Hi lovelies,

Deciding to start a family is always going to be a huge step. Both exciting and painfully overwhelming, it’s an experience like no other. One of the best things you and your partner can do is to plan ahead and expect the unexpected. 

Here are some of the main challenges you are likely to face when starting a family as well as the top solutions. 

1. Fertility
Fertility issues are incredibly common and affect roughly 7% of women and 10% of men. Due to its prevalence, there are several options out there which can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and not seen any luck, it might be time to get some tests to see if there are any fertility issues. Once you know this for sure, you can begin to assess the different options.

One of the most popular fertility treatments, due to its high success rate, is in-vitro fertilisation. Your first steps will include selecting a fertility clinic such as advancedfertility.com, as success rates can vary depending on where you go.

Other fertility treatments include surgeries, artificial insemination and assisted contraception.

Selecting a treatment is a personal journey depending on your particular issues as well as your needs.

2. Finances.
One of the greatest concerns everyone is faced with when starting a family is: how am I going to afford this?

There is no perfect number to define when you’re ready to start a family. It all comes down to what’s affordable and realistic for you. What you can do is consistently put money aside, where possible, and start saving gradually over time.

Other worries might include: when can I go back to work? Should I get a part-time job to tide me over? How will we afford childcare?

In terms of returning to work, this is something you will decide when the time comes. The good part is - it’s all within your control. If you think you might want to stay at home with your baby for longer, make paying off any outstanding debts a priority. 

You could also think of some creative ways to earn money on a part-time basis while not returning to full-time employment, such as starting a blog, selling artwork or anything which fits around your busy schedule as a full-time parent. The nature of work is becoming ever-more flexible, so use this to your advantage.

The final and perhaps most crucial point is to know your rights. This doesn’t just mean your maternity package, but child benefits and grants you could be entitled to. There are several benefits in place for unemployed people or those on a low income, so rest assured that there are always options in place for you to fall back on.

3. The fear.
Is this really happening? That moment where it really hits you; whether that’s from the moment you and partner decide to start trying, or the moment you get that positive pregnancy test, it’s terrifying.

Make time for yourself and continue doing the things you love. When planning to start a family, it, understandably, becomes the central focus of your life. To stay on top of your mental health and be your most happy, confident self, make sure you keep concentrating on you as well.