THE IVF HANDBAG CHECKLIST

When you eventually start your IVF “adventure” you will be very excited and possibly, like I did, buy lots gimmicky IVF things like an IVF diary, calendar stickers, milestone cards Etc. Nothing wrong with those, crack on with these as they add fun to this shitty journey we're doing, BUT here’s what you’ll actually need to prepare for you handbag.

✅ A small cosmetic bag

To start you might be doing injections out of your home, if so you will need somewhere to hide the little pricks. There are some really lovely bags for this on Etsy my favourite place for all things.

✅ Pantyliners

I needed these in BULK. When you are using suppositories or pessaries. You rarely get told of the “mess” they leave behind and create. What comes up must come down! My pockets were always full of these.

✅ Spare pants

Due to the previous ”must have” you might need a few pairs of these. Pack them in your cosmetic bag and just be ready for being caught by surprise.

✅ Tissues

Yep, Carey one everywhere or a hanky. I started to think I wasn’t hormonal but I really really was. Sensitive is the word because as soon as someone said I was hormonal I either cried or saw red, or both at the same time. And nobody wants to have snot and tears screamed at them.

✅ Another small cosmetic bag 🤦🏼‍♀️

Yep! Another one is needed for the estrogen and delightful fanny or bottom rockets you will be inserting 2-3 times a day. I would say put them in your other bag but you’ll have so many of them you won’t have room for little little

delights.

✅ Wet wipes

Another lovely reason, but it’s for a tidy up. Simple as that. You’re going through very invasive and unflattering things right now so you can at least make yourself feel fresher.

✅ Snacks

The constant hormones boosted my appetite 10 fold! I was constantly wanting to snack. Like on permanent PMT! Healthy snacks and nibbles are a good idea.

✅ Phone

I know it’s rare that we have our phones anywhere but inches from us at all times nowadays but you’ll have reminders set on your phone for all sorts of “inserting”and also if the clinic calls you need to be there to answer.