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It's a common question I get whenever I'm in a conversation with someone, "when are you going to have another child?"
Well folks, we have an announcement to make; we are trying for number 2 and have been for 2 months now! =)
I was contemplating whether or not I should announce this, after all people usually only announce after they were successful and not the long arduous process to get there. Granted we didn't start trying for a baby till not that long ago but the disappointment after each time you discovered that you got your period is still the same. You must understand also that we were one of the lucky few who had my baby girl within the first week of going off birth control so needing time to conceive is still quite foreign to me.
But then I thought, why do we only celebrate the successes but never the process of getting there? We should also enjoy the process, it's more enjoyment every night without the worries if ya know what I mean :P
Also, I wanted to document my next pregnancy right from the beginning as I didn't get to document my first pregnancy (this blog wasn't "born" yet you see).
So ever since I announced to people that we were in active baby-making mode, I've been paying particular attention to tips given by others, from what I've read and from my own observation. Here are some:
1) Start Early
It's a well-known fact that the younger you are, the healthier your eggs are and the more likely you are to conceive. I'm a BIG advocate of getting married young and having kids young. It's really much easier. Of course if you haven't found Mr Right yet, I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to those who are at a marriageable age, who have known each other like forever and who are more than ready to settle down. Yes, you. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
2) Eat Right
This is following the practices of traditional Chinese practitioners who believe in keeping your womb "warm" in order to aid conception. That means no cold drinks and definitely no caffeine. Hmm... time for me to cut down my intake of ice cold Coke Light? =(
3) Relax
Stress reduces the chances of conception but it's really hard to avoid it when you're a full time working mother. The solution? Remind yourself to take a breather and start trying earlier (see #1)!
4) Enjoy Sex!
Although this is still contentious, some research has shown that there is a positive relationship between female orgasm and fertility. The contraction of the womb and the release of a hormone called oxytocin during orgasm is believed to help in the retention of the sperm and thereby increasing the chances of fertilisation. Whether that's true or not, it's always good to have an awesome time with your partner every night isn't it ;)
5) Visit Your Gynaecologist!
Find an expert who could better advise and help you in your journey to having a baby. There is really no shame in having a baby through IVF if that's what you really want. I applaud those of you courageous women who were willing to brave the daily hormone injections to see your dreams come true. You deserve my deepest admiration!
However, having said this, I still strongly believe that every baby is a precious miracle from God. While we can try our best, we should also trust in God's divine plan for our lives =)
For those who are trying for a baby like we are, let's keep on keeping on! My prayers are with you that God will grant you the desires of your heart =)
P.S: While I'm very happy that the government is giving us more money and other privileges, these incentives are definitely not our main reason for having more children. But it's still good to know that we have a chance to benefit from it =)
