Surviving the Two-Week Wait: Advice from a Fertility Doula

The Two Week Wait, the time it takes after your embryo transfer until you can determine whether or not you’re pregnant, may sound short but can feel much longer. Christie Dabney, an experienced IVF case manager and fertility doula, has seen thousands of patients go through this agonizing Two Week Wait and has some advice for getting through it below.

1. Try to stay busy

Whether it’s diving into work, focusing on a hobby, or booking up your social calendar, try to spend more time you engaging with other parts of your life. If you can, spend time with supportive family members and friends to help pass the time a little more easily. It’s important to remember that you are a person with a life outside of trying to conceive, so try to have your calendar reflect that.  

2. Getting some fresh air can help

Research suggests being outside in nature can reduce our stress level, muscle tension, and even our heart rate and blood pressure. Time in nature can help your body relax when your mind might find it difficult to. Finding a moment to get outside, whether it’s eating lunch in the park, or maybe a walk along the water, can help make your day feel a little lighter.

3. Maybe take a break from the internet

While the internet can be a wealth of knowledge, it can also lead you down a rabbit hole. Reading about every possible scenario, or worse, getting information from an unreliable source, may be more harmful than helpful for your mental health. Try to find some activities that keep you off of your phone, and maybe hit snooze on the Reddit notifications for the next two weeks.

4. Find a chance to schedule some self care

You have already come a long way in your fertility, from your first consultation to your embryo transfer. You deserve to take some time to take care of yourself. Maybe book yourself a massage, acupuncture appointment, pedicure, something for you to look forward to that might make you feel a little lighter. 

However you spend the next two weeks, you don’t have to go through it alone. Getting support from your family and friends, your partner, your doctor, your fertility doula, or a therapist can make all the difference. Call or text our team at the pharmacy to learn more about how we can help you grow your support network.