My TWW Survival Guide

Published May 25, 2014 by Jennie

bear gril

 

I know a lot of people dread the TWW.  I am not an expert on getting through it, but I developed a plan that I think works best for me and I thought I would share :).  I am treating it as a mini vacation full of fun and relaxing things.  Every infertile person know that the solution to infertility is relaxation, right (kidding of course!) but I figured finding time for some TLC can’t hurt.  I also found some fun things to do to pass the time and take my my mind off things.  Here is my list of things I have done.

Yoga

images (3)

I have been switching some of cardio over to yoga.  I have read it can be good for fertility.  Even if it is not, there are many, many other health benefits.  My goal is to be not horrible at it by the end of the summer (I have a ways to go but I am moving in the right direction).

Acupuncture

acupuncture

blogged about this in January, and have continued to do it (especially during the TWW).  It is so relaxing!  If you are interested in trying it but hate needles, I will tell you they are much thinner than a regular needle.  I only experienced discomfort when the put the needles in my feet but that point is not critical for fertility so they skip that part now.

Massage

Aroma Therapy

I know that massages are spendy but every once and a while they are worth it, so why not during the 2WW?  Many massage therapists specialize in infertility and relaxation which is what I did.  I felt like  I was floating on water afterwards.

Bath

dddddd

Some research suggests that baths may harm male fertility.  Other research suggests that pregnant woman should be cautious as well.  Even so, they are incredibly relaxing and I think they are fine as long as I do not get the temperature up too high or soak for a long time.  My favorite bath recipe calls for just Epsom salt and fresh ground ginger.  It is supposed to help detoxify the body.  I know it helps relieve stiffness and tension.

Spa Treatment

8459317479_1a14776521

I love the feeling of spa treatments but they can be expensive and sometimes I worry about the chemicals they use on my skin.  One of my favorite at home spa treatments is a DIY soothing cucumber eye mask.  All you need are fresh cucumbers and aloe vera gel.  When you put it on your eyes when it is cold, it feels amazing!

Hiking

IMG_1674

This is a picture I took today of my husband and me at the top of Pinnacle Peak at Crowder’s Mountain.  I know I am supposed to stay away from strenuous activities so we took one of the easier trails, went at a slower place, and took a few breaks.  This is my favorite place in the world.  The view is soothing to the soul.  It was also awesome to spend some time with my husband.  Speaking of that…..

Sex

jon

Did I just go there?  Yes I did!  I know that sex it a taboo topic (I wish that was not the case), but I think it is important to talk about it.  I often feel that infertility can take away the intimacy from sex and turn it into a chore.  During the TWW, we can just enjoy things without all that stress and pressure.

If anyone has any other survival tips or feedback, please share!  I wonder what is going on (or not going on) in my body now.  Lord knows I am doing everything I can.  Love and baby dust to all xoxoxo – Jennie

10 comments on “My TWW Survival Guide

  • Thanks for sharing. Im almost at the end of my 2ww and i’m going nuts! My doctor told me to abstain from sex during these two weeks and now that you say you are “doing it” lol, im wondering why i can’t. This is actually the second doctor to tell me that and i never questioned why. It would definitely take my mind off of things! 🙂

    Like

    • It is strange. I did a lot of research on it and some sources said it is not a good idea other sources said it is fine (and can even help). My RE said it is fine. It is strange how different doctors can be! I also think the standards may be a little stricter after IVF since that is a little more intensive process. We just did an IUI. Best of luck to you ::)

      Like

  • Ditto. Lots of relaxation to calm the mind, as I find my head gets in a knot during these few weeks, especially during the last few days before my period is due. Much of what I do is the same as you -acupuncture, baths (sea salt, baking soda and lavender oil), reading a book, a romcom (for feel good factor), as much sleep as I can and generally anything that makes me feel better emotionally/mentally such as spending time with friends, shopping, picnics with my husband and daughter. I find stress is a vicious circle, as when I start feeling the TWW stress, I stress about feeling stressed and what impact is has on my fertility! Baby dust to you too xxx

    Like

  • I’ve done Yoga, Acupuncture, Meditation, Art Classes, Pampering at the Spa…Oh yeah. You need to do all you can to keep busy! FX

    Like

  • Leave a reply to carolina647 Cancel reply