When would you bump up your timeline for TTC?

bmo88 · September 2015

Just curious what others would consider good reasons to bump up (lol, no pun intended) their timeline for TTC...

We are planning on waiting until February/March 2017, so just under 1 1/2 years away. Our plan is to pay off all our student loan and car loan debt and save up 6 months emergency expenses and a $5000 baby fund. If we maintain our current finances, we will be on pace to this. I also just started a new job as an Executive Director which has been quite demanding, so we figured it would be best to allow myself some time to get settled into the position.

However, the baby fever has been killing me lately. We are going to Europe this December, which is a little distracting, but what about when we return?!?! In talking with DH, we are not considering moving our timeline up to May/June 2016, so 6-7 months early. It would throw off our financial plans a bit, but we could still afford a child very comfortably. The idea is exciting, but we are not 100% sure we want to go through with it.

We both got substantial raises in the past two months, so we feel like we are in a really good spot income wise, though we would be pushing our low interest debt out a little further. Ugh, the decision is so difficult. My parents are also moving here in just over a year and my mom runs an in home daycare. So it would be nice to wait and potentially have her support/help. So, we are kind of in limbo, but considering bumping up our timeline.

Sorry for the ramble, but what are reasons you have considered or did use to justify bumping up your TTC timeline?

little_bren · September 2015

There is never a perfect time to have a baby. The timeline is up to you guys though. Never hurts to have things paid off etc but I don't think your life has to be perfect. Babies arent as expensive as you'd think.

ETA: We are 29 and 31 and have a 22 m/o and we want two more but I don't want to be far into my 30s and be pregnant 1. bc I don't want to 2. my first PG was hard on my body at age 27.

bmo88 · September 2015

little_bren: Oh we know the timing will never be perfect. We aren't waiting for that. It isn't entirely financial. I am working 70 hour weeks right now as I establish myself and my hope is get down to 50-60 hours a week after a few months. So it isn't ideal right now to be pregnant/have a child with my current workload, especially without additional family support. My DH is working 50 hour weeks, but plans on going part time once we have a child (which does impact income). So we are just working out those logistics.

Britt428 · September 2015

If you both are on board for moving it up, go for it! I'm kind of in the same boat. We had planned on waiting until December/ January ish but after stopping BC 2 weeks ago I'm ready to start now. Baby fever is totally driving me insane. I feel like it's totally consuming my every thought. I keep telling myself what is pushing our timeline up 3-4 months. I'm so ready but at the same time so scared to take the plunge. I have no idea what to do. Good luck to you in your decision making!

Xstatic3333 · September 2015

We're thinking of moving up our timeline too! One big impact was that we were SO busy this summer that it made me pretty unhappy. I'm really feeling ready to slow down and focus on family life. Our budget works even if we need FT daycare, so that's in place (even though not all of our goals will be met yet). Also, I started charting and for the first two months had a very short LP, 7-8 days. I recognize it could lengthen, but if there's any chance I'll have trouble TTC, I want to get my year clock started ASAP.

Our previous plan was to start at or around our Europe trip in March, but H has made it clear the ball is in my court. Now I'm leaning toward starting in December. With the activities we have planned, it should be a fine trip to do if I'm PG.

satuttle1014 · September 2015

We moved up our timeline. We were going to start probably the end of this year so maybe Nov-Dec 2015. However that plan did not last long lol I stopped the pill beginning of May. I understand trying to pay things off but my DH said he wanted to do this or that and we were like let's just go for it. As others have said, there is no perfect time to have a child or really do anything. If the two of you want kids and you both want to move up your timeline then I would go for it. It can take up to a year for a healthy couple to conceive, to me it was like I could get pregnant right away or it took take awhile.

Babies are not as expensive as we think, yes they are expensive but babies don't need every materialistic item. I would just put some money away each money for them and good to go

Definitely a conservation to have with your DH, sit down and weigh your pros and cons to possibly move it up a little or a lot. Good luck!

SLGILL1978 · September 2015

As soon as I got the all clear from my doctor, we wanted to start trying again as I am a diabetic and I was 34 when I had my first. We tried for a while very inconsistently, but ultimately put it off since my husband was getting deployed. We are planning to resume when he returns home in a few weeks.

mommytimesfour · September 2015

Our original plan was to TTC starting next July, but we've moved it up to January. Honestly, the reason really was just because I'm impatient and have crazy baby fever! If you're both ready now then go for it. If you really feel you'll be in a better situation waiting it out though, then that may be best. I can totally relate to how hard it is to ignore the baby fever!

MrsRo731 · September 2015

Hi and welcome! It sounds like you have it pretty figured out, which is awesome. We did almost the exact same thing; we saved up an emergency bank account, paid off student loans, etc. In the grand scheme, I don't think moving up your date 6-7 months will impact you too much although I really don't know your financial situation. You should do what makes you feel comfortable, though. If the thought of not meeting those goals will weigh on you, it might be best to wait. It does seem like you'll be pretty well prepared though come May/June. If you're unsure, you can always go the 'not trying, not preventing' method. GL!

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