Let's talk about preparation!

UterusesBeforeDuderuses

Happy Monday everybody!!

Since a lot of us are only a few months out from moving over to TTGP I thought it would be fun to talk about the things we're doing now to prepare and what we plan to do once we actively TTC! Ready, go!

UterusesBeforeDuderuses

What I'm doing now: prenatal vitamins and trying to eat healthy and exercise. The health and fitness part was a struggle this week!

What I plan to do once actively TTC: Obviously continue the PNV. Beyond that I change my mind a lot! I've read a lot about temping but I don't think I want to do it right away. That might totally freak out H. I probably won't do anything the first month, just to ease us in. Then maybe start OPKs. After 3 months I may start temping. We shall see! I'm a planner so I might give in and temp way earlier! 

livingthedream-3

I've started taking a multivitamin, and downloaded the Fertility Friend app. I haven't started temping but I've been marking my cycles and CM just to get an idea of what's going on. 

Not much. I mean we haven't even officially decided we were are so I don't want to get myself all into it to be disappointed. 

ChloandCoco

I've been taking a PNV since the beginning of January just in case we decided to start earlier (wishful thinking on my part). This month I've stopped drinking liquor and I switched from caffeinated to decaf coffee. 

As for when we are actively TTC, I will use OPKs and pre-seed when needed, but I've agreed to wait 2 months before temping. DH felt pressured last time and I didn't really enjoy waking up at the same time every day. 

@UterusesBeforeDuderuses - I was going to wait 3 months too, but I just know I will only make it 2 months. Haha! I'm a planner too.

glitzandglitter

I love this post! It is so refreshing to see that I am not the only one thinking and planning about TTC
Now - I am taking a PNV (started at the end of January). I also have FF downloaded on my phone but I am not temping yet. I was planning to start temping this month but now I think that I am going to put that off until closer to May. I am trying to get in better shape and lose a few pounds as well.

When we start - I start temping. I do not share my charts with DH - it is too overwhelming for him lol. I really have liked it the last 2 times we have TTC. I have never used OPKs so maybe if a get a few months in and no BFP I will try those.

maureenmce

Good idea!  I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, but:

-prenatals.  I actually have to order a new brand today because my old ones are giving me stomach issues for some reason.
-also going to order some preseed.  I'm sure you guys know, but I didn't at first, that traditional lube is a big no no for TTC because it decreases sperm motility.  Ideally you'd use nothing, I suppose, but when TTC and DTD with frequency, it's good to have *something* as an option, I've found!  (TMI maybe?  Haha.)
-weight loss.  Trying desperately to get to my pre pregnancy weight by mid May and I'll keep going after that until pregnant.
-saving money!  We need to get on this like yesterday, ha.  It's harder this time around with daycare expenses, but since I work freelance I don't get paid maternity leave and then I have to search for a job once I'm ready to return to work, so we need a few thousand dollars put aside, depending on how long I plan to stay home.  Last time I did 5.5 months and we saved 6k.  This time it'll probably be 4 months but we'll still need 6k since we'll be paying for (part time) daycare.
-visualize and plan how to have DD and new baby share a room!  I'm really excited about that for some reason, even though I know it'll be crazy in the beginning.

notthefather

Because I have endometriosis, being off hormones and not being pregnant causes complications for me. My ob/gyn's advice was to "get pregnant as quickly as possible"  So,  I will chart and use OPKs right away. Last time around I just didn't tell my husband anything about what was going on so he wouldn't feel pressure when it was my FW. It wasn't an issue. 
Regardless, I'm too much of a control freak to not chart. Some people feel more relaxed not charting, I feel more relaxed doing it. To each their own 

maureenmce

@notthefather  Stupid question, but is charting just keeping track of your temperature?  I need to start googling some basics.  I didn't chart last time, just did OPK kits, but I want to this time because it would be really, really good if we got pregnant within the first 6 months of trying or I'll end up with some difficult due dates for me, working freelance wise.  (Basically there are some months where it's impossible to find work and I don't want to be job hunting then.)  

Also, sorry you have to deal with endometriosis.  I have a friend who has it and it sounds really tough.  

CecilB93

Well I'll be TTA longer than pretty much all of you, so I'm just learning to temp and trying to convince DH to try sooner, haha. I'll probably start PNV st least once we actually determine when we want to TTC. And I may use OPKs, I'm super irregular so idk if temping is going to be easy 

notthefather

maureenmce said:

@notthefather  Stupid question, but is charting just keeping track of your temperature?  I need to start googling some basics.  I didn't chart last time, just did OPK kits, but I want to this time because it would be really, really good if we got pregnant within the first 6 months of trying or I'll end up with some difficult due dates for me, working freelance wise.  (Basically there are some months where it's impossible to find work and I don't want to be job hunting then.)  

