Infertility Awareness Month/Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. I haven't shared much about our journey and extended effort to get pregnant. It is a private topic of conversation, so I try to only talk to people about it if they ask me questions or hint that they want more information. Even though many of my personal journal entries are consumed by the topic I have only written on the topic 1 other time in a public forum.

I would feel horrible if I let this week go by without any recognition, because part of the problem with infertility is that it's a topic and idea that causes many men and women shame and embarrassment and therefore isn't widely discussed. The more information gets out about infertility the mores support can be given to those struggling. TRUST me the topic needs more support!

I can quickly recognize that I am one of the lucky ones because there are many friends and family members who have been wonderful supporters for me through my ups and downs. Thank you! I know the prayers of those people are a big part of the reason I am doing as well as I am right now. I am not saying each failure isn't disappointing, but I have definitely gotten past feeling ashamed, anomalous, or isolated. I owe all of that to the Lord! I am learning to learn from the trial, but there are many other men and women who continue to struggle with those feelings on a daily basis. Infertility tests your physical stamina, emotional balance, mental health, and spiritual beliefs. I don't even want to think how I would be doing if I didn't have loving supporters and a testimony of Christ to help to carry me though the rough patches. My heart aches for those not as fortunate as I.

There are many myths about infertility, so this year the theme of the week is "Bust a Myth." If you are interested in learning more or would like ideas of how to support men and women who are struggling with infertility there are many great resources in many different forms. Of course, I am happy to answer any questions you feel comfortable asking. I don't consider myself an expert, but I can share feelings, ideas, experiences, facts, and bust quite a few myths along the way. I love the LDS/Faith centered book Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing by Kerstin Daynes, LDSInfertility.org is another faith based resource, and RESOLVE.org is the National Infertility Association's website which is very informational.