Infertility Awareness: Insights, Support, and Guidance

At BIBS, we believe in supporting and guiding parents through every step of their journey, including those facing the often-challenging road of infertility. In honor of Infertility Awareness Month, members of our Parentboard graciously shared insights from their personal experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and undergoing fertility treatments.   

We know that talking about these sensitive topics isn't always easy, but we believe that shining a light on the realities and emotions surrounding infertility can provide empowerment and knowledge for others embarking on their own path to parenthood. 

Emotional Rollercoaster  

Embarking on the IVF journey can be intense, filled with moments of guilt, sadness, and the pressure of time. It's important to be mentally prepared, acknowledge these feelings and find ways to cope with the ups and downs, knowing that you are not alone in experiencing them.  

"It's okay to feel sad when you hear that your close friends are expecting babies. Do not feel ashamed of this feeling." 

"Every period while you are trying is heartbreaking. I had no idea how much that would affect my daily life and emotional state when I started the process. You try all the vitamins, temperature monitoring, and ovulation tests, and every negative pregnancy and period is a punch in the gut."  

"Discovering how hard it really can be to get pregnant, after spending years trying to avoid it, can come as a shock." 

Balancing Personal & Professional Goals  

Choosing to prioritize your fertility journey alongside personal and professional aspirations can be difficult. It's essential to listen to your gut, trust your instincts, and find a balance that aligns with your values and desires, understanding that each person's journey is unique. 

“It's an unfair situation for women to feel like we must choose between personal and career goals. We tried for years then paused during a job transition. Now that I'm starting again with a fertility clinic, I wish I had listened to my gut earlier and kept the process going." 

Support & Relationships  

A strong support system is crucial in navigating infertility and finding solace, empathy, and guidance from your partner, trusted friends, and family who understand. At the same time, it's important to balance privacy, carefully choose who to involve and when to discuss your fertility treatment, and manage potential expectations and pressures.  

"I wish I had been more secretive about my treatment. I was very open during my IVF treatment, so many expectations came from everywhere, which wasn't ideal."

"Keeping a few friends and family in the loop helped a lot. It's precious to talk and share feelings when you have bad or good news."  

"I wish I would have talked more to my partner about the treatment and the importance of his presence when the insemination was happening." 

Finding Strength & Acceptance  

Finding strength, acceptance, and self-care is vital throughout the IVF process. It's important to explore alternative care options, prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, and be gentle with yourself during this lengthy and demanding process.  

"At the end of the day, it is you and your body that will have to go through it, so listen to yourself and your intuition. You know what's best for you." 

"Don't underestimate the power of alternative medicine like acupuncture, pranayama, meditation, health coaches, and functional physicians." 

"Do what makes sense for you and what makes you feel good. The process can be long, so don't be too hard on yourself. Remember to take care of yourself, be kind to yourself."  

By exploring the wisdom gained from our Parentboard, we hope to demystify the process, alleviate feelings of isolation, and provide valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions. Remember, while the road may be challenging, hope, resilience, and a community are waiting to support you.

Tags: Parentboard
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