Also, sorry you have to deal with endometriosis.  I have a friend who has it and it sounds really tough.  

Thank you. It totally sucks BUT, for me, it's just painful. I have not had any fertility issues as a result. 

As far as charting, it is really just a combination of temps, OPKs, and monitoring other fertility signs. Some people check cervical positions and/or internal cervical mucus. I've never done that. I just paid attention to any CM on toilet paper and used cheap OPKs. It helps FF determine ovulation with more certainty. If you lurk on the TWW boards, you may see where FF is unsure about ovulation if you just use temperatures or just track CM, etc. 

glitzandglitter

notthefather said:

maureenmce said:

@notthefather  Stupid question, but is charting just keeping track of your temperature?  I need to start googling some basics.  I didn't chart last time, just did OPK kits, but I want to this time because it would be really, really good if we got pregnant within the first 6 months of trying or I'll end up with some difficult due dates for me, working freelance wise.  (Basically there are some months where it's impossible to find work and I don't want to be job hunting then.)  

Also, sorry you have to deal with endometriosis.  I have a friend who has it and it sounds really tough.  

Thank you. It totally sucks BUT, for me, it's just painful. I have not had any fertility issues as a result. 

As far as charting, it is really just a combination of temps, OPKs, and monitoring other fertility signs. Some people check cervical positions and/or internal cervical mucus. I've never done that. I just paid attention to any CM on toilet paper and used cheap OPKs. It helps FF determine ovulation with more certainty. If you lurk on the TWW boards, you may see where FF is unsure about ovulation if you just use temperatures or just track CM, etc. 

@maureenmce - When I chart I use Fertility Friend - I enter my temperature and CM daily. I have not done OPKs or CP. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is a great book if you want to learn about charting/temping. Fertility friend also has free tutorials too

glitzandglitter

@cecilB93 - I am sorry you are stuck in limbo. I have been there and it is rough I hope your DH comes around soon

easttxmamas

• I started a prenatal around the middle of February. I was worried I'd have a hard time finding one that didn't upset my stomach, but I am thankful this one was good from the get-go. 
• I've also had my prenatal labs done, so I am working on getting 2 shots and starting on medicine to level out my thyroid. 
• I have been tracking my cycle, but that is something I have always done pretty religiously. I am hoping it will give me 1-2 extra days between here and the start of my May cycle, so I am watching even closer than I was. Would be nice to have the FET after school is out so I don't miss any work!
• Saving money. It is expensive for us to have babies, before they even get here, especially because I did not up my insurance this year due to thinking we would be TTC NEXT year, not this year. So save, save, save!

Once we are actively TTC and on the estrogen, I am going to cut out any caffeine except my one cup a day. (I can't cut out that one cup...) Also no alcohol, and hopefully I can do no fast food. I really want to clean up my diet some, but that is so much harder than I want it to be.

easttxmamas

maureenmce said:

Good idea!  I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, but:

-prenatals.  I actually have to order a new brand today because my old ones are giving me stomach issues for some reason.
-also going to order some preseed.  I'm sure you guys know, but I didn't at first, that traditional lube is a big no no for TTC because it decreases sperm motility.  Ideally you'd use nothing, I suppose, but when TTC and DTD with frequency, it's good to have *something* as an option, I've found!  (TMI maybe?  Haha.)
-weight loss.  Trying desperately to get to my pre pregnancy weight by mid May and I'll keep going after that until pregnant.
-saving money!  We need to get on this like yesterday, ha.  It's harder this time around with daycare expenses, but since I work freelance I don't get paid maternity leave and then I have to search for a job once I'm ready to return to work, so we need a few thousand dollars put aside, depending on how long I plan to stay home.  Last time I did 5.5 months and we saved 6k.  This time it'll probably be 4 months but we'll still need 6k since we'll be paying for (part time) daycare.
-visualize and plan how to have DD and new baby share a room!  I'm really excited about that for some reason, even though I know it'll be crazy in the beginning.

We will have this issue at some point. I found this super cute idea on Pinterest that is a crib under a bunk bed. Seems completely logical, but nothing I would ever think of! 

maureenmce

@easttxmamas  Oh, how creative!  I never would have thought of that!  

easttxmamas

@maureenmce: I wouldn't have, either! We have a small 2 bedroom house, so we will definitely be looking for creative ways to get 2 kiddos into one room eventually. Then you can just move the crib and put a twin mattress in!

glitzandglitter

@easttexasmomma - That bunk bed is awesome! My DS2 and DS3 share a room. DS2 sleeps in an ikea bed that is reversible. He sleeps with it lofted but it is only to like my chest height so it isn't too high. DS3 slept in a crib in the room until he was 2 but the lofted bed gave them space to play underneath. Now DS3 sleeps on a twin mattress under the loved bed so it is like bunk bed but lower. They love it

