How to Stay Positive while Trying to Conceive – 8 Tips for Coping with Infertility
Remember when you and your partner decided to start your family? Like most couples, you probably began your journey with a romantic evening of lovemaking. Of course, those evenings were fun and enjoyable. But when the weeks of trying turned into months and then into years, it was easy for you to get discouraged and wonder when it would be your turn to become a parent.
Though it is a positive step to seek the help of a fertility specialist, you already might be highly stressed and concerned when you reach out to book your first appointment with a fertility specialist.
Even after starting treatment, your plan of care still can have its ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster of the infertility journey.
Staying positive while trying to conceive may not be easy, but it is possible. Often, all it takes to achieve a positive state of mind is a few tips and practices that you can incorporate into your lifestyle and daily routine.
We have compiled suggestions to help you feel more in control, to relax, and to enjoy being in the present. You can achieve a positive frame of mind even while experiencing the uncertainty of infertility, treatment procedures, and the stresses that accompany the emotional roller coaster.
Staying positive does not mean that you can not ‘feel’ your emotions or anxiety. Doing so can be a good release before turning a page towards a new, more positive attitude.
8 Ways to Stay Positive While Trying to Conceive
If you are having trouble staying positive while trying to conceive, we recommend you explore the following methods:
- Boost your fertility education
Boost Your Fertility Education
One of the key elements of incorporating a positive fertility outlook is becoming an informed patient.
Infertility patients can access numerous educational resources to help them learn about the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. HRC Fertility’s website (www.havingbabies.com) has this type of information as does the following patient-oriented educational sites from some of the leading patient and professional organizations:
- RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association www.resolve.org
- The American Society for Reproductive Medicine www.asrm.org
- WebMD Infertility and Reproduction Health Center https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/default.htm
Create a Fertility Plan
One of the benefits of educating yourself about treatment options is that the process will also help you and your partner formulate a family building plan.
Many fertility patients feel better about the ups and downs of their journey when they know what they can expect based on the advice of their doctor and their financial and emotional boundaries. For example, a couple and their doctor could agree to a certain number of IUI cycles before moving to IVF, or a certain number of IVF cycles with the future mom’s eggs before considering egg donation or another third-party option.
Having a fertility plan that allows for flexibility can put your mind at ease because you know your journey will have a beginning, middle, and an end.
Feel the Pain
Trying to stay positive does not mean you can’t or won’t feel your pain. Expressing your emotions, including anger, sadness, and pain, may be one of the best ways to feel more positive.
Many of our patients seek the help of a fertility mental health specialist. A therapist can be a sounding board to whom you can reveal all your thoughts and feelings without a filter. He or she can also provide much-needed advice about navigating your journey and dealing with relationships and other stress points.
Please ask us for recommendations for licensed, reputable fertility mental health professionals.
Meditation for Fertility
Whether you are coping with infertility or another life challenge, you might find an outlet like meditation to be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.
Meditation is a practice achieved by using a technique such as mindfulness or conscious breathing to achieve a peaceful and calm state.
Patients can find an online tool, such as the app Calm, or take a course where you can integrate mind-body techniques like yoga. You will learn how to be focused on the moment and relax as you face your challenges with a positive outlook.
Get Infertility Support
Having a circle of support composed of family members and friends is essential when you are going through infertility. Everyone needs someone to talk to who is non-judgmental and a good listener. Even if none of your circle has experienced infertility, they can be an excellent source of support.
Of course, finding other women who are fellow travelers on the same journey can provide comfort, guidance, and inspiration. Talking about your struggles can be empowering and uplifting. So find ‘your people,’ the ones who will understand and empathize with you.
Practice Self-Care
Women often put the needs of everyone ahead of themselves. When you are feeling stressed, you need to put yourself first. You must put on your oxygen mask first before being able to help others.
Find the little things that make you happy like indulging in a trip to the beauty salon for a makeover, treating yourself to lunch at the fancy new restaurant down the block, or taking long walks in a scenic location.
Prepare Responses for Fertility Questions
Be prepared to answer questions when others ask about your baby-making plans. Know how you will respond when someone wants to know why you don’t have kids or inquires in a much too personal and intrusive way.
Select a Fertility Clinic that Will Support You
At HRC Fertility, we not only know how to provide expert care and treatment to help you get pregnant, but we also know how to help you emotionally. Every member of our team will be there to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide a shoulder to cry on if that is what you need. Whether you are one of our patients or go to another clinic, you should expect nothing less from the provider you choose. You should feel supported during every step of your journey.
Have questions about infertility? Contact HRC Fertility today to speak with a fertility specialist.
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