National Infertility Awareness Week

This past week was National Infertility Awareness Week. While I have not been shy about our troubles and our IVF since becoming pregnant and having Hampton, I will admit that I haven't gone out of my way to announce it on facebook. Did I need to do that? Absolutely not. Did I want to be open about it and make others aware? Of course. So, I decided that this week was as good as any other time to "come out of the closet" about our IF. I wasn't very specific, but I feel that I was able to put some things out there to catch people's attention. And boy did it! I had several friends contact me via private message thanking me for sharing, and a few of my online pals and I had a nice "discussion" about adoption on one of my posts. I thought I'd share with my readers here what I had to say this week.

4/24: Today kicks off National Infertility Awareness Week, which is spearheaded by Resolve: The National Infertility Association (www.resolve.org) and runs April 24 - May 1. With 7.3 million Americans diagnosed with infertility, chances are that your sister, your friend, your cousin, or your coworker is experiencing infertility. As the mom of an IVF baby, this cause is extra close to my heart, and I continue to pray for others that are still waiting for their turn.

4/25: National Infertility Awareness Week-Words of Wisdom :) Day 1- Don't ask people when they are going to have a baby. Not only is it rude, it's none of your business. You don't know what someone is going through, and you could be asking in the middle of a treatment cycle or even right after a pregnancy has been lost. Even those not having fertility issues want to keep this information private. If someone wants you to know they are trying to have a baby, they will! Check out www.resolve.org for more information on National Infertility Awareness Week!

4/26: National Infertility Awareness Week-Words of Wisdom :) Day 2- Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. It is not karma. It is not given to bad people. It IS NOT "God's way of saying you're not supposed to be a parent." 1/3 of infertility can be attributed to male factors and 1/3 to female factors. The remaining cases are unexplained or a combination of problems in both partners. www.resolve.org

4/27: National Infertility Awareness Week Words of Wisdom :) Day 3-Infertility is a very painful struggle. Offering empty platitudes like "just relax" and “my friend so and so adopted, and Bam! She got pregnant” can be much more hurtful than helpful. A simple “I wish I knew what to say" and taking the time to listen is really what is needed. Visit www.resolve.org for more info on National Infertility Awareness Week

4/28: National Infertility Awareness Week Words of Wisdom :) Day 4- Using fertility treatments (and there are MANY different options of treatment) does not automatically equal 6, 7, or 8 kids. Because the media glamourizes stories like Jon & Kate's and Octomom's, there is quite the misconception that IF treatments means many babies. The goal of fertility treatments for most couples and responsible doctors is 1 baby! That's just not as interesting to talk about. For more information on National Infertility Awareness Week, visit www.resolve.org

4/29: National Infertility Awareness Week Words of Wisdom :) Day 5- Seeking medical treatment for infertility is very expensive. So is adoption. While adoption is not as physically painful, it is just as emotionally and financially draining. Each can also come with it's own heartache-no success/miscarriage or failure to get matched/birth mother changing her mind, etc. Before suggesting that an infertile couple "just adopt," know that 1. they are already aware of the option and 2. it is not that easy of a solution!

4/30: National Infertility Awareness Week Words of Wisdom :) Day 6- It is not your fault that a friend or family member is dealing with infertility, and you shouldn't be made to feel that way. Do be considerate when talking about your pregnancy and/or kids, though. I know, it doesn't seem fair, but think about it this way: You wouldn't go on and on about your healthy parents to a friend with a sick parent or one who has passed away, right? You would be there for them, to support them, talk and listen. Same thing applies!www.resolve.org for more info on NIAW

5/1: It's the last day of National Infertility Awareness Week. As you play with your kids today, or tuck them into bed tonight, please take a minute to empathize with the millions of couples out there struggling to achieve what you have. Don't think you know anyone who has dealt with or is dealing with infertility? If you are reading this, you know someone affected. Praying for my friends still waiting for their miracles.

IF awareness has really been on my heart recently. I've been praying about what God is trying to tell me... Until I figure it out, this will have to do!