ETA: to add picture 

izza2

What I'm doing now:
Vitamins, tracking cycles/CM (when obviously present), starting to be more active/eat healthier, cutting out caffeine/alcohol, reading It Starts With The Egg (and once I'm through that, TCOYF)

What I'll be adding, once TTGP:
Temping, tracking CM, purchasing/using pre-seed


@maureenmce - You can track cervical mucus, cervical position, temperature, OPK results, and if you buy premium on FF you can input symptoms throughout your cycle and track those. Generally speaking, if you track your BBT and your CM, FF will figure out your O date pretty well. It's not perfect, and there are times where it's off, but for the most part it gives you a clear indication that you've ovulated and eventually can give you an idea of when to expect to be in your FW if you have regular cycles.

livingthedream-3

@cecilB93 Hope your DH comes around sooner than you think. I thought for sure DH was never going to be ready to try again the second time and one night he was like "let's do this" and I got my period the next day and that was that.

maureenmce  Charting is such a life saver for me. It's amazing the accuracy if done correctly, and if you don't have any other issues that would interfere with your temps.

CecilB93

@LivingTheDream I'm not holding my breath He's too worried about money at the moment. And he honestly would have been fine if I didn't want kids at all, so I doubt he'll get excited to try for another, but he'll eventually get to a point where he's okay with the idea of another. That's why I don't think three kids is going to happen either, I had to convince him to have two! But I told him to keep an open mind, haha. He's just too focused on making sure we have enough money to be comfortable and have things we want. And he's not greedy or anything, but he grew up not well off and doesn't want our kids to go through that, too. He also over exaggerates everything, so I'm trying to show him we're better off than he thinks.

livingthedream-3

@CecilB93 Fingers crossed for you.

easttxmamas

glitzandglitter said:

@easttexasmomma - That bunk bed is awesome! My DS2 and DS3 share a room. DS2 sleeps in an ikea bed that is reversible. He sleeps with it lofted but it is only to like my chest height so it isn't too high. DS3 slept in a crib in the room until he was 2 but the lofted bed gave them space to play underneath. Now DS3 sleeps on a twin mattress under the loved bed so it is like bunk bed but lower. They love it

ETA: to add picture 

Oh my gosh! I love this!! I don't have an IKEA anywhere near me, but will definitely keep this in mind in a few years when we are to this point. 

maureenmce

Oh, I just remembered something I have to do - cut back on my diet coke habit.  (((((   I can't drink coffee, tea made me throw up when I was pregnant with DD, so I've been kind of put off that, so diet coke is my only source of caffeine.  Needless to say, now that I'm not breastfeeding anymore, I've been having uh...LOTS.  Ugh.  Need to get it down to 2 a day then 1 a day so it's not awful when I quit fully.  Should probably start this tapering next week.  *single tear*

glitzandglitter

maureenmce said:

Oh, I just remembered something I have to do - cut back on my diet coke habit.  (((((   I can't drink coffee, tea made me throw up when I was pregnant with DD, so I've been kind of put off that, so diet coke is my only source of caffeine.  Needless to say, now that I'm not breastfeeding anymore, I've been having uh...LOTS.  Ugh.  Need to get it down to 2 a day then 1 a day so it's not awful when I quit fully.  Should probably start this tapering next week.  *single tear*

Ugh! Quitting soda is rough! I quit in December. It was tough at first but now I am used to it and don't even miss it anymore.

maureenmce

@glitzandglitter  Normally it would be easier, but DD has been waking up at least once a night lately and I neeeeeeeed my diet coke.  But just one or two would be fine.  And then at some point she'll sleep again and I'll kick it altogether.  

UterusesBeforeDuderuses

@maureenmce I feel you on the diet coke!!! I am dreading that. I know I should start cutting back but... I want to enjoy it while I can! I def won't be giving it up completely, just cutting back to 1/day.

JNCPro3130

Hey everyone! I'm new here. I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I know some boards have rules about new people, but I didn't see anything here. 

Now: I'm starting a PNV, trying (unsuccessfully) to cut out caffeine, and charting. I'd love to lose 15 pounds.

June (when we TTC): I'll continue to take PNV and chart. Hopefully I'll be in better shape and will start/continue light work outs.

I'm having trouble with this whole caffeine thing. It was so easy when I was preparing for my first but having a 2 year old... caffeine can't get in my system fast enough! What are y'all doing to quit?

UterusesBeforeDuderuses

Welcome @JNCPro3130! We're a pretty laid back group around here these days. We do have a weekly fitness check in on Monday, you should definitely join in there as well! A lot of people on this board are also planning on a May/June timeline so you're in good company!!

