Top tips

And as I sat here typing on my laptop, I thought for a moment...Could I give other ladies tips and tricks for dealing with trying for a baby? And that answer is, I can try.

Hello my ttcers! I've had a few people both online and in real life ask for some advice for trying for a baby. How I laughed and laughed, as I am yet to actually successfully become with child. However, I do have pretty much a bachelors degree in trying.

So here is some of my advice for when you're trying for a baby:

1. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid BEFORE you get preggers. Folic acid is essential in aiding a healthy pregnancy and healthy development of your baby. I use Ante natal forte from the natural dispensary, this was recommended to me by my nutritionist. I started taking mine as soon as we started trying, but you can take it for however long beforehand.
2. Get a fertility check up with your doctor. Go with your partner and let them know you are trying, they'll give you some proper medical advice. 
   
3. Start changing your diet by making simple healthy adjustments. Make yourself some overnight oats for breakfast so you're not rushing and reaching for unhealthy choices. Include healthy fats which are essential for your little egg. Things like salmon, avocado and hemp oil have tons of health benefits. Your egg needs to be soft enough for the sperm to penetrate and also ready to try and nestle into it's home for 9 months. There has been a correlation between egg health and the long term health of your baby, so make these changes when you can. 
4. As well as taking folic acid, you can take ashwagandha, cod liver oil and vitamin D. These all help with health and ashwagandha helps your body process stress, and you know how everyone keeps telling you to bloody relax!
5. Now there's an argument that this doesn't work, but I always do it. Relax with your pelvis elevated for 15-20 minutes after sex. Make sure you have a podcast on and a drink near by. As well as some tissues. Relaxing and giving your body some time can never be a bad thing, take the time to do a little fertility meditation if you like. You can even try soft cups to help keep the sperm in longer.
6. Tell at least one person you trust, besides your partner obviously, that you're trying. It helps having a confidant to talk to when things aren't going to plan. I confided in my sister near the start of our journey, and it was the best thing I did. She has been so supportive and it really helped having her to talk to especially as she has a little boy herself.
7. Use ovulation strips or kits- I have said it once before, knowledge is power. You want to aim to be having sex every 2 or 3 days to catch ovulation. Getting to know when you ovulate is always a good thing. Your cycle can be different every month, and if you're only trying to pin point ovulation you can miss the window. Your egg can survive anywhere from 12 to 24 hours so you want to be trying beforehand as well as the day of. 
8. If you need to use lube, make sure it's sperm friendly. A lot of people do not realise that most lubes aren't sperm friendly. I use preseed, it comes with a hand applicator which you use to insert the lubricant 10 minutes before having sex. 
9. Try not to take it too seriously, find the funny parts in every day of your journey. Allow yourself to have a breakdown when needed, and laugh about it later.
10. Give yourself some me time, whether that be a walk, yoga or a coffee with friends. Try to keep yourself light and happy as often as you can. This journey is crazy and it can change you and test your strength in ways you never knew it could be tested. 

Most of all, love your journey. It is yours and no one else's, no two are ever the same. It's a road filled with narrow turns, wide paths and crazy obstacles. But the view at the end is so beautiful, so reflective it will be worth every bump in the road. 

Be kind to yourself,

All my love,

Blue moon girl xx