We had our Frozen Embryo Transfer back in May of this year and there are a few things that I wish I would have known beforehand that we were told after or figured out on our own. These tips are based off our personal experience. Listen to your doctor's advice and do what you feel is best for yourself.
Before Your Frozen Embryo Transfer:
Write down your medication dosages, set alarms for when you need to take your medications & store them properly and near one another. Also be sure to write down when you took your medications so you can be sure that you are following your protocols to the best of your abilities.
If possible, take time off of work! Take off 2-3 days of work after your transfer to rest and recuperate.
Line up someone to drive you home from the fertility clinic.
The Day Of Your Frozen Embryo Transfer:
Confirm your appointment time with your Designated Driver and be early to your appointment to fill out any paperwork your clinic may have for you.
FILL. YOUR. BLADDER. (I didn't do this fully and it made our FET pretty uncomfortable-- not impossible, just uncomfortable)
Meditate, say positive affirmations and write your feelings down. Keep your mindset in a positive place and try your best to reduce any stress from your life.
The Days Following Your Frozen Embryo Transfer:
Rest. Rest. Rest. Kick your feet up and let your partner treat you like a princess. (Our clinic calls the rest days following transfers "princess days" to remind you to take it super easy and let people help you!)
Meditate, say positive affirmations and write your feelings down. Keep your mindset in a positive place and try your best to reduce any stress from your life.
Fill up your Netflix watchlist, borrow a few books from the library, download podcasts you're behind on, grab some adult coloring books, crochet a blanket, and fill your "schedule" with things you can do from your bed or couch.
Get outside. It's amazing what fresh air and sunlight can do for your mental state. Go on short walks or sit outside and read for 30 minutes. (Yes, you're supposed to be resting, but you also need to get up and move your body!)
Surviving the Two Week Wait:
Plan activities and date nights for you and your partner NIGHTLY for the next two weeks. (I recommend using my friend Amberly's Date Night Book with 300+ date night ideas! Use the code SADIE for 25% off!) Having something to look forward to each night will help the time pass quicker.
Meditate, say positive affirmations and write your feelings down. Keep your mindset in a positive place and try your best to reduce any stress from your life.
Get outside. It's amazing what fresh air and sunlight can do for your mental state. Go on short walks or sit outside and read for 30 minutes. (Yes, you're supposed to be resting, but you also need to get up and move your body!)
RELATED: 10 Tips for Strengthening Your Marriage During Your Infertility Journey
When we went in for our Frozen Embryo Transfer, the doctor performing the procedure kept saying, "This is the most important thing we will do all day, so we want to be calm and get it right." And she was so right. It was the most important thing any of us would do that day. And recovering from our FET became my occupation for the next few days because we wanted nothing more than for that little embryo to stick. During our Two Week Wait, we tried to stay busy and keep our minds off of whether or not it worked. I wrote a TON in my Infertility Journey Journal from Good Grief and did my best to stay calm and cool and collected.
RELATED: How the Good Grief Journal Changed My Infertility Experience
Please remember that if your FET doesn't take, it's not your fault. Sometimes embryos just don't take. Don't give up hope. Stay calm and positive. You've got this, mama. You can do this. You are worthy of being a mom. You are capable of being a mother. Your body is not broken. You are strong.
