Flip The Script Video By Fertile Girl

I love love love this #flipthescript video by @fertilegirl for #niaw🙌🏻🎉💕While trying to process my emotions and grief my mind wanders to the thought of “everyone is pregnant and staying pregnant but me!” But as I have been trying to reach out to others I see how many women are also struggling just like I am. This video is amazing. Please watch!

Do you relate to this video???

Infertility 101

I had no idea how little I knew about infertility until I was facing it head-on. In case you are still learning about infertility, have questions, or trying to support someone else who is struggling with infertility here are some facts:

1. Infertility impacts 1 in 8 families in the U.S. Infertility impacts family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
2. Infertility is a medical diagnosis. It is a very real disease and there may be multiple factors of a family’s inability to conceive.
3. 7.4 million women, or 11.9% of women, have ever received any infertility services in their lifetime. (2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC)
4. Approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, is unexplained. (www.asrm.org <http://www.asrm.org/>
5. Approximately 85-90% of infertility cases are treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% need advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). (www.asrm.org <http://www.asrm.org/>)
6. Most people struggling with infertility receive no coverage from their health insurance. This inhibits many people being able to move forward to treatment to resolve their infertility. The lack of insurance coverage and huge out-of-pocket costs create large barriers to grow a family.

I wish I would have known these very real facts before I knew infertility would affect me so that I could have better supported those around me. Infertility is a medical disease and often a very lonely one. Let’s all love and support each other. We need to #FlipTheScript of infertility and start some conversations.

If you have more questions I would LOVE to have a Q&A about infertility or if you have any questions for me specifically. Ask your questions below!

Four Things I Have Learned About Infertility

-4 Things I Have Learned about Infertility-

1- HONOR YOUR FEELINGS: Infertility is so difficult. There are lots of tests, doctors, and decisions. Infertility can bring lots of emotions like: grief, jealousy, anxiety, anger, depression, fear, and overwhelm. Do not let yourself think you shouldn’t feel a certain way. It is ok to feel all of those hard, good, and sad emotions. Be aware of how you are feeling and what your mind and soul are telling you what you need. Feel them, be kind to yourself and move through them.

2- GET EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: A great way to help you work through all those big emotions is to find some emotional support. Find some good friends that you trust, that love you, and will help you honor and move through your feelings. Sometimes I have felt like I need a third party someone to talk to, but that could relate to me. I hope this Four Hearts Project will feel like a safe place to get emotional support. I am always hear to talk. Please DM, or email me any time! You are not alone!

3- BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE: I truly believe knowledge is power! Study about infertility, research to find the best doctor and specialists for you, learn about treatment options, etc. No one cares more about your fertility than you. Get a second opinion. Speak up and use your voice. You are your best advocate.

4- and most of all…. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE STRONG. YOU ARE BRAVE. PEACE WILL COME.
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What would you add to this list that you have learned?

Flip the Script - National Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. Because of my second ectopic pregnancy in January, it is still surreal that I am struggling with infertility, specifically secondary infertility. After having 2 healthy babies I never thought this would be my reality. I am so grateful for my kids, and I still mourn for the babies that we have lost.

1 in 8 couples are affected by infertility. Chances are that you or someone you know is struggling. So why don’t we talk about it more? Why are so many women and couples suffering alone silently? Why is there so much shame surrounding infertility? This week gives an opportunity to break down the stigma and barriers surrounding infertility.

Infertility is an emotional rollercoaster. It is full of heartbreak, shattered dreams, and lost expectations. Your sense of self-worth is shattered while anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness set in.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” -Brené Brown

This week I am going to try and be vulnerable by owning my story. The last 2 years, and especially these past few months have been so difficult and dark. I have sobbed from the depths of my broken soul. But, I have also felt the power of letting light in and putting my broken pieces back together. My hope is that by sharing my story I will find more meaning and purpose in it and that we can all support each other.

I encourage you this week to share your story of infertility and read others. Support those around you who are struggling with infertility. Let’s #FlipTheScript of infertility and bring each other into the light. I will also be sharing facts about infertility, resources, brave stories from other women, and have a fun giveaway starting tomorrow. Tag your friends below that might benefit from this strong community. 💪🏻💕