“This post is brought to you by The Stork OTC and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.”
Infertility is a very common issue that women and men both struggle with. It is never easy knowing what to say or do when someone you love is struggling with infertility. You want to be a good friend and be supportive but you don’t know where to start and you don’t want to say the wrong thing to upset them even more then they already are. Here are some ways you can support a friend or family member struggling with infertility.
Get Informed
Do some research about infertility and the struggles that come with it. This is not to provide advice or options to your friend, she probably has done this herself, but to make you more aware of what she is going through. This will help you be there for her and to fully appreciate the emotions that are weighing on her. Most people don’t want to be told how to fix something, they just want someone to listen to them and offer a shoulder to cry on.
Don’t Complain about Your Kids or Pregnancy
The last thing that someone wants to hear is how your kids are driving you crazy or how sore your back is from being pregnant. You have every right to complain but please vent to someone else. Your friend with fertility issues would give anything to be in your situation so don’t rub it in their face even though that is not your intention. Also, be aware that your friend may want to skip your baby shower. It is nothing against you and your baby, it is just another reminder that this may not happen for her. Just try to be sensitive and understanding. I’m sure she is happy for you but she is also grieving for herself.
Don’t Bring Up Adoption
I know you mean well, but I’m sure your friend is perfectly aware that adoption is an option. This is a decision that couples have to come to on their own and it is not an easy one. It can be very expensive and is a very long process. Try to keep your opinions to yourself and let your friend go through as many fertility treatments as she wants until she either gets pregnant or she is ready to give up that route. Giving up the idea that you will never have a biological child is like losing a loved one and people need time to grieve the loss of that child before they can even think about adopting a child.
Ask Her what She Needs
If you don’t know what you can do, just ask! Does she need someone to watch her older kids so that she can go to doctor appointments? Can you cook a meal or two and take it to her while she is going through treatments? Does she need someone to go to appointments with her for support? People don’t like to be a burden and will rarely ask for help so let them know that you are offering any help she needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility there are many options available to you. It is a very personal decision and one that you should discuss with your doctor. If you are having trouble conceiving you may want to look into the Stork OTC. This is a great option you can try before you move on to more invasive and expensive treatments like, IVF or hormone therapy.
The Stork OTC is a device that you can use in your home so there are no doctor appointments or prescriptions needed. It uses new technology based on cervical cap insemination. This smart technique puts the sperm at the opening of the cervix, optimizing your chances of conception. This is for people who are diagnosed with infertility, have tried months without success, or simply want to get pregnant more quickly; also if you want to conceive without intercourse (LGBT, disabilities, single women).
If you would like more information about ways you can support a friend with infertility, there will be a Twitter chat on Tuesday, September 22 at 1 p.m. ET, follow the #TheStorkOTC hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Vite. Three prizes will be awarded to randomly selected participants who answer the trivia questions correctly. Each prize includes a $25 CVS/pharmacy gift card! This Twitter mini chat is part of a special series held throughout 2015. You can find more information on the graphic below if this is something you are interested in.
The Stork OTC would also like to offer one of my readers the chance to try the Stork OTC ($79.99 value) for themselves or they can offer it to a friend or family member who may have use for it. This is open to US residents only. To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Let us know how you would support a friend struggling with infertility.
Carrie Smith says
I would be there for her, pray for her, and like you said, stop complaining about my child! It took us well over a year for #1 and we have been trying almost that long for #2. I can’t complain because I know a lot of other people have been trying for a lot longer, but it does hurt when a friend complains to me about being pregnant, or about how they don’t know if they’re ready for another baby. They do to have bad intentions but it still stings. Thank you so much for the chance to try this awesome product!
jodi bradshaw says
i am the family member that faces infertility. my family doesn’t ask questions about me having kids anymore. if it happens it will happen
Melissa M says
I would stay by their side and talk to them whenever I could.
Charity L. says
I have a friend who is struggling right now. We talk about it and I listen to her explain her doctor visits and what might be next. If I win, I will offer this to her.
Stacey Roberson says
I would let them know that I care and am there for them for anything they need. I would do my research and be supportive.