You can promote baby’s health and development before you are even pregnant.
7 simple changes men can make to improve fertility.
Don't tell people your dreams—show them. There's a whole lot you can do to feel more in control of the sometimes-mysterious act of making a baby. Get your budget in place. Practice random acts of kindness in your marriage. Learn fertility secrets from other cultures. It all adds up—to a more confident mama-to-be. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Have you added these fertility superfoods to your grocery list yet? Eat up, little lady!
Becoming an American girl was a journey. Becoming a mother, I know, will be the greatest adventure yet.
1. The overwhelming majority of women will be able to get pregnant
Strive for progress, not perfection. Manage those #moneygoals. (Damn you, student loans.) Reconnect with your partner. And make way for baby—you only need a tiny space, promise! The good news about becoming a mom is you can take it one adorable, tiny step at a time. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Did you have a pre-conception checkup yet? We've got the 10 questions to ask your OB-GYN or midwife before you conceive. Print our list, ask away and then get busy.
Researchers are increasingly finding that a man’s health has a direct impact on his ability to make healthy babies.
Work hard and be kind—to yourself. People to be kind to: yourself, your partner, your future baby, your fellow working mamas. Did we mention yourself? Trying to conceive can be stressful and full of anxiety. (Also exciting!) It's essential that you start loving yourself for the journey. Work hard and be kind—to yourself. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Print our our TTC self-love mantras to nurture yourself when trying to make a baby. Stick one on your mirror, your fridge, your coffee pot ☕️ (your true source of happiness). And remember: You deserve all the joy in the world.
Deciding to do preconception carrier screening is a very personal choice.
“Creating a family in this turbulent world is an act of faith.”
If you are planning to become pregnant, it is a good idea to have a preconception care checkup.
I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it. Things that make us happy: Netflix marathons, Nutella, our best friends' baby pics and dreaming about creating a family. Things that keep us healthy: staying mentally positive, exercise-induced endorphins, baby-making "practice" (it boosts your immune system!) and avoiding toxins while TTC. Your body is a wonderland—and soon it will be a baby's home! XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Have you listened to our Spotify baby-making playlist yet? It. Is. FIRE. Dim the lights, turn on the tunes and make a baby.
Emotional support goes a long way.
Women’s health expert Katinka Locascio gets us up to speed on our cycles.
Trying to make a baby? Well, that can be stressful, confusing—and seriously exciting. We're going to let you in on a little secret: You can do hard things. ? Getting pregnant? That can be challenging. Transitioning from "just the two of us" to a family? Not gonna lie—it can be tough. Getting in shape for pregnancy? Our head says "Gym" but our heart says "Netflix!" WHY IS THIS SO HARD? One of the greatest lessons of motherhood is that you are so very capable of the hard stuff. It doesn't get easier. You just get stronger. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Want to make your marriage stronger before you two become parents? Babyproof your marriage with our online class taught by inspiring relationship expert Vienna Pharaon. It's called Love it: How to go from a happy couple to a joyful family. You'll get digital video lessons, date-night discussion guides and a road map to your happily ever after.
The good news: The odds to make a baby are overwhelmingly on your side.
“Let's get it on". We have so been there: analyzing every cramp and nipple tingle and vague feeling of nausea for evidence that THERE'S A BABY IN THERE. Buying pregnancy tests in bulk to get the earliest possible plus sign. Jotting down potential baby names because it never hurts to think ahead, right? It's a sign, mama. You're ready. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We know it's hard to keep your head up when getting pregnant takes longer than you hoped. Just remember that 90% of reproductive-age women are able to get pregnant on their own, and most women who seek help for infertility go on to give birth. It's go time.
Making a baby can be stressful. Take a break from it with these classics.