You’re about to invest a lot of time, energy, emotion, and yes, money, into this process so you want to do everything in your power to make it successful. Here is your checklist of to-dos before starting your IVF cycle:
GET INFORMED!
IVF is a whole new world with its own lingo, meds, and experiences. Also check out instagram accounts and hashtags for IVF to learn more about the process.
FIND YOUR TRIBE!
It's a club no one wants to be in, but it's full of supporting, encouraging, inspiring people. Create a new instagram account just for your IVF journey and discover an incredible community full of people who want to share, listen, and support and help you.
MAKE A PLAN!
IVF is time-consuming. Appointments are daily or every other day. If you're comfortable, give your employer a heads up, since appointments may need to be taken during work hours. Plan to make no plans. You will be at the mercy of your cycle so plan to stay close to home for the month.
GET ORGANIZED!
The what, where and when of meds and appointments can be overwhelming. Buy a simple planner to keep all of your appointments and notes organized and use our customizable Medication Schedule in our Conceiving Zen for IVF program to keep track of when, how, and what to take, and any symptoms you experience or questions you have. Double check that you have all your meds so you're not scrabbling and be sure you know how to take them in advance.
CLEAN IT UP!
Take inventory of foods, cosmetics, household products, and other potential sources of toxic hormone disruptors and start swapping them out for safer, cleaner options.
This is an opportunity to purge all the "junk" in your life and replace it with healthy habits- eating well, practicing meditation and self care, and moving daily. Start supplementing using our Supplements Guide (in Conceiving Zen for IVF) to supercharge your fertility. And check out our Getting Started Lifestyle & Diet guide (also in Conceiving Zen for IVF) and use the guides through the program to customize guidance to you and where you are in the process.
BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!
If you have questions about your treatment, ask them! You know your body better than anyone. You have your unique expertise and your doctors have theirs. If you don't understand something, want more clarification, or simply feel uneasy- voice it! Don't be afraid they'll be mad you called again, or are "that woman" who asks all the questions. Ask them anyway! Ask them, ask your fertility friends, ask ME!
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE!
It's easy to get wrapped up in "doing it all right" but letting it all go and giving yourself a break is also so good for you, your mental and physical health, and your fertility. If you're here you're taking this seriously and that's enough. Listen to a guided meditation (Conceiving Zen for IVF has one for each phase of your cycle), apply some acupressure... or not. If you need a break, give yourself a break. Allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling and give yourself space to vent, cry, scream, or just breathe!
And lastly…. set yourself up for success for joining our online IVF Support Program- Conceiving Zen for IVF. It will guide you through each step of your IVF cycle with lifestyle and diet recommendations, acupressure videos, self massage videos, guided meditations, and more!