Nothing worse than feeling like you finally tackled that hard thing, only to turn around and find yourself in another “oh shit, I really want control of this situation” kind of place again.
And let’s be honest, the TTC (trying to conceive, for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of being in the cesspool that is fertility internet spaces) world online LOVES to make you feel like you’re the problem. Like if you could just fix this, stop eating that, try this course, see this specialist, then you’ll finally get what you want. If you just have enough willpower.
When I was TTC for the first time, I did all the things. The Mucinex, the fertility massages, and I even considered cutting out entire food groups. Mind you, I had been in a really solid place with food before this. I had even opened a therapy practice dedicated to helping others heal their relationship with food.
And still, it didn’t protect me from the toxic infertility rhetoric we’re fed when we’re in it.
Thankfully, I had a close dietitian friend who gently said, “Ceara, pump the brakes. There is absolutely no research to suggest cutting ___ or ___ out of your diet is going to do anything.”
So, here are a few ways to protect your recovery while trying to conceive or going through fertility treatments:
Mental health walks
Not in a “do it or else” kind of way. Not for the steps. Just to exist in your body and give your nervous system a chance to breathe.
Identify a trusted friend (choose wisely)
The friend who got pregnant on the first try with all four pregnancies and says “just stop stressing” is probably not your person for this season.
Add things in, instead of taking things away
Talk to a non diet dietitian (seriously, reach out. I’m happy to connect you) about ways to support your body and your fertility goals without slipping back into restriction.
Step away from social media as much as you can
I wish I could say I followed this advice perfectly. I didn’t.
There are so many grifty grifters out there preying on women in this exact vulnerable place.
Try asking yourself, what do they gain by telling me this? The answer is usually money. Between conception masterclasses, Etsy psychics predicting your pregnancy timeline, and supplement “gurus,” it’s endless.
Find a therapist who understands both infertility and disordered eating
Yes, this is my shameless plug. We can’t help you get pregnant. And we would never promise that.
But we can help you stay grounded, connected to yourself, and more present in your life while you’re in the waiting. You deserve that.
So You Healed Your Relationship with Food… and Now You’re Trying to Conceive
