In April, we celebrate National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), a time dedicated to shining a light on the struggles of infertility. If someone close to you is navigating this challenging journey, you might find yourself unsure of how best to support them. Thankfully, there are many meaningful ways you can help, both during NIAW and beyond.
What Not to Say
Sometimes, it’s easier to figure out what to say by knowing what not to say to someone experiencing infertility. Well-meaning phrases often do more harm than good, such as:
- “Just relax.” This suggestion, though well-intentioned, can place unnecessary blame on the person trying to conceive. Relaxation alone won’t lead to a pregnancy.
- “Just do IVF.” While IVF is a valuable treatment option, it’s not right for everyone, and it’s certainly not a quick fix with guaranteed results.
- “Just adopt.” This oversimplifies the emotional and financial complexities involved in adoption, implying that it’s merely a backup plan for those unable to conceive.
- “Everything happens for a reason.” While meant to comfort, this phrase can diminish the pain your loved one is experiencing and might reinforce their fear of never having a baby.
Tips for Providing Support
Here are some thoughtful ways to offer genuine support to someone dealing with infertility:
- Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions and let them know it’s okay to feel however they feel.
- Ask Questions: Show interest without making assumptions about what they’re going through.
- Be Sensitive: When discussing your own children or pregnancy, be mindful of their feelings.
- Check In Regularly: Keep in touch and invite them to share their feelings and experiences.
- Offer Distractions: Help them cope by suggesting activities that can take their mind off things.
If you’re unsure what your loved one needs, simply ask. Sometimes, a listening ear is the best support you can offer. Additionally, educating yourself about infertility is essential. For instance, this article on the mental health impact of trying to conceive dives deep into the emotional toll of infertility.
Aspire HFI and Infertility Support
Infertility affects not just those experiencing it but also their loved ones. Our team of specialists is dedicated to supporting families at every step of their journey. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit trusted resources like Hopkins Medicine’s fertility center or check out Make a Mom’s BabyMaker home insemination kit for practical tools to assist in the process.
Summary
Supporting a loved one during National Infertility Awareness Week and beyond is about understanding, empathy, and being there for them. Avoiding certain phrases and actively engaging with their feelings can make a significant difference. Remember, offering a listening ear and doing a little research can go a long way in helping your loved one feel understood and supported.