The festive season is here, and with that comes Christmas parties, socialising and more temptation to drink and eat things you wouldn’t normally choose. For many people, this can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety – particularly for those trying to fall pregnant.
Through the lens of a fertility journey, the Christmas period can look quite different. For many, the end of the year is a deadline you have given yourself. If you have been trying to fall pregnant, whether it be for a short while or for a long while, you can feel more introverted. You may be nervous about being around young families, pregnancy announcements, the thought of a workmate or a family member asking why you aren’t drinking or when you plan to have kids.
There’s no question – trying to fall pregnant around Christmas time can be really difficult.
So, we have put together a few tips on how to prepare and cope with Christmas if you are trying to conceive:
1. Expect an awkward conversation…. or two
Make a plan about what you’re going to say if someone puts you on the spot about ‘being pregnant’ or trying to fall pregnant. If you have a partner, make sure you talk about this together – it’s always better to be prepared and be on the same page.
2. Set healthy boundaries
Doing too much? Say no to one or two things. It might be easier than it sounds, but a little quality couch time might be all you need to top you up ready for the next festive gathering. For those events you feel obligated to go to, you can always plan on arriving late and leaving early too.
3. Find an accomplice
If you have a friend that you trust and are happy to share that you are trying to fall pregnant, it can make the festivities it a little easier. They can be a little side-kick when it comes to navigating a difficult conversation, buying (non or low alcoholic) drinks from the bar and a bit of emotional support when you need it.
4. Share your feelings
Take time to share your feelings with your partner (or a loved if you’re trying to conceive independently). Let yourself feel any emotions that come up. Allow yourself at these times to feel sad, frustrated, envious or flat. Trying to conceive is a major life event and you are entitled to these feelings.
5. Manage your interaction with alcohol
It is so great that we are seeing more non-alcoholic drinks on the shelves and in bars these days, even the grocery stores are stocking a wide range of non alcoholic wines, beers and even mocktails that taste good too. Finding one that you enjoy will help you stick to the choice of not drinking alcohol. If you are feeling like you would like to enjoy an alcoholic drink, try and go with a low alcoholic drink, and stick to one or two.
6. Nourish your Yin
Be kind to yourself by doing some things you really enjoy such as bush walking, going to the movies, getting a massage, planning a day trip, meditating or just immersing yourself in a good book.
Our Brisbane clinic will be open all through the Christmas and New Year period, so you can also jump online to book an acupuncture appointment to help you stay calm through this busy time of year – www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com.