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Helping a Loved One Through Infertility

http://www.miami-obgyn.com/helping-loved-one-infertility/ Nothing is as joyous as sharing the news of a new pregnancy, but for our loved ones suffering with infertility, our celebrations can create a strong sense of loss and emptiness, even if they are happy to hear your great news.

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Helping a Loved One Through Infertility

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  1. Helping a Loved One Through Infertility (305) 270-2331 | inquiry@miami-obgyn.com| www.miami-obgyn.com

  2. Introduction • Nothing is as joyous as sharing the news of a new pregnancy, but for our loved ones suffering with infertility, our celebrations can create a strong sense of loss and emptiness, even if they are happy to hear your great news.

  3. Introduction • So, as friends and family, how can we show our support to those going through infertility? • Here are a few sympathetic steps to take towards being attentive, sensitive, and encouraging.

  4. Always include and invite ...even if you think they won’t come. • You might find that it’s common for your loved one suffering with infertility to decline invitations to events like baby showers, or birthday parties. • These occasions can often cause painful emotional triggers, so they chose to stay away.

  5. Always include and invite • That doesn’t mean we, as a strong support system, should not extend the invitation anyway. • Our loved ones need to know they are always included, but be understanding if they chose not to attend. • If that is the case, extend an invitation for coffee, lunch, or anything that does not involve children.

  6. Always include and invite • Conveying to the other person that we are available and sensitive to their feelings and needs gives them an “emotional out” that many sufferers will find comforting.

  7. Ditch the clichés • Even if you have the very best of intentions, for some, hearing “everything happens for a reason,” just doesn’t cut it in the sympathy department. • Remember that your loved one is going through one of the most difficult challenges they will ever face, so the best thing to do is to take their lead.

  8. Ditch the clichés • If they feel like joking, joke with them. If they feel like crying, be there with the tissues. • Avoid other phrases such as “maybe it’s for the best,” “it will happen when it happens,” and “don’t stress.” Has anyone ever felt less stress after being told NOT to feel stressed?

  9. Introduce loved ones to others in similar situations • Many people suffering with infertility can feel like they are alone. • Sometimes, going to a support group with strangers can be more daunting than helpful. • When having a conversation with your loved one, ask if they know someone else going through infertility.

  10. Introduce loved ones to others in similar situations • If they don’t, and you happen to know someone else that is, offer to play friend matchmaker. • Remember, it’s never polite to discuss the details of another’s infertility journey without speaking to them first, so before you make the first phone call, talk about what you can or can’t say.

  11. Introduce loved ones to others in similar situations • Sharing the often not talked about experiences of infertility with someone who understands the process may give your loved one the confidence to talk more openly about their situation. • Even if the new friendship doesn’t evolve, it speaks volumes to both parties and shows how much you care.

  12. Don’t push alternative paths to fertility. • By this point, your loved one has learned everything there is to know about IUI, IVF, surrogacy, adoption, sperm donation, egg donation, etc. • Your job as a support system is to allow your loved one to make the decision on how they want to become a parent on their own.

  13. Don’t push alternative paths to fertility. • Even if you yourself have found one way more successful than another, remember everyone’s quest to parenthood is personal, and it’s okay if you don’t understand their path.

  14. How are you feeling, today? • The sometimes painful stages of infertility are ever changing and ever evolving. • Letting your loved one know they have a sympathetic (or even empathetic) ear is usually more helpful than any advice you could give.

  15. How are you feeling, today? • Understand that their personal journey through infertility is just that — their journey. If they are comfortable enough to open up to you, listen intently and thoroughly. Most importantly, never push.

  16. Got Questions? Contact us! (305) 270-2331 inquiry@miami-obgyn.comwww.miami-obgyn.com

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