Getting back into gear: Starting up TTC after a break

As we enter September, and the last stretch of Summer, many of us will be coming out of a TTC break - we’ve enjoyed the sunshine, holidays and spending time with loved ones, and taken away the pressure of trying to get pregnant. But taking our foot off the brakes and getting back into the TTC swing can lead to a lot of dread, wondering how this time things can be different. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you get back into the swing of things, with a refreshed and rejuvenated approach to boost your confidence, hopefully feeling a little less disheartened. 

What do I do if I’m dreading being TTC again?

Don’t forget you. Jumping back on the TTC train can take so much focus and energy on trying to get pregnant that we often forget the things we do for fun. Dates. Cinema. Catching up with friends. Don’t put things off, and maybe start making long-term plans that don’t focus on whether or not you may be pregnant. Keep doing the things you love that make you feel like you, that you treasured over the summer!

How do I protect my mental health as I start trying again?

Taking a break can sometimes be the best thing you can do for your mental health. To keep riding that lovely post-break mental health glow? Make time for self care. It’s the most important thing you can do, is look after your mind. Meditation, yoga and journaling often come up as fertility-friendly ways to practice self care. If listening to heavy metal and staring at the walls is how you relax, you do you. The point is not what you do, but that you do it. 

Going back to being TTC feels lonely, how do I avoid that?

This one’s easy – find people on the journey who you connect with, who’s stories and experiences make you feel less lonely. Join a support group. In fact, come join us – we run monthly group sessions at Béa for free and you can sign up for the next one here. We have a great sense of humour but we also know how hard this journey is. Join our free group sessions, you might crack a wry smile, you might even laugh, and you’ll definitely leave feeling a little less lonely.

I’m dreading timed intercourse, it’s so stressful. What can I do?

If our coach Sandy ran for any kind of office her slogan would be “Make Sex Great Again”. This one’s from her… Timed intercourse (TI) (if this is an option for you) is a chore, we get it. Something we’ve heard works is being spontaneous with intercourse outside of the fertile window. It won’t improve your chances of conceiving, but it does help you reconnect with your partner. Laughing about it can also help. Just take a second to recognise how absurd it is that once a month you’re tapping your watch and looking at each other for sex. Samantha Jones would be so lucky… Alas, peeing on a stick is not a gateway to hot sex, so recognise it for what it is, and try to laugh. Humour can take the edge off and put TI firmly in its place as a funny and odd thing we do to get pregnant, rather than the main narrative of our intimate lives.

Another hot tip? Avoid timed intercourse altogether by using the Béa Applicator. Yep. We designed the Béa Treatment so that no intercourse is needed. And we’ve heard from our lovely users that using Béa takes away the stress of the “baby-making sex” and intercourse can go back to that fun and intimate activity you share with your partner. 

If you do nothing at all, make sure you just cover the basics to give you your best chance. 

• Test for ovulation. Studies have shown that urine ovulation tests can increase the chances of getting pregnant. (We know this isn’t for everyone and sometimes testing can cause more stress - you need to do what’s right for you!) Read our guide on ovulation tracking here.
• Exercise regularly. Daily exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, increase blood circulation and improve blood sugar levels. This can help increase your energy levels and release feel-good hormones. 
• Try to eat a balanced diet. A well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight while providing the appropriate intake of vitamins, fibre and protein, which is beneficial for egg and sperm quality.
• Take essential supplements. Folic acid and vitamin D are important for females when trying to conceive. Men and women should consider taking multivitamins, they won’t replace a healthy diet but can ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for egg and sperm health. Read our Preconception Health guide for top tips on which supplements to start with here.
• Stop smoking. Stop smoking and stop any recreational drug use. These activities are strongly linked with reduced fertility potential and quitting is one of the best things you can do for your fertility. 
  
  

The tips above are all in our Preconception Guide, written by the brilliant Sandy (our resident and ward-winning fertility coach) and designed to give you a no-fuss, no-bullshit guide to the most important things you can do to improve your chances of conceiving. You won’t find any fluff about fertility teas and baby dances in there. Just clear, simple tips, rooted in evidence. Enjoy!