dates & Ginger Soup
  • Basil & Beef Strips Congee
  • Fish, Papaya & Peanut Soup
  • Avocado, Coconut & Lime Smoothie

The authors write, "By making a commitment to prepare for pregnancy, you are joining a growing population of women who are tapping into a desire to understand and care for their bodies more deeply. As we become increasingly aware that we are living in an age of lower levels of nutrition and higher levels of toxicity--and anxiety--there is a new surge of interest in fertility awareness and prenatal health."

Intended for women at every stage of the preconception process, this book offers wisdom and guidance to support your body, mind, and spirit--including nearly 50 delicious recipes to nourish yourself deeply.