The infertility treatment journey is filled with highs and lows. Couples may feel positive and hopeful one day, and depressed and uncertain the next. It is often hard to anticipate what emotion will strike when, leading to additional stress. We are here to be a supportive partner throughout all of the ups and downs that lead to the greatest emotion of all—the unsurpassed joy of having your baby.

Recognize Your Feelings

Recognizing all of the emotions you will experience is an important part of your fertility treatment journey. There are practical things you can do throughout your treatment plan to make the entire experience easier.

• Now is the time in your life when you should focus on yourself. Cut back on the number of hours you spend working or volunteering. If you have children, it can be helpful to arrange help with childcare.
• Practice stress reduction techniques that have worked for you in the past. Journaling, meditation, yoga, reading, movie days, or adding naps to your day are all helpful strategies that can get your mind off your daily routine.
• A support system is invaluable. Reach out to friends and family who will be there when you need a shoulder to cry on, and when you are ready to go out and celebrate.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but really allow yourself to feel each emotion fully and without judgment. Accepting that this is an emotionally charged time in your life will help you manage the emotions as they arise, and make you stronger along the way.

Communication

Communication—with your partner, friends, and family—is paramount during this time, but recognize that it may suffer. Even the best, healthiest partnerships and friendships will be stressed due to the stress and emotions you are feeling. Keeping the lines of communication open can help. It can also be beneficial to remind yourself that you can choose how much information you want to share with the loved ones in your life. This is your journey—which pieces of it you share are completely up to you.

Here to Help

Our team of experienced fertility counselors is here to support you in a variety of ways. We can help you cope with the stress of treatment, improve relationships and communication with family and friends, provide referrals to appropriate resources when needed, and more. Often, patients find that simply talking through their feelings can provide a sense of relief. We are here to help you facilitate a sense of well being as you travel the path to parenthood.

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