Trying to conceive and not succeeding can be disheartening, to say the least. How can you continue to hold your head up high each month?
Here's how:
- Become as knowledgeable as possible about conception and, if diagnosed, your cause of infertility. Knowledge is power and will help you feel in control.
- Read, read, read about your infertility situation -- everything from the literature in your physician's office to online articles and recommended books.
- Include completely unrelated reading materials in your life, such as humor, fiction, mystery, etc.
- Talk to others who are going through what you are experiencing, whether in our Forum or in "real life". Compare notes with them on how they've weathered the journey.
- Make sure you are seeing a bonafide specialist. See other How to's and Related Features to be sure.
- Develop good communication with your specialist. Feel comfortable enough to share what you are learning and ask the simplest or most complex questions of your doctor.
- Find at least one member of your family or one close friend with whom you can share your experiences, outside of your marital partner.
- Keep a journal of your experiences.
- Develop and nurture any creative tendencies that come naturally: writing, visual arts, music, home decorating, crafts, etc.
- Invest in learning new ways to be creative.
- Tend to your needs to nurture regularly in the following ways:
- Spend time with the children of other family members or friends.
- Volunteer or work in helping professions such as foster care, hospitals, childrens' museums.
- Care for pets and plants.
- If you are spiritual or religious, find comfort there.
Tips:
- It may help to look at your infertility experience as a point of re-creation for yourself and your life.
- Avoid self-pity. It will only make you feel worse.
- Give some thought early on to how far you are willing to go for a baby, and revisit that thought periodically.
© Tracy Morris
