Starting IVF can be confusing, complicated, and stressful. I’m stimulating my ovaries for the third time and this is my fourth round of prepping for a hopeful embryo transfer (read more about IVF rounds one and two on the blog). I decided to take note of the things that help make my life easier during IVF to help you build your own IVF toolkit!
Check out the full list below:
A Planner
The planner can be digital or paper, just make sure it’s efficient & you actually use it to plan your days/weeks. IVF becomes a very big part of your life – specifically the timing of everything. From appointments to results, to timing your medications – it’s a lot to keep track of. The timing of it all is actually critical – so use a good planner/calendar system to keep your life as organized as possible so that IVF stays a priority. I love the Plum Planners.
A good book, podcast, and/or playlist.
There will be many waiting room visits. There will be many times you simply sit and you wait. You wait for your blood draw, an ultrasound, a consult, a procedure. A lot of waiting is ahead. My advice is to have something positive or encouraging to read or listen to while you wait. As for the playlist – it can be very easy to zone out and worry, especially in the car on your way to and from appointments. Have a playlist already set up that makes you happy! Whether it’s a playlist full of your favorite worship songs or the best hip hop from 2000 – music can be so healing!
A go-to place to keep all your medication.
I chose a physical space – an upstairs guest bathroom that wasn’t being used. I also got a couple of items off of amazon to help me organize my medication. This pill organizer. This medication case. It was really helpful to have all my things in one place – not just for inventory purposes, but also just to have a distraction-free space to do what I needed to do each day.
A meal delivery service.
For a few weeks [at least] your days will be a little more full than usual. It was really helpful for me to know I had my meals planned out & ingredients already at home. When I had those days that were tough or just extra hectic – I had a healthy + nourishing meal already planned out for my family.
Have a go-to protein-rich meal.
I personally drank my superfood smoothie because it has a ton of plant-based protein as well as a ton of other nutrients. All the bloating & ovary growth + meds often left me with zero appetite. The last thing I felt like doing was eating. Obviously, that’s not a healthy option! Having a light meal that was easy to make for breakfast or lunch with a good amount of protein was a lifesaver for me.
Stay hydrated.
I love to fill up the same water bottle so I know how much I’ve had to drink for the day. Not only is hydration helpful for your eggs – it’s also helpful for all your blood draws, too. I put a non-toxic hydrator in my water, especially on hot + busy days.
Have a plan for a RECHARGE DAY at least once a week.
Plan ahead & make sure you are giving yourself at least one flex day a week to recharge, relax, take a nap, go slow, read, de-stress. The main point here is to take care of your mental health. Speaking of mental health – your mindset is a very important part of this process. I highly recommend purchasing the Mindful IVF app or utilizing any other free meditation app to help you through guided meditations every single day. I personally use the HATCH RESTORE to do a meditation before bed every night & have really enjoyed the Mindful IVF app during my last IVF cycle. Having a list of positive affirmations to read through every day isn’t a bad idea either!
Prepare for headaches.
Depending on your medication & how your body adjusts to any changes being made – you may expect to have headaches. Will every protocol I’ve ever been on, I’ve had headaches for the first few days of medication. Hormones and headaches can go hand & hand. My first IVF cycle I had full migraines with throwing up. Other cycles I’ve just had bad headaches for a few days and then they usually taper off to a dull headache for the rest of the time I’m stimulating. Have ice packs, Tylenol, or whatever you like to use for your headaches on hand.
Decide what else will be a part of your fertility team.
Do you want to do acupuncture? How about massage therapy? What about counseling? Exercise routine? None of it is required – but could be extremely helpful! I always say: if having too many appointments begins to stress you out – then maybe less is more. But, if you are able to bring on more support, it could be great for you! Seek out & accept support.
If you haven’t already – read It Starts With The Egg.
Whether you do ALL THE THINGS in that book or not – it’s a wonderful thing to be informed. I highly recommend reading this book before starting your IVF cycle if possible & keep it around for references. You can make your decision on what supplement you do or do not take & what nutrition changes you make if any – but at the very least – you will be able to advocate for yourself in this process and learn a lot!
I hope this helps you on your IVF journey. If you’re just starting, here are 14 things I wish I knew when I started IVF.
Sending you so much love and prayers on your journey! YOU GOT THIS!
