What do you do for yourself (and DP) in preparation for TTC?

[calebsmommy25]

We are preparing to start trying in September. I am currently breastfeeding my 2 year old, and plan on continuing until he has weaned himself. I'll be 27 (DP 29) the month we will start TTC. I am now very informed on pregnancy, and birth and feel more confident in my ability to birth and advocate for my rights. I feel much better about my health now, than I did when I conceived DS (who was a pleasant surprise!). Even though I was thinner, I feel I am way more healthy now despite a few extra pounds. We eat mostly whole foods, from scratch, local and organic when we can afford it. We juice, but not as much as we should...(will get better on that for sure!) Eliminate as many chemicals, additives, etc. from our diet and our household (cleaning products, body products, etc). Neither one of us drink excessively. We don't smoke. I do love my coffee, but if there is major evidence that this would lower our chances I would cut down. I would (so would DP) like to get into better shape within the next few months because I think that would be best all around.

Anyone have suggestions on prenatal vitamins or additional supplements? What should we do to best prepare ourselves, emotional, physically and spiritually for this new little bean we want to welcome into our lives? I am praying for a VBAC too, so anyone who has been in that boat please chime in.

Thanks in advance! I really could use all of the suggestions, personal experience that any of you have!

[scarletjane]

I know you're looking for health suggestions, so I hope it's okay that I offer the advice to start charting! If you don't know how, check out the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. I would also check out FertilityFriend.com for free charting software. You will be so glad to have a couple of months under your belt once you start trying because it will help you immensely!

Health-wise, the only thing i'd say is a necessity is folic acid. If you haven't already, you'll need to start that now because you want it in your system before you conceive.

[Nutter]

DH & I are preparing to start TTC#1 in August. I've done the things you mentioned above, minus the juicing. I take a good prenatal vitamin 3x/day (Progressive Nutritionals), along with 2 Tablespoons of organic kefir and 1 tsp of NutraSea fish oil. I cut out all coffee & caffeine except for a small daily dose of dark chocolate. From what I can tell, the evidence on coffee/caffeine is kind of mixed, but I felt better just not being dependent on it. I cut out all alcohol. I cut out all otc meds. I'm learning more about homeopathy. I am working on decreasing my intake of refined sugars... I eat more than I know is good for me, but still less than your typical Western eater because we don't make a habit of keeping cookies, cakes, candies, pop, juice etc in the house.

On the exercise front I would suggest yoga, pilates, swimming, walking and the like - things that are gentle and stress-reducing.

On the VBAC front - if you haven't already I would look at ICAN.

Hth! Good luck!

[calebsmommy25]

scarletjane: Thanks for responding. I've been charting for the past 12 months, so have a good feel for it. I'll have a head start on the folic acid before we conceive for sure. I didn't with the my first, but will with this one.

Sarahthedoula: I plan on starting prenatals soon, along with fish oil. I'll look into the brands you are taking. Good for you for cutting out all caffeine and alcohol. For now, I don't plan on cutting out ALL of it. I enjoy my morning espresso, and an ocassional beer/wine at night. I've been looking into yoga and would like to practice more, but have a hard time fitting it in with my DP's schedule. I'm hoping to get into one of the early morning classes. I have checked out the ICAN website and have learned a great deal from the page. I would like to attend some of the meetings when they are scheduled. Thanks for all the info! Good luck to you and DH!