Navigating Your Fertility Journey During The Holidays: Tips & Support

Recently, 21% of our community shared that they felt more pressure to have children during the holidays, whilst 42% said that they struggle to talk about fertility with their friends and family - that’s a difficult combination, especially at this time of year. So, we’re sharing our top tips for navigating your fertility journey during the holidays so you can feel calmer, happier and healthier.

1. Try talking about your fertility journey with those you trust 

During the holidays, you’re probably spending lots more time with friends and family, and that means more of those tricky questions from loved ones. They mean well, but asking if and when you’re going to have a baby (especially if you have been trying for a while) might make you feel a little bit overwhelmed. We totally get it. But did you know that sharing your emotions with someone you trust can reduce stress, strengthen your immune system and reduce physical and emotional distress? So, if you feel like you can and you want to, try talking about your fertility journey with some friends and family this year.

If you’re not ready to share just yet, then that’s ok too! We suggest having a think about what you do want to tell people ahead of time, so you can be ready for those tricky questions. You don’t have to stick to what you decide, but having some answers ready can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. 

Find out more about Protecting Your Mental Health As A Mama: How To Deal with Patronizing Advice & Pushy Remarks. 

2. Use the holidays to reconnect with your partner 

Navigating fertility can be tough on any relationship, but the holidays can be a great time to reconnect. If you are lucky enough to have some time off work or are spending a few days away from home, take the time to check in with each other, regroup, and head into the new year with a fresh perspective.

Some couples also find it difficult to maintain intimacy in a natural way when they are trying to conceive, especially when busy work schedules and social lives come into play. On your TTC journey, you might have found yourself scheduling sex, which can be good if you’re doing that because you want to have sex, but not because you feel like you have to! Why not use the festive season and new year to spice up your love life and reconnect? Get some ideas on How To Keep Sex Fun When You're Trying To Conceive!

3. Make healthy choices to stay on track

Don’t get us wrong, we all deserve to indulge during the holidays but it has been proven that maintaining a good exercise routine can minimize stress, boost your endorphins and distract you from daily worries. Fitting in 30 minutes of exercise 2-3 times per week can also be a good way to make some time for yourself during this busy festive period (see more on that below!).

Plus, it’s thought that regular physical activity can actually increase your chances of falling pregnant as regular exercise increases circulation and strengthens the muscles used for conceiving.

4. Set aside time for self-care 

Spending time with friends and family during the festive season is awesome but make sure to set time aside each day to focus on self-care, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. It might be journaling, meditating, or setting A More Mindful Skincare Routine.

One of the best self-care gifts you could give yourself this year is the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep really can make you feel better every day and can also:

• Regulate the release of hormones that control your appetite, metabolism, growth, and healing

• Boost brain function

• Improve concentration, focus, and productivity

• Boost your immune system

To help you get these amazing benefits, we’ve put together this post of 8 Tips to Achieve Your Best Night's Sleep!

Want to know more about fertility & trying to conceive? Want more tips on how to live happier and healthier? Leave us a comment below.

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