When to start researching?

MrsH1027

So I'm beginning to think my biological clock is ticking a little too loud. I've always wanted to be around 30 when I had our first child. I've also always thought I would only want one. Timing seems about perfect for DH and me. I'm not sure what happened in the last week or so, but I've had baby fever. I've started reading up and TTC, pregnancy, birth plans, etc. I have a very OCD personality (DH would probably tell you full blown), so I love to plan ahead. But... I'm beginning to feel like a crazy person planning for 2 (or more) years down the road. How far in advance do you think is normal to start reading up and talking about TTC?

MrsH1027

Thanks so much for the advice!  I haven't even thought about baby gear, etc. yet, so that's good.  I think I'm just so terrified of having a difficult pregnancy (suffer from difficult menstrual symptoms).  I feel like I want to be well prepared for the 40 weeks well in advance.  If I'm prepared, hopefully it won't be overwhelming no matter what happens.  Thanks again for the guidance!

NerdyLucy

BKHasenbeck said:

How far in advance do you think is normal to start reading up and talking about TTC?

I don't think it's crazy to prepare ahead of time, even if it's several years.  Being knowledgable and educated about it now is better than not at all.

PunkyBooster

Hmmm. Other than starring a PNV with folic acid 6 months prior to going off the pill I did no research. The OB said it could take up to a year to conceive so I went into more relaxed. We did a big budget overhaul and analysis before as well.

TikiTurtle

I started getting BOTB around 2 years ago, and I'm still not TTC yet. But I've been reading and learning all I can about what to do prior to TTC, what to expect when the time comes, how to understand what my body is doing, etc. I've also been using this time to get my body in prime condition, and make plans for the future. And of course thinking of names and nursery ideas. Being educated and prepared is a good thing, as long as you don't drive yourself crazy.

walgrrl

I'm glad I'm not the only one!  H and I just got married in June and we will not be ready to TTC until at least a year from now.  However, I'm already 31 now, so it's not like we can wait too long, especially since we want more than one child.  We're thinking a year/year-and-a-half, but I've already started doing some preliminary research just to be ready when the time comes.  Mostly, I am curious about what happens to your body when you go off the BC pill after being on it for several years.  I was also curious specifically what you need to do to prepare to TTC.  But I like being prepared and knowing what I'm in for ahead of time.

burybuck0489

AFwifelife said:

Honestly, it's whenever you want to.  It's a good idea to learn a bit about TTC and your own cycle before you are "officially" trying.  Go to Fertility Friend, sign up, and go through the tutorials.  Start charting when you feel comfortable to see what your cycle is doing and get used to temping in the morning.  

I would hold off on planning a birth plan and looking at different baby gear however.  It really is putting the cart before the horse.  

This awesome advice  

bugandbibs

For me, ttc planning had more to do with budget and financial goals. Planning ahead is a good thing as long as you can find a balance with what is currently going on in your life.

gutsysneakers

I'm a planner like you - for me, I thought I had to have all of the elements lined up - good position at my job, own home, savings, pay debts, etc. and yes, some of those are very important because you want to be responsible. 

We have an emergency fund, paying student loans off at a very good rate, but I'm not where I want to be in my job - I decided I may never be in the "perfect" position so we talked and decided to start trying in the fall. I came off my BCP at the end of June and we're just seeing what happens the first few months before we start charting, temping, etc. 

Sorry - editing at all of my post didn't make it in - I think the main thing is you may never fully be "ready" but you need to be ready - does that make any sense?

MrsH1027

Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice ladies!  I still haven't gotten too deep into the research, so I'll take the advice keep it light for a while.  So nice to hear that I'm not the only person out there that likes to research, plan ahead, and know what I'm getting myself into... and that it doesn't make me crazy

Mariahd, I haven't looked at any baby stuff yet, but I bet I'd be right there with you if I had!  I love a good deal and have to rein myself in when it comes to shopping, especially great deals!

Ducktale

bugandbibs said:

For me, ttc planning had more to do with budget and financial goals. Planning ahead is a good thing as long as you can find a balance with what is currently going on in your life.

This. We're about 6 months out from TTC but most of our "prep" is financial. After advice from the ladies here I just started charting. That and hanging out here, of course. My bet is that any of us who are not yet TTC but are hanging out on TB are "cart before the horse" kind of people. And mildly to majorly obsessed with wanting a baby even though we're not ready for whatever reason. Sigh. Gotta satisfy the BOTB somehow, and doing that by hanging out here is a much idea than like, shopping for baby gear, IMO.

tatercater

Planning is a good thing. Chart your cycles to get to know your body a little bit better and then see what happens a few months down the road.  GL!