Infertility impacts people from all walks of life: women in their twenties who expected to get pregnant without any effort; gay couples who cannot create biological children on their own; even couples who had one easy pregnancy but are struggling to conceive a second child. Though the causes of infertility are diverse, the pain caused by childlessness is the same. This is especially true around the holiday season, when you will find yourself surrounded by your friends and family members, many of whom have children of their own. Use these self care tips to make sure that the holidays can still bring you joy this year.
Don’t Be Afraid to Do What’s Right For YOU
You will be invited to many different gatherings and events this holiday season. Some might be directly related to pregnancy, like a baby shower or gender reveal. Others, even if they are labeled as holiday parties, could revolve around the news of who just announced her pregnancy or the excitement of passing around your cousin’s newborn baby girl. It’s okay to decline invitations to events that will bring you too much pain, anxiety, or disappointment. Don’t feel obligated to attend every party and paste on a smile while you hold back tears.
Prepare For Questions You Expect to Receive
Your Great Aunt Millie means well when she jokes about you and your partner needing to bring another baby into the family, and she probably doesn’t know that her comment tears you apart inside. You can save yourself those feelings of anxiety if you prepare answers to common questions ahead of time. If your family members and friends are aware of your struggle with infertility, prepare answers to questions that inquire about your journey. If the people in your life are still not aware that you are coping with infertility, and you’re not ready to discuss it, brainstorm answers to questions like “So, when will it be your turn to have a baby?” that redirect attention elsewhere.
Maintain Healthy Habits
It’s easy to get trapped in a holiday spiral of eating unhealthy foods, neglecting your workouts, and staying up too late. Just remember that you can feel your best emotionally when you treat yourself well physically. Try to stick to a healthy diet, hit the gym or jogging trails regularly, and get plenty of sleep. This will help you manage your emotions in a productive way.
Working with an empathetic and professional surrogacy and egg donation agency can also make a remarkable difference in your holiday experience. Open Arms Surrogacy and Egg Donation is located in Bradenton, Florida to provide essential fertility services to the men, women, and couples who need them the most. Open Arms is proud to offer complete care, guidance, and experience through every step towards becoming a parent. Call (941) 741-4994 to learn more and take control of your infertility this holiday season.
