Things I Wish I Knew When We Were Trying To Conceive

When you decided you’re ready to have a baby, it would be nice if it just magically happened.

Poof, you’re pregnant!

Unfortunately, for many people that’s not the case. While some need medical intervention to help them start or expand their family, for others it will simply take time and patience.

My own path to parenthood took longer than expected. When you’re in the trenches, nothing can be more disheartening and waiting those 2 weeks to take the test can be almost unbearable.

I guess everything happens for a reason.

Those two weeks of anticipation prepare us for the ultimate 9 months of waiting once you are expecting. For those who have struggle with infertility, the first moment of holding your newborn baby makes all the struggle worth it.

Looking back, however, there are a few things I wish I knew when we were trying to conceive:

Give it time. – Patience. Patience. Patience. All good things come to those who wait.

Don’t get discouraged. – Rome wasn’t built in a day. Make sure to keep your head up. If need be search our support groups. There are numerous TTC (Trying To Conceive) boards and groups available.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. – Weren’t we all convinced at one point that kissing lead to babies? Guess it’s not that easy. Sometimes we need professional help. Remember it’s ok to ask a doctor if you feel something just isn’t right.

You’re not alone. – There are hundreds, even thousands of moms out there who are struggling to bring a child into this world. Have comfort in knowing you’re not alone. If it makes you feel better, search out others struggling so you have a kindred soul to share your experiences with. A former co-work of mine actually as a blog on her journey you can check out. It’s called The Scenic Route To Reproduction.

Enjoy the child free time while you can. – Once you have a little one, there will be many things you can’t do (heck it took us almost 2 years to see a movie in a theatre after our little guy). Enjoy this time while you can. Have that extra cocktail, order the sushi, and sleep in as late as you want.

Relax. – I know. Easier said than done right? Try pampering yourself a little. Get that massage or pedicure. The more you can relax, the better your chances will be.

Live in the moment. – Try to enjoy each stage of expanding your family. We’ll call this stage the honeymoon phase. Let’s face it, the next phase brings morning sickness and nausea so enjoy this time while you can.

There are other ways to be a parent. – Carrying a child isn’t the only way to become a parent. There’s always surrogacy and adoption. Whatever path you choose, make sure you and your parent are comfortable with everything involved.

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