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Stage 2: Going Through IVF
Once you’re in the thick of IVF — injections, monitoring appointments, the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for numbers — having the right tools and support around you makes a real difference. Here are some things that can help you get through it.
📚 Books to Help You Through It
Knowledge can be grounding when you’re overwhelmed. These books were written for people going through exactly what you’re going through.
It Starts with the Egg
A must-read before and during IVF. Rebecca Fett breaks down the science of egg quality and what you can actually do to improve your chances.
The IVF Journey
A compassionate, practical guide walking you through every phase of IVF — from your first consultation to the two-week wait.
A Gentleman’s Guide to IVF
And because our partners are along for this crazy ride too, I’m adding A Gentleman’s Guide to IVF for anyone whose partner wants to learn more about what IVF actually involves. It can be hard to know how to help when you’re watching someone you love go through all of this, and sometimes understanding the process is a good place to start.
💊 Supplements & Wellness
Always check with your doctor before starting anything new. These are commonly recommended during the stimulation and retrieval phases of IVF.
CoQ10
One of the most recommended supplements during IVF prep. Supports mitochondrial energy in eggs and may improve egg quality. Always consult your doctor on dosage.
DHEA
Often recommended for poor responders. May help improve ovarian reserve and response to stimulation medications. Doctor approval required.
Prenatal Vitamins
A high-quality prenatal with folate (not just folic acid) is essential throughout your entire IVF journey — before, during, and after transfer.
Vitamin D3
Low Vitamin D levels are linked to lower IVF success rates. Many women are deficient without knowing it — worth testing and supplementing.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Supports embryo development and reduces inflammation. Look for a high-quality, third-party tested formula.
🌿 Comfort & Self-Care
Injection days, retrieval recovery, the two-week wait — your body and mind need extra care right now. These are things that genuinely helped.
Sharps Container
A must-have for injection days. Safely dispose of needles at home and keep your space organized during stimulation.
IVF Journal
Document your cycle, track appointments, process your emotions, and celebrate every milestone — big or small.
Adult Coloring Books
A calming way to keep your hands and mind busy during the two-week wait or recovery days. Meditative, low-effort, and genuinely relaxing.
The Woobles Crochet Kit
Pick up a new skill during the slower days of your cycle. Crocheting is rhythmic, portable, and gives you something to create while you wait.
🛒 Misc — Things That Helped Me
These are the little things I didn’t see coming — the everyday items that quietly made a difference when everything else felt so overwhelming.
Large Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during stimulation is so important and easy to forget. A big, marked water bottle helped me hit my daily goal without even thinking about it.
Shot Pain Reducer Set
Daily IVF injections were one of the hardest parts of my routine, but using a shot pain reducer set made each poke a little less painful and a lot more manageable. Having that small tool to soften the sting also eased some of my anxiety, helping me feel more in control of a really overwhelming process.
Ivf Medication Organizer Caddy
An IVF medication caddy helps keep all of your medications, syringes, needles, and supplies organized in one place when your treatment schedule starts to feel overwhelming. Having everything together makes those daily injections a little less stressful and helps you feel more prepared and in control.
Reusable Gel Cold Compress for IVF Shots,
Tiny ice packs can help numb the injection area before your IVF shots, making the process feel a little more comfortable. When injections become part of your daily routine, anything that makes those needles a little easier is worth having nearby.
Welly Bandages
Welly bandages are perfect for covering those little injection spots while adding a bit of color and fun to an otherwise not-so-fun part of IVF. When your belly feels like a pincushion, a cute bandage can be a tiny reminder to give yourself a little extra love.
Liquid I.V. Sugar Free Hydration Electrolytes
Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Hydration Electrolytes are an easy way to stay hydrated during IVF, especially on days when you have appointments, blood draws, or just aren’t drinking enough water. Keeping electrolyte packets nearby makes it simple to give your water a little extra boost when your body is already going through so much.