CecilB93

@maureenmce When I was pregnant with DS my MW told me that I could have one caffeinated drink a day. So if you're comfortable with that, you don't have to cut Diet Coke completely!

notthefather

Hi and welcome @JNCPro3130! I have the same struggle with caffeine. It's so hard to cut! 

ChloandCoco

@maureenmce - During pregnancy you are allowed up to 200mg of caffeine a day. A can of coke has around 35mg of caffeine, so don't feel bad if you need to drink some. 

maureenmce

Thanks, @CecilB93 and @ChloandCoco !  I do plan to have some diet coke occasionally while pregnant, but I'm currently drinking like...*embarrassed cough* 5-6 cans a day.    So I need to cut back for sure or 1 a day is going to feel like shock to the ol' system.

glitzandglitter

@JNCPro3130 - Welcome! This board was pretty quiet for a while and is just starting to pick back up so we don't have a intro post yet.  
For quitting caffeine- this time I went cold turkey  It was rough at first but I made it through. I wasn't drinking a ton to begin with. I do take a vitamin B complex in the morning to help with energy. A few years back I had gotten to the point where I was drinking a ton of soda. I didn't want to quit, just cut down then so I just gradually cut back the amount I was drinking until I got where I wanted to be.

notthefather

maureenmce said:

Thanks, @CecilB93 and @ChloandCoco !  I do plan to have some diet coke occasionally while pregnant, but I'm currently drinking like...*embarrassed cough* 5-6 cans a day.    So I need to cut back for sure or 1 a day is going to feel like shock to the ol' system.

I'm just as bad. Most days I only drink a combination of tea, coffee, and a
small amount of Coke Zero. Soooo... caffeine, caffeine, more caffeine. I strongly dislike water. It was a struggle to drink enough when pregnant with my daughter. If it isn't freezing cold I feel like I'm swallowing someone else's spit. 

maureenmce

@notthefather  That is so funny, a coworker and I were *just* talking about how we have to have water ice cold (ideally with tons and tons of ice) or it's not worth drinking.  My dream is a fridge with an ice maker one day, ha.  We just have trays now and it's...fine, but not suitable for an ice addict.

CecilB93

@notthefather have you ever tried an infuser?? I have a water bottle infuser and love it! And I know my mom has one of those water dispenser things like you'd see at parties, or I know the spa I like has them, and she'll prepare infused water to have for the whole week. There's SO many different combinations!!

JNCPro3130

@UterusesBeforeDuderuses, I saw the fitness check in! I'm definitely jumping on that. I'm pretty sure someone thought I was pregnant last week. They said, "Oh! Be careful! Should you be lifting that?!"    

UterusesBeforeDuderuses

@JNCPro3130 ack! How rude!

notthefather

JNCPro3130 said:

@UterusesBeforeDuderuses, I saw the fitness check in! I'm definitely jumping on that. I'm pretty sure someone thought I was pregnant last week. They said, "Oh! Be careful! Should you be lifting that?!"    

Rude!!! That is the worst. I'm so sorry.

notthefather

CecilB93 said:

@notthefather have you ever tried an infuser?? I have a water bottle infuser and love it! And I know my mom has one of those water dispenser things like you'd see at parties, or I know the spa I like has them, and she'll prepare infused water to have for the whole week. There's SO many different combinations!!

I have and that definitely helps! I have weird fruit allergies so I'm limited on what I can put in but raspberries and tangerines are delicious!

dreamscapes_

We're in a bit of a limbo right now thanks to my stupid back, but I'm doing what I can as far as prep, just so that it's taken care of.

- Started a PNV when I got my birth control implant out last July, but wasn't actually taking it daily until a few weeks ago. I'm AWFUL at taking pills, so since I've been on so many meds lately for my back, I downloaded a medication reminder app and stuck the PNV on there. I've been much better about it lately because the app has a notification that doesn't go away until I mark the medication as taken, and I HATE having notifications on my phone.
- Downloaded Fertility Friend, but I'm not sure if I'll use it or not.
- I've been tracking my cycle and ovulation on another app, which has a lot of the same features as FF.
- I found a 40 pack of ovulation tests on Amazon and bought them. It also came with 10 pregnancy tests. It was only like $12, so it was a pretty good deal.
- I just had a physical on Friday, including a pap and a draw for blood work. My doctor also gave me a Tdap booster, since I don't remember the last time I had one.
- I'm not really working out right now, since even going for a long walk puts me in a lot of pain. We are doing better about eating and drinking water, though. We don't keep soda in the house and DH only drinks coffee when he has to work, since he's on third shift.
- We've also been looking for a 2br apartment in our price range, but everything has a long wait list, so we're likely going to stay where we're at for another year and move in 2018.