How to support your loved one during the infertility journey

It’s easy to underestimate the emotional toll infertility can take on individuals and couples. The intense pressure to conceive a child can place significant strain on relationships and create feelings of isolation, guilt and despair. To support a loved one facing infertility, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy, sensitivity and an open heart. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can support your loved one during the infertility journey.

1. Understand their emotions

Infertility can be an incredibly emotional experience, and it’s important to take your loved one’s feelings into consideration. They may feel angry, frustrated, sad, or any number of other emotions, and it’s okay for them to express those feelings. Listen to them when they need to talk, validate how they feel, and offer your support in any way you can.

2. Be there for them

Infertility can be an isolating experience, and it’s important for your loved one to know that they have your support. Offer to accompany them to doctor’s appointments or to talk to them when they need to. Being there for them can help alleviate some of the pressure they may be feeling.

3. Educate yourself

Infertility can be a complex issue, and it’s important to educate yourself on the topic. Ask your loved one questions about their experience, research the different types of infertility and treatments available, and understand the process they are going through. By educating yourself, you can understand what they are going through and be better able to offer support.

4. Avoid insensitive comments

Comments like “just relax and it will happen” or “you’re still young, you have plenty of time” can be incredibly hurtful and insensitive to someone experiencing infertility. Avoid making comments that may seem dismissive or dismissive of how they are feeling.

5. Celebrate milestones

The process of infertility treatments can be lengthy and emotionally draining, and it’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s a successful treatment or a positive test result, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these milestones with your loved one.

6. Don’t make assumptions

Infertility can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or health status. It’s important not to make assumptions about why your loved one may be experiencing infertility or what their next steps may be. Instead, ask them what they need and offer support accordingly.

7. Offer practical help

Infertility can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and your loved one may need practical help with everyday tasks. Offer to take care of their pets or children, bring them food, or help out with household chores. By offering practical help, you can alleviate some of the stresses they may be experiencing.

8. Check-in regularly

Infertility can be a long and difficult journey, and it’s important to check-in on your loved one regularly. Text or call them to see how they are doing, ask how their treatments are going, and offer to listen if they need to talk.

9. Don’t push

While your support is appreciated, it’s important not to push your loved one into anything they’re not comfortable with. Respect their decisions and their boundaries, and offer your support no matter what they choose.

10. Seek support for yourself

Supporting a loved one through infertility can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing as well. It’s important to take care of yourself by seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to support your loved one.

Infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey, but your support can make all the difference. By understanding their emotions, being there for them, educating yourself, avoiding insensitive comments, celebrating milestones, avoiding assumptions, offering practical help, checking in regularly, not pushing, and seeking support for yourself, you can be a source of strength and comfort for your loved one. Remember, infertility is a journey – it may not have a resolution, but with your support, your loved one can find peace and healing along the way.