Planning and Prepping For a Family? Here’s a FAQ to Help!

Whether you’re considering becoming a parent for the first time or having a second (or third), it’s an experience that can be both exciting and scary at the same time.

My three kids are each 3.5 years apart, and that wasn’t planned. Getting pregnant didn’t come easily to me, and after a year of trying to get pregnant after our wedding, we visited our OBGYN and started on a fertility drug and monitoring regimen. When that wasn’t successful after about 4-5 months, we moved on to an Reproductive Endocrinologist and began planning our first IUI cycle. It was on the evening after that planning appointment that I took my very first positive pregnancy test! Funny how the universe works. After our first, we again didn’t get pregnant easily but waited it out and our babies came to us when they were ready to – they were each meant to be.

How long will it take to get pregnant? Should I start tracking my cycle? How do I care for a newborn? Will I ever fit into those skinny jeans again… all good questions and while I’m sure you have a ton more, here are a few questions and answers to get you started and on the right track.

1. How can I keep track of my cycle? Simple! Pick up a First Response^® Digital Ovulation Test, which predicts your most fertile days based on your personal LH surge. Remember that the best time to start tracking your cycle is before you start trying to conceive. Your two most fertile days begin with the LH surge and you are most likely to get pregnant if you have intercourse within 24-36 hours after you detect your personal LH surge. Don’t panic if you’ve never heard of your LH surge before! I didn’t know what it was in the beginning either. If you’re curious, visit firstresponse.com for more info.

2. I think I may be pregnant. Now what? Anxious to find out if you’re pregnant? The First Response™ Early Result Pregnancy Test can tell you if you’re pregnant up to six days before your missed period. If you’re interested in sharing the news with friends and family, how you share it is up to you!

3. Who will take care of me during my pregnancy? It’s important to determine if you would like a doctor or midwife (or someone else) to care for you during your pregnancy. There are many different options. Pick the person who you feel most comfortable with and don’t let friends or family sway your decision.

4. What should I pack in my hospital bag? There are lots of great suggestions for the must-have hospital bag items. I suggest talking to your mom friends, and then source some ideas online too. Check out Pinterest for some great photo-packed lists and pick one that feels right to you and start shopping/collecting the items. You’ll want to have the bag packed and ready to go well before your bundle of joy is set to arrive.

5. How else can I prepare? The most important tip is to enjoy the experience and make sure to take time for yourself! Unwind after a busy day with a good book and a cup of tea. Plan a weekend getaway and sneak away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Curl up on the couch and watch your favourite movie. These are just a few suggestions.

Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms. Nine months went by quickly and being prepared is essential, especially as you tackle sleepless nights and dozens of diaper changes! Stock up on the essentials – diapers, baby clothes, blankets and bottles are a must. Don’t forget to also stock the medicine cabinet with diaper cream and something to help with colic, such as OVOL™ Drops, which is a simple, alcohol-free solution that can be added to a bottle or used on its own. It helps relieve discomfort caused by trapped gas, making it easier for babies to pass gas and burp at feeding time. Don’t forget to ask your doctor first to find out if this product is right for your new baby!

Oh and those skinny jeans… they’ll fit, eventually!

Are you a first-time mom? Do you have a story about trying to conceive? I’d love to hear it.