Starting a family can be very rewarding and can also come with its challenges. This is especially true if infertility gets in the way. Although moments of frustration may kick in, it's important to remember that everyone's experience with pregnancy is unique.
Your pregnancy is entirely your own, and you absolutely deserve to find the right support and care for yourself along the way. Getting pregnant at the perfect time depends on a variety of pieces falling into place, and that includes prioritizing your feelings every now and then.
Even taking just one day for yourself can make a huge difference, so if you're having a hard time with your pregnancy struggles, here are 4 ways to #selfcareSunday that will keep you inspired:
1. Find an Expert to Confide In
Working with a fertility expert may seem like a “last resort" for some people, but in reality, it can be empowering, hopeful, and reassuring to get a consultation even a few months into your pregnancy struggles.
The relief and support that comes from working with an expert can have a positive impact on your overall mindset. Plus, you can ask any questions and know that the answers are based on your actual experiences, rather than instances found online or explained by others. With the passage of FAFTA, if you’ve struggled to get pregnant naturally, don’t wait until the months, or even years pass by and your frustration or pain grows beyond your control.
Seeking advice early is great, but more than anything, you must be your own advocate and search for helpful advice.
2. Create a Self-Care Routine
If you already have a self-care routine in place, then great! Keep up your regular habits no matter what, and feel free to add new ones when you have the capacity to.
In order for you to reduce stress and increase your optimism in this phase of life, it's best not to take on a ton of new hobbies or activities simply to fill the void. Instead, it may be helpful to think of it as an opportunity to try one or two new things per month. For example, if you've been neglecting a friend since trying to conceive, plan a lunch date with them once a week. If you're feeling cooped up at home in the afternoons, find a nice path to take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. The trick is to not dive head-first into many new habits that only leave you feeling stretched too thin, so make sure to manage your stress, rather than adding to it.
3. Make Time to De-Stress
Stress is a huge reason why things go wrong in your body, which means that replacing it with positivity and mindfulness is crucial to your fertility journey.
Of course, managing stress is different for each person, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Keep a Journal: Journaling your ups and downs is a great way to give your mind an outlet when it's crammed with overwhelming thoughts. Whether you're waiting for pregnancy results to surface or you're in the midst of ovulation, take a few minutes to jot down a few lines and let the moment pass.
- Join a Yoga Class: Doing yoga a few minutes a day is known to alleviate stress and even increase your chances of pregnancy in some cases. When your body and mind are weighed down by stress, doing some simple breathing exercises and poses can help expel negative energy, replacing it with clarity that lasts throughout the day. The best part is you can do your own routine at home if you can't make it to a class.
- Have Sex with Your Partner: What better way to reduce stress than by making love with your partner? Studies show that sex is a superb stress reliever, offering multiple sensations that generate endorphins within the brain. Not to mention, it serves a dual purpose since you're trying to get pregnant anyway, right?
Needless to say, there are plenty of ways to elevate your mood. For more stress-relievers, here's a great list to reference.
4. Dedicate Time to Your Partner and Close Friends
Throughout your infertility struggles, you might feel the need to draw inward or project your frustration onto the people who you love most. Given your current challenges, it's totally understandable, but at some point, dedicating your time to your partner and close friends will get you out of your funk and back into the present moment.
The best way to do this is to make recurring “dates” with your partner to give yourself time and space to maintain a strong relationship. Make and keep these appointments to keep your foundation strong while you’re going through a difficult (but common) journey of infertility. In addition to your partner, you can't forget about your friends either. Always remember that your friends have your best interest in mind. Even though they may not be going through your exact situation, give them a chance to be a part of it and support you along the way. A great laugh with a friend or a comforting kiss from a partner makes a big difference.
You're Never Alone with Kofinas Fertility Group
It's easy to feel like you're going through the process alone, but Kofinas Fertility Group is here to offer sound guidance and support at all times.
Along with taking these #selfcareSunday tips into consideration, there are plenty of other resources to help get you out of the doldrums and refocused on what matters most. Knowing when to seek fertility treatment can be empowering so that you no longer have to be isolated in your journey. Both women and men experiencing challenges can find assistance from leading fertility specialists in us, and if you have any questions or concerns moving forward, feel free to request an appointment today!
Having the family of your dreams starts with practicing self-love. After all, you can't take care of others until you take care of yourself.
