What if I told you that the most profound lesson I learned about trying to conceive didn’t come from a fertility doctor—but from a conversation about what happens when we die?

Stick with me. I promise, this isn’t a morbid post. In fact, it might be the spark of calm and confidence you need right now.

Recently, I stumbled across an article on Business Insider titled "I work for an estate planning company. Here's how I talk to my daughter in a non-morbid way about what happens if I die." It hit me right in the feels—not because I’m obsessed with wills or anything (who is?), but because it was about a parent, Casey Cohen, who decided to talk to his daughter about the hard stuff early on. He didn’t wait for a crisis. He replaced fear with facts and showed her that planning for the future, even the uncertain parts, can be an act of love.

So, what does this have to do with fertility and preparing for parenthood?

The Surprising Parallels Between Estate Planning and Starting a Family

If you’re on the path to trying to conceive, you probably already know it’s not all ovulation apps and Pinterest nursery boards. There’s SO much we can’t control. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your own hormones! 🙋‍♀️)

But here’s the twist: The emotional honesty that Casey used with his daughter is EXACTLY what so many of us need to bring into our own conception journey.

• Acknowledging uncertainty instead of pretending it doesn’t exist
• Having the tough conversations (with ourselves, partners, or support networks)
• Making a plan—not just for the easy stuff, but also the "what ifs"

It’s not morbid. It’s empowering.

The Power of Honest Conversations When You’re Trying to Conceive

I remember when we first started thinking about having a baby. There were moments of pure excitement—followed by waves of anxiety. What if it doesn’t work? What if my body doesn’t cooperate? What if this takes way longer than we hope?

Just like Casey’s daughter, I didn’t want the details sugarcoated. I craved reality—not worst-case scenarios, but a game plan rooted in truth.

So, we sat down and asked ourselves questions we’d sort of avoided: - What will we do if it takes longer than expected? - How do we handle setbacks, emotionally and financially? - What fertility options are out there—and what feels right for us?

I can’t overstate this: Facing the unknowns head-on made us stronger as a team.

Making the Plan: From Emotions to Practical Steps

When you start this journey with open eyes and open hearts, suddenly, the obstacles become a little less intimidating.

• We researched at-home insemination kits for more control and comfort (because clinical settings aren’t for everyone).
• We talked finances—how much are we willing and able to invest?
• We mapped out support systems, emotional and practical, for both best- and worst-case scenarios.

This is where tools like MakeAMom’s step-by-step guides and kit options made a real difference for us. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by choices, we felt empowered to pick the kit that matched our needs (for us, sensitivities meant exploring the BabyMaker kit was a total game-changer).

And, just like Casey’s approach to estate planning, the plain packaging and privacy-first mindset MakeAMom brings to the table helped us feel safe and seen—never judged.

Why Talking About “What Ifs” Is Actually a Radical Act of Love

Here’s the part that surprised me: The more openly we talked about our fears and hopes, the less power those uncertainties had over us. We learned to sit with vulnerability and even—dare I say it—embrace it.

If you take one thing from this, let it be this: Being honest about the unknowns of parenthood doesn’t jinx your journey. It protects it. It’s no different than preparing a will—not because you’re planning for the worst, but because you care so much you want to do everything in your power to make things right, no matter what.

Ready to Start Your Own Conversation?

If you’re on the road to conception, whether through traditional means, assisted technology, or at-home insemination, challenge yourself to talk openly with your partner, your best friend, or even just yourself. (Yes, you’re allowed to have a solo chat in the glow of your phone at 1 a.m.)

• Make a plan that feels both practical and kind.
• Research your options, including cost-effective, privacy-focused solutions—there are great resources out there, like MakeAMom’s guides and community.
• Remember: Honest conversations aren’t just about “the hard stuff.” They’re about building trust, comfort, and momentum for everything ahead.

What’s the one honest conversation you wish you’d had sooner? Let’s talk in the comments—because your story might just be the spark that helps someone else feel less alone.

You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it in silence.