This is a collaborative post.
As humans, we often have the natural urge to start a family. It’s not just because of what society expects of us, but we may desire to be a parent and raise children as a part of our life experience. But this doesn’t always look the way we think it might. Becoming a parent can come in many shapes and forms. So, before you begin the process, it’s always a good idea for you to consider what starting a family might look like for you. In this blog post, we’re going to consider some key elements to keep in mind.
Being on the Same Page With Your Partner
One of the best places to start is to make sure that you’re on the same page as your partner. Being able to have a conversation with each other and ensure that you both feel ready is key. It can be an emotional process to go through, so ensuring that you are both able to support each other through the process will often be reassuring.
Tracking Your Cycles
When it comes to trying to conceive, you may want to get used to your cycle if you’re not already. Tracking your menstrual cycle can not only allow you to get familiar with when you ovulate, but also help you to understand how healthy you may be. You can then begin to look at conceiving when you ovulate each month.
Considering Treatment
However, it may be the case that you aren’t able to conceive naturally for a range of reasons. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you’re not alone. Speaking to a doctor about fertility treatment or considering IVF is always an option. It might be that you have a male factor fertility issue, and options like IVF with donor sperm could work for you. If you’re a same-sex couple, this can also be a great route for you to consider. Just remember, you do have options if natural conception isn’t for you.
Becoming a Parent: Looking into Adoption
Another positive avenue for you to explore is adoption. Of course, each family will need to make a decision that feels right for their situation, but medically-assisted conception doesn’t have to be the route for you. Going down the adoption route or considering fostering might be better suited to you. If so, begin your research and start to explore what the application process might look like for you.
Looking After Yourself During the Process
Lastly, you have to make sure that you look after yourself throughout the process of becoming a parent, whichever route you decide to take. Trying to conceive a baby, going through the process of IVF, or adoption can be emotionally taxing. But this can also be a blessing and a process that you’re incredibly grateful for. At the same time, it’s important for you to make sure that you’re looking after yourself. You may feel a lot of emotion and stress during this time, so letting yourself process that and trying to practice self-care can be key. You may even want to speak to someone to help you manage your feelings through it all.
