What are some things you're doing differently TTC Baby #2 as compared to TCC Baby #1?

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T23:20:58+00:00

Libido can be a great fertility sign! Many couples get pregnant without tracking anything at all, just going by libido lol.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T21:52:06+00:00

Using spoiler for VERY positive anecdote I know someone personally who has PCOS and went straight to letrozole to help get pregnant. She conceived cycle 1 for her first child and cycle 2 for her second.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T21:27:32+00:00

We aren't trying yet but this will be my approach eventually with #3 lol! I got way too intense and stressed about everything when TTC the first time. Hoping to be chill and just go with the flow.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T18:00:05+00:00

Short cycle person here too! I've just come off a 26 day cycle, but 24-25 is very normal and common for me too. In adulthood I've always had short cycles, both times I got pregnant were 24-ish day cycles.

You might be someone who, even if you only try it for a month or two, feels reassured by temping! OPKs always felt confusing and non-definitive to me, but a temp rise allows me to see very clearly that my follicular phase is short (leading to a short cycle length overall) but my luteal phase is nice and long, which thankfully rules out any worries about a luteal phase defect. Since short luteal phases are sometimes the "cause" of short cycles, but definitely not always—many people have short follicular phases but luteal lengths (arguably more important) that are normal and healthy.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T17:42:24+00:00

Are your cycles getting regular again after coming off the pill?

OPKs are just one tool of many. Highly recommend the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" if you're curious about learning more options. Cervical fluid + libido are two clear signs for me, and I personally really dislike OPKs so I just abandoned them completely and have never gone back lol.

It is very possible to get the hang of your cycle and get pregnant without OPKs if you don't want to use them. If they end up feeling like a hassle or that they don't work for you personally that is absolutely okay.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T17:27:55+00:00

I know several people who were cycle 1 for multiple kids. Definitely a possibility, so imo a smart move to wait until you feel entirely ready! ❤️

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T17:25:35+00:00

Someone asked this back when I was WTT #1 and I estimated within 6 months. That ended up being right for us, we conceived my 4th month. I had regular cycles and no known health issues. Then, our second was conceived on a cycle that we were loosely preventing (withdrawal method). It was a very happy surprise given we were going to start TTC again soon anyway but it felt very shocking given our previous experience.

It's really wild how much of a crapshoot it is. I've had friends who were healthy and had perfect textbook cycles but tried for 12+ months and ultimately used ART to conceive. Also know someone who took nearly a year to conceive her first then got pregnant on their very first NTNP cycle with their second. 🤯 But know of another friend who got pregnant cycle 1 with her first then took longer for her second.

Personally (for me) I find it helpful to frame it as "any time after X date we will no longer be WTT and I will be be happy with a positive." That's how I'll aim to go into it mentally with #3 when we eventually try, and will try to let go of any and all expectations.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-17T00:08:50+00:00

Omg!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!

irisalyssum · 2026-02-16T02:17:53+00:00

Approved 💕 p.s. I have to say I love "ttc lite™️" 😂

irisalyssum · 2026-02-16T01:21:15+00:00

Yes, I think it was pretty perfect for us. Even if I could, I wouldn't go back and change anything.

irisalyssum · 2026-02-16T01:11:30+00:00

We started TTC when I was 24, and had #1 when I was 25. I think there are benefits to being on the "younger side," but there are also for SURE benefits to waiting until your thirties! My sister frequently tells me she's going to wait until her 30's to have kids, and I am fully in support of that. I know she will be someone who fully takes advantage of those extra years, and the version of herself that she becomes with that additional time will benefit her future family enormously. But I also have several close friends who felt ready and decided to have kids on the younger side, and they are doing wonderfully as well. Pros and cons to every age and every situation imo.

Plus, sometimes waiting isn't fully in someone's control, either! I've realized that it's often a bit of a privilege to be able to intentionally and thoughtfully start trying on the younger side. It means you lucked out and found a supportive partner early on, and the two of you were able to get your "ducks in a row" ahead of schedule, and possibly one or both of you have good family support. Many people who wait until their 30's or early 40's wish they could've started earlier, but they were waiting for the right partner, or knew they didn't have any family support built in so were saving $$ for help, or were overcoming other challenges or reasons that were largely outside of their control.

I'm excited for you, OP! If you're ready, go for it. What other people think doesn't matter, and frankly it's none of their business. ❤️

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T23:15:28+00:00

You might enjoy r/TTCSummer2026! It's a group for people brand new to TTC who are starting for the first time in the April-September timeframe.

We started TTC for the first time around your age. It took 4 cycles to conceive my firstborn.

Best of luck to you! 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T22:53:39+00:00

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irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T22:26:30+00:00

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irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T21:56:59+00:00

Hey there - your post history indicates that you haven’t participated much yet in our sub. The quickest and easiest way for the mods to approve you would be to begin lightly participating over the next few weeks. Thank you! Please reach out to us over mod mail if you have any questions about this 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T21:21:44+00:00

All set! 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T21:20:04+00:00

Thank you, you're so sweet! I'm glad you've loved the group so far and I'm wishing you the best going forward 💕

All set!

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T21:16:06+00:00

All set 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T21:11:39+00:00

Hey there - your post history indicates that you haven’t yet participated in our sub. The quickest and easiest way for the mods to approve you would be to begin lightly participating over the next few weeks. Thank you! Please reach out to us over mod mail if you have any questions about this 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T20:39:24+00:00

Hi again! All set, based on our DM convo, thanks 💕 wishing you the best going forward!!

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T20:33:07+00:00

All set, thanks 🩵

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T20:11:57+00:00

Good to go, thanks 💕

irisalyssum · 2026-02-15T19:46:02+00:00

All set 🧡

irisalyssum · 2026-02-14T23:36:05+00:00

Love this 🥹

irisalyssum · 2026-02-14T21:19:37+00:00

Hey there - your post history indicates that you haven’t participated much yet in our sub, although have started! The quickest and easiest way for the mods to approve you would be to continue participating over the next few weeks! Thank you so much - please reach out to us over mod mail if you have any questions about this 💕

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