What to Do Before Starting Fertility Treatment: 3 Ways to Feel Ready

Joe Cody
May 30
3 min read

If you’re about to start fertility treatment, you might be feeling a mix of hope, anxiety, and maybe even information overload. While the medical side of treatment will soon take center stage, there’s a lot you can do before it begins to set yourself up for a more grounded, supported experience.

Here are three simple, non-medical ways to feel more ready as you take this important step:

Create a Personal Ritual to Start or End Your Day

Before your calendar fills with appointments and medications, build a small ritual into your routine that centers you. Something that has nothing to do with fertility.

It could be:

Brewing your morning coffee and sipping it without your phone
Writing one line a day in a journal
Going for a short walk with music or a podcast you love
Lighting a candle and taking five deep breaths every evening

woman meditating — Centering yourself can have profound impact on your mental health during fertility treatment

This kind of daily rhythm gives your nervous system something steady to hold onto. Starting now means it’s already in place when things get more intense.

Name Your Support Circle and Set the Tone

Before treatment starts, take a few minutes to think about who you want in your corner. You don’t need to share every detail, but letting someone know you’re beginning this process can make a huge difference.

Your support circle might include:

A close friend who’ll check in after appointments
A partner who helps with planning and logistics
A therapist or coach who gives you space to talk about it all
A support group, group chat or online forum of others going through the same thing

woman talking to friend. — Finding your circle of support can make the difference during fertility treatment.

Take this time to also set some boundaries. Think about what you’re comfortable sharing, what kind of support you want, and what’s off-limits. The sooner you have that in place, the easier it is to avoid unwanted pressure or advice later on.

Make a “Joy List” and Keep It Handy

Starting fertility treatment doesn’t mean pressing pause on everything else that brings you joy. In fact, now’s the perfect time to make a list of small things that help you feel like yourself so when you need a lift, you don’t have to think twice.

Some ideas to get you started:

Rewatching a comfort show (yes, even for the 10th time)
Cooking something indulgent just for you
Listening to a playlist that makes you feel strong or soft
Hanging out with a pet, a niece/nephew, or a friend who energizes you

woman writing on couch — Remember what makes you happiest, even when things aren't looking up.

Making something with your hands like painting, knitting, baking, whatever grounds you

Put your joy list somewhere visible such as on your fridge, in your phone, or next to your fertility folder. Start doing these things now so they’re already part of your self-care toolkit once treatment begins.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Fertility treatment can feel like a full-time job but you don’t have to carry it all yourself. Meeting with a Grain Fertility Patient Empowerment Coach before treatment begins can help you feel more confident and supported. Our coaches are experienced fertility nurses who can walk you through what to expect, help you get organized, and provide emotional support from day one.