If you’ve ever struggled with infertility, you’ll know that sinking feeling in your stomach every time you get yet another baby shower notification.
Perhaps you’re still considering the options of IVF South Africa and its healthcare industry has available. Other couples decide to take a break from the whole fertility issue. But you still need to deal with the rest of your social circle.
How can you be happy for your friends and family and hide your own sadness at the same time?
5 Ways to Cope with Infertility When All Your Friends are Having Babies
It’s important to deal with the feelings you’re experiencing regarding infertility. Here are a few things you can do differently.
Tell People
Couples who struggle with infertility often make the decision to not share this part of their lives with friends and family. Society leads you to believe there is something wrong with you when you don’t, or worse, can’t have children.
The stares, the whispers, the raised eyebrows and the gossip by other people only add to the hurt that the couple is already feeling. By telling your friends and family about your challenge, you’ll at least avoid those irritating questions about when “it’s your turn”.
Limit Your Exposure
When your friends and family all seem to be having babies and you find yourself surrounded by babies at every corner, it can all become a little overwhelming. The answer isn’t to avoid those people in your life, but sometimes it’s necessary to limit your exposure.
For your own emotional well-being, it’s perfectly normal to want some time for yourself.
Consider a Support Group
When people suggest that you consider a support group, it might again make you feel like there is something wrong with you. But, this isn’t the case. View a support group as a way of finding your tribe.
A support group will put you in touch with people who are experiencing the same issues and dealing with the same issues that you’re dealing with. It’ll give you an opportunity to talk about your feelings without dealing with the stares and fake understanding of other people who don’t really ‘get it’.
Allow Yourself to Feel
Remember, no one can tell you how you should feel. Give yourself permission to cry, scream and be angry. Once you start identifying and feeling your emotions, you’ll get closer to finding the peace you need to move forward.
Find an Outlet
While your friends are planning baby showers and shopping for the nursery, you might feel that you have nothing to do that fulfills you. Find an outlet that gives you something or somewhere to channel your emotions. This can be a hobby or volunteering at an animal shelter or an old age home. Anything that gives you something positive to focus on.
In Conclusion
In essence, most people struggling with infertility won’t have an easy journey. It’s filled with heartache, resentment and a bevy of other emotions. It’ll be easier to cope with this journey if you take charge of your emotions and find ways to keep yourself strong. Find your tribe and fill your days with positive activities. You CAN get through this.
