I'm going to be honest...when I was in the trying to conceive (TTC) groups and someone would get a big fat positive (BFP) on their pregnancy test, I would get sad. I was so very happy for the woman getting the BFP, but it made me think...when is this going to happen for me? Why isn't it me?

Well really, at first I was thinking what the heck is BFP? Then I learned. Then I felt sad for myself. I was a little behind on all the lingo.

I eventually got my BFP and as most of you know, readying for twins next month. I got so much baby dust from fellow CafeMoms, I am sure it helped. So thank you!

CafeMom psychmama created this sweet and touching video for all TTC mamas. I'm not TTC right now, but I still cried because I remember what it was like. It took an entire year to conceive our son.

pscyhmama has been trying for 7 now. "Making the video was really thereputic in some way. I am a Christian and this has been a real struggle for me, to watch month after month as I was still not pregnant."

When you are trying to conceive, it can be one of the most difficult times in your life. It's hard when you see women all around you getting pregnant accidentally and here you are trying and trying and nothing is working. It really does a number on your mind. Lots of soul searching, lot of tears, lots of frustration.

It doesn't matter if you are doing it holistically (with chaste tree -- oh I know it well) or with a fertility doctor -- there are so many questions and most of them start with Why.

Not to throw more confusion into the TTC ring, but there is a new study out that says women who take progesterone or Clomid, the most common fertility drugs, are at a greater risk to develop thyroid cancer.

I'll bet flossing your teeth, buying a new water bottle, and eating full-fat ice cream are not on your list of things you think you should do to get pregnant and prep your body for impending motherhood. Fit Sugar includes these on a surprising but informative list of 8 Ways to Prep Your Body for Pregnancy.

Here are the details on the three I mentioned, but click the above link for the rest of the advice ...

When I first saw this article, my eyes read chlorine instead of choline and I thought WHAT? Then I realized what it said. Low choline levels in pregnant women raise the risk for brain and spinal cord defects. 

OK...what's choline and how can we make sure we are getting enough of it?

Whether you're a single woman who is ready to have a baby and just haven't found Mr. Right yet, or if your SO's swimmers just ain't able to quite get there, you may have looked into getting a sperm donor. Here are some links:

 

If I'd waited for my husband to agree that it was time to start a family, I'd still be waiting today. Then again, Mr. Procrastination also waited five years after we started dating to produce an engagement ring, so it was none to surprising or out of character for him.

So seven years ago around this time of year, I took the initiative and he reluctantly agreed. He would have liked to be a bit more "settled." Our house was still being fixed up (and still is) and our bank account was quite small (and still is). But today he's glad we had our kids when we did, so for me being pushy worked out.

Sometimes, women who want to get pregnant for the first time are up against much greater resistance.

laurenleblanc and her hubby just can't agree on the best time to start their family.

Trying to conceive can be one of the most stressful times ever. I know from experience. The days drag on waiting for positive results and with each negative pregnancy test you take it can sink you into a depression. Clomid, Gonal, IUI...head spinning. Bring on the stress, junk food, tons of sweets (guilty), or whatever comforts you.

But here's the thing -- the better you take care of yourself, the better chances you will have to conceive.

There are things you can do now, while TTC, that will help you with conception as well as into your pregnancy.

 

 

 

I wasn't in my 40s when I gave birth, but close -- I was 38. But I have two good friends at the moment who are over 40 and expecting. And there are plenty of 40-something CafeMoms.

Good news, older mamas! Having a baby later in life may mean you live longer.