How did you know you were ready to TTC?

[staycaysandvacays]

When did you "feel ready" (I know it's different for everyone) and why?

Did it take longer or quicker than expected?

DH and I have decided to start in just over a year and in my head I know that makes the most sense (DH has 3 exams to take over the next year and they are very expensive and time intensive and we have two big holidays planned over the next 13 months) but I feel so broody.

It's kind of come out of nowhere. I have always adored children and always known I wanted DC but as time goes on it's such a bizarre feeling! In my head I know now isn't the right time but it also feels weird to wait! I'm not explaining myself that well but would love to chat to others in a similar position/those who were in a similar position.

Also, love to all those who have or are struggling. I hope this post isn't triggering x

We knew we were ready because we were in a good position financially (owned a house, stable jobs, paid enough that we wouldn't struggle to afford mat leave/baby things) and had done everything we wanted to do without children around. We knew we would go into it with no regrets and that anything we still wanted to do could be done with children around.

Initially we had planned to spend a year or two after getting married doing lots of travelling. But then covid happened and we didn't want to wait out the pandemic, then do the travelling and then start TTC. We realised that the kind of travel we wanted to do would be doable with children or we wouldn't be that devastated if it never happened.

So we started to TTC pretty soon after our wedding (October 2020) and conceived the first month we tried (end of December 2020). I was pretty taken aback and had intended to lose weight and improve my general health in the first few months of trying.

I'd go so far as to say I really suffered from broodiness when I was single. It was an actual physical ache... but DP and I just got engaged and now I feel a bit like... oh my god... could I be a mum in 18 months?!

I'm in my 30s already so I do feel that I don't particularly have time to wait.

I want to try and save like mad, take folic acid, lose some weight and go on a nice holiday first.

Thanks @RecklessBlackberries - we own our home which is family sized and we both have good jobs and great salaries.

The main thing for us is travelling and DH's exams. We want to do our pre kids holidays (which are booked and on the cusp of booking the final one) first. I completely know why we've chosen this but equally super broody! A year will fly by anyway so need to soak it up and enjoy all our plans.

We got married in the pandemic too! Around the same time as you. Hoping it doesn't take us too long to conceive too when we start trying ☺️

@ohjimmy it felt like a physical ache today! First time I've felt like that.

I'm 30 soon but don't feel pressure from that age at all. Do want to start trying in around a year though so fingers crossed everything is fine.

Congratulations on your engagement! 🎉