Going through IVF while parenting *vent*

[Cherie]

Oh my gosh. How exhausting is it doing IVF with a child?

I've had about 2 appts per week with my FS for the last couple of months (2 IUI cycles, now doing an IVF cycle). He is a half hour drive away from me, and appointments are anywhere from 7am to 7.30am. So I have to get my son out of bed much earlier than he would normally be out, force brekky down him quickly (because it's too late by the time I get home from the FS and he'd be starving), then put him straight in the car, drive for half an hour, try to keep him occupied in a boring Dr's office, drive home again .....

I'm so tired of all of this. I think if this IVF cycle doesn't work I'm just going to give up, because I don't have the energy to continue doing this while DS is so little. DH isn't able to help as he needs to go to work and doesn't come with me to appointments, so it's all on my shoulders.

Thanks for the vent - I feel better now.

[briggsy's girl]

Cherie - i can only guess how much harder it is to make the appointments with a little tacker to have to organise. you have my every sympathy. i'm sorry i can't add more advice or suggestions - just wanted to let you know i'm thinking of you - and hoping tis is the last time you have to face these challenges!!

BG

[odette]

i did 4 IVF cycles with my twins who were 11 months when i did my first cycle when they were born and my last when they were 4 years old. This include taking them to those lovely scans, as well as FS appointments. They even came to pickup with me. I minded them whilst DH did his bit, and then he took over once he was done and i went in. We booked his appointment for an early, and mine for the later time so we didnt get left short!

I would suggest that bribery worked for me- lol!

Also i packed a lunch box with healthy treats for them and they ate that whilst they were with me at appointments as it kept them occupied. Also helped out with the early appointment hungers as well.

I also had something new for them to do when i had my appointments- a new sticker book, a pack of pencils etc. Even their leapster games. Kept them happy. If you can take a helper along with you as well, it really does help. Just someone who can keep an eye on them whilst you concetrate what is at hand.

When they were older i also bribed them that if they were good, they could get a treat on the way home.

Kids usually know when its important when to behave- and co-operate most of the time. My two are usually in your face devils, but they co-operated most of the time.

Good luck and it can be done, it just takes a bit more planning and fore thought!

odette

[Lisa :)]

Hi,

I am currently going through a IVF cycle and agree it's pretty hard work taking along my little boy 15mths old. The fertility clinic that I go to has a sound proof play area for kids beside the waiting area this makes appts easier. My DH comes along to all my appts aswell which makes things a little easier, don't know how I would cope if DH couldn't make the appts.

I have a feeling that this cycle did not work, got my periods early on day 4 after transfer still need to wait for a blood test to confirm. If we have to go through another IVF cycle I really don't think my husband can afford any more time off work, this might make things a little harder for me, guess I will takes lots of sacks with me and I think I might try that new toy thing that sounds like good idea.

Good luck with everything

[Sarah_H]

Zander had lots of breakfasts at the IVF clinic!! Instead of trying to feed him at home & deal with the car sick as well, I would pack him some breakfast in his lunch box & he'd have it at my appointments. The nurses always asked him what he had & were happy for him to sit eating his brekkie while they dealt with me. I did a lot of what Odette did as well - sticker books, paper & pencils, books, cars... Just anything to keep him occupied. I got a digital photo frame for my birthday & he like watching the photos scroll through on that too, so I made sure I changed what was on it frequently, so he didn't get bored with it.

[anney]

Oh Cherie, I agree. We weren't successful and I feel so much guilt for dragging DD around to endless appointments. It was less time I could spend with her doing fun stuff. But I always had things to entertain her and she was always really well behaved (but probably a bit older than your little one). Even now, when we have been finished for over a year, I mention a doctor and she says "mummy, is that the IVF doctor?"
It will all be worth it for you soon I hope.

[Willow]

Cherie, it must be really hard. I was very lucky - I saw my FS in the city on my work days so DD was never with me. Even appts for b/ts etc I managed to fluke and either fell on a work day or on a weekend DH could watch her and I went on my own.

Could something like this work for you? I'm not sure if you are working or not?