Managing infertility and fertility treatment is painful in many ways, but what can be especially difficult is how lonely and isolating the experience is. Even with a strong support system, women facing fertility challenges often find that their experiences are specific and unique. It’s difficult to feel understood when no one around you, even your most trusted family and friends, understands what you’re going through.
Many women navigating IVF and fertility treatments seek out communities to build connections with others who are managing similar experiences. These groups can offer hope and comfort while also reducing the stress and anxiety you feel while navigating it on your own.
In this piece we will explore some of the ways community can be an effective source of relief and positivity on a fertility journey.
Support and Connection
Infertility is painfully lonely. It may feel like everyone you know has a big happy family or is expecting a baby, while you are stumbling through treatment and facing disappointment. Finding a safe space to connect with others who really get the turbulent ups and downs of fertility treatment can help with the feelings of shame and inadequacy that are common. The special camaraderie with a fertility community can offer reassurance that the complex emotions you are experiencing are shared by many.
Related Read: Your Fertility Toolbox
A Place to Share
You may have friends and family in your life who are genuinely interested in your treatment, but it can be exhausting trying to explain the details of your appointments, medications, and cycle calendar. When you have a community of fellow fertility patients to talk to, they already understand the lingo and jargon, so you immediately feel understood and can comfortably share more openly.
Resources and Information
Another benefit to participating in a community is learning from others and their experiences. Many women use these groups as a resource to learn tips and ideas that can make fertility treatments easier and less intimidating. A community of people who are navigating fertility treatments can demystify many of the complex procedures and treatments offering more confidence and a sense of familiarity.
Related Read: The Emotional Roller Coaster Of IVF
Sources of Hope
What most women are looking for in their fertility community is hope. It’s natural to crave a connection to someone who has been through a similar experience and had success. It is empowering to see that others have been able to endure the challenges of fertility struggles and found success and happiness. Sharing a community with others can offer optimism that you too will soon be successful. And when it is finally your turn to celebrate a positive test or important milestone, no one will be cheering louder than your fertility community.
When enduring a struggle such as infertility, it’s so important to remember that you are not alone. Finding connection with people that can share similar challenges, feelings and stressors can be a powerful tool in increasing your confidence and conviction that you are on the right path to build the family you are dreaming of.
If your IVF or infertility journey is leaving you feeling disjointed, frustrated, and isolated – let’s talk. Working with an IVF coach can offer you resources and opportunity to express your true feelings and connect with someone that really understands what you are experiencing. Find more on my Private Coaching opportunities here.
