When someone you care about is having fertility problems, it can be hard even to say the word “baby” around them, much less choose a conception-related gift. There are times, though, when you might really want to let them know how much you care. Maybe it’s your best friend, sister or even your own spouse you want to show support for. If it’s someone you’re truly close to, they’ll appreciate knowing that you’re pulling for them during this difficult time. Here are some gift ideas that will show a couple trying to conceive that you wish them the best.
Fertility symbols
Fertility symbols make good casual gifts, since there’s nothing terribly intimate them. Both members of the couple can enjoy home decor like Kokopelli, the hump-backed flute player of the American Southwest or Aku’Aba, the woman-shape fertility figure of the Ashanti people of Ghana. If you’re looking for a gift specifically for the woman, though, consider fertility jewelry. LaBelleDame.com has some lovely fertility jewelry, including a beautiful fertility tracking bracelet. Remember, though, it doesn’t have to be labeled “fertility jewelry” to carry meaning for the wearer. Fish symbolize fertility in China and parts of the Middle East, while turtles represent fertility to some Native American nations.
Baby-making humor
A little well-placed humor can help take the edge off the stress of infertility. Would you believe there are coffee mugs and T-shirts out there with “trying to conceive” themes? There are and they’re available at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com.
Books: meditations and healthcare
Books about fertility and conception can generally be grouped into two categories: those that deal with the emotional and spiritual aspects and those that provide information on reproductive health. From the former group, there are books like Pennies from Heaven: 101 Meditations for Couples Trying to Get Pregnant by Frances Stone and Philip Stone or, for the more religious, Hannah’s Hope: Seeking God’s Heart In The Midst Of Infertility by Jennifer Saake. For women more interested in the physical practicalities, you might choose a book like Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler. There’s even a quarterly magazine for couples hoping for a baby: Conceive Magazine (www.conceiveonline.com).
Dietary supplements
There are a few herbs around that have been clinically proven to support fertility and promote reproductive health. Some for women are chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil, and dong quai (Angelica sinensis). For the gentlemen, choices include pumpkin seeds, astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). A number of packaged supplements are also available for men, among them Proxeed (www.proxeed.com) and FertilAid for Men (www.fertilaid.com). Be careful giving nutritional supplements, though, because some may worsen certain health conditions or interfere with prescription medication. If you want to give herbs to a woman who’s trying to get pregnant, but you’re unsure of her exact health status, give raspberry leaf tea mix. This tonic is safe for almost anyone.
Aphrodisiac gift basket
This gift is more fun than utilitarian, but it should bring a smile to the faces of just about any couple. Although most of the effectiveness of aphrodisiac foods has to do with their shape or texture, in many cases they do actually contain substances that support reproductive health or increase desire. You can order a lover’s gift basket at GiftGourmetBaskets.com or make your own. Include bananas, figs, oysters, avocados, and if you can afford them, truffles. And, of course, don’t forget the chocolate dip and strawberries. Seeds like pumpkin seeds, anise, or fennel or anything that resembles eggs are also good bets.
Fertility monitoring aids
Women have quite a few choices when it comes to products for keeping track of ovulation and hormone levels. A digital basal thermometer helps a woman predict ovulation based on body temperature. Fertile Focus (www.fertile-focus.com), a saliva-based fertility monitor, helps pin-point estrogen surges. On the pricer end on the scale is the ClearBlue Fertility Monitor, which provides information on levels of two different hormones and rates current fertility as low, high, or peak. If the couple you’re buyng for has been trying for a while, though, they probably already have most of these. In that case, they might appreciate as less common gift like fertility monitoring software.
PreSeed Intimate Moisturizer
Obviously this one is only appropriate for someone you know very well, but it could be quite a useful gift. Because anxiety over trying to conceive causes many would-be mothers to experience dryness, many women who are trying to get pregnant use personal lubricants. The problem with this is that these products usually contain chemicals that harm sperm. PreSeed (www.preseed.com) is different in that it was developed specifically to provide a pH balance and salinity level that are healthy for sperm.
Choosing a gift for a couple trying to conceive requires thought and sensitivity, but there are few better ways to show your support. Whether you opt for a fun, casual gift like a fertility figurine or a “baby-maker” coffee mug or you get right down to business with a good fertility monitoring aid, your gift just might help bring another life into the world. In any case, your show of support is sure to be appreciated.
