Any recommendations on what I should do while waiting to start TTC?

[somegirlontheinter]

My SO and I are turning 30 this year. We still need to get married (low key, low cost wedding) and go on some hiking trips around the US (therefore ideally can’t take a baby) and save up enough money to feel financially stable.

We will probably start TTC when we’re 33. So until then, I’d be grateful for any suggestions on what I can do to occupy my time?

Should I start reading parenting books? I’m not too interested in Montessori and all that kind of stuff. I’ll just raise the baby as SO and I were raised as we’ve done quite well.

Should I put together a list of what we need for the baby?

Should I look for nurseries and schools and enquire about waiting lists?

Should I put together a list of what we need for the baby?

Should I look for nurseries and schools and enquire about waiting lists?

No you will have time for that if you get pregnant. It is 3 years until you are planning on starting trying. Hopefully it won't be a lengthy wait for you after that but it can take people years.

Your fertility is already declining sadly.

Have a lovely wedding, but if you went children I personally really wouldn't wait.

@LonelySock

Your fertility is already declining sadly.

Have a lovely wedding, but if you went children I personally really wouldn't wait.

I know but I’m not in the right place to have a baby right now.

Seriously nothing - just go and enjoy these years together.

Agree with others; do not do anything except maybe be nice to your friends who are already parents! You might be in the same boat they are now in a few years and it's nice to have support from other parents and also it is just nice to know you supported them while you could.

Just enjoy yourselves and maybe don't take a tonne of drugs or drink loads, but I'm guessing you aren't that sort of couple

I would suggest becoming really familiar with your natural cycle if you aren't already. If you're on birth control like the pill or IUD, stop it now as it can take quite a while for cycles to normalise for some people after stopping it. You could use a cycle tracking app to record your cycle lengths and do ovulation predictor tests or track basal temperature to understand when you're ovulating and look out for symptoms. That way when you are ready to conceive you are really in tune with your body and it will hopefully happen quickly :)

Great advice about familiarising yourself with your cycle. Look into what you can do to maximise your egg quality - most people will start taking folic acid at a minimum of 3 months before trying to conceive. Research some basic blood tests that can be done by your GP before you start trying to rule out some common reasons people fail to conceive - thyroid levels, vitamin D deficiencies, AMH, etc. It starts with the egg by Rebecca Fett is a good book.

You should have fun, plan your holidays and sort out a wedding. Don't worry about kids yet till you want to ttc. Or sensible things to do are to stop smoking (if you do), make sure you are healthy, and save some money.

Hey OP, it sounds like you are very excited to have a baby. Would you consider moving the TTC date forward?

I’m similar (although hoping to start TTC in about 18 months) but really recommend coming off the pill if you’re on it. I came off the pill last March and I’m only just back to normal now.

Don’t wait! Eggs are declining all the time.
Be aware it can take years to conceive even if you do everything right.
Tackle any general health issues, weight, nutritional deficiencies, stress etc.
Start as soon as you can.