Infertility Awareness Week
Did you know that 1 in every 10 couples will struggle with infertility?
One day, a random person came up to me and my toddler and asked, “so, when are you poppin’ out another one?!”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I literally burst into tears before I could even verbally respond. I then said, in a sassy tone, “We’ve been trying for 1.5 years. So hopefully soon, not that it’s any of your business.“
My Lessons from Infertility
This lady had no idea that I had gone to our fertility specialist at 7am that morning and got some not-so-great news. She had no idea that I wanted more than anything for my daughter to have a sibling. And she had no idea that I was taking hormone medications and pretty much anything could send me into a meltdown at any given moment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The journey was rough and at times, seemed unbearable. Especially because we had no issues with our first. Who knew secondary infertility was a thing?! Not me. However, I learned SO many life lessons through this trial that I wouldn’t change for the world.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I know that everyone’s journey to having a family is different. Whether you get pregnant quickly, need IUI, IVF, adoption, surrogacy, or simply get to love on your nieces and nephews, we are ALL mothers. And we all need to be here for each other. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re struggling with infertility, I see you. I hear you. And I feel for you.
My fertility specialist once said “Whether you struggle for 6 months or 6 years, it hurts.” Let’s try to be a little kinder. A little more mindful. And a little more supportive of each other.⠀
Also, let’s try not to ask people if/when they are going to have a baby to avoid awkward meltdowns. Has anyone else bawled in front of a stranger? Just me?
The Sleep Fairy Community's Advice
I reached out to our community last week during Infertility Awareness Week and asked, “How can we best support those going through infertility?” Of all the responses, these were the top five:
Never ask someone when they’re going to have kids. Just don’t ask it to anyone with or without fertility issues.
Just LISTEN!
Don’t give advice or have “toxic positivity.” Just say things instead like, “I hear you. I am so sorry. I love you.”
Reach out on special occasions such as Mother’s Day, dates of procedures, or even due dates for lost babies.
Allow space for secondary infertility grief. It’s an often unseen struggle.
There is strength in women strengthening women. No matter what your phase of motherhood, or soon-to-be motherhood, or hoping-to-be motherhood, we hear you and support you wholeheartedly.