#2. Build a support network
This may be just one or two people that you can call on when you are having a crappy day and need to vent, cry or scream. They may not completely understand how you feel but you trust them and they listen.
Consider counselling if you need to; infertility is one of the most stressful things you will ever go through – so be gentle with yourself and take the help when you need it.
Find support online – one AMAZING resource I recommend to all of my fertility patients is the Fertileground podcast by Spenser Brassard. She provides practical advice on how to adjust your mindset and how to cope with the emotional aspects of the journey. She also has a private Facebook group chat called Fertile Ground: Fertility Mindset & Magic where you can connect with other women going through the same thing.
#3 Keep Living
When you are on this journey, it is easy to put your career, education and any other life plans on hold to make room for the new baby. This will not magically make your baby appear.
Book a holiday, pick up a new hobby, learn Spanish, keep enjoying life and doing things for you – your sanity will thank you for it.
#4 Invest in a fertility acupuncturist
They can help to release stuck or repressed emotions, ease your stress, be a professional addition to your support network, all whilst working directly on your fertility at the same time. Win-Win!
#5 Healthy body equals healthy mind
I’m not going to lecture you, just gently remind you that sleep, wholefoods and exercise are beneficial not only to your fertility, but your mental state as well (which actually affects your fertility.) Sleep balances hormones, exercise releases endorphins that make you happy, and crappy food choices affect your moods. (All of this is more complex but we don’t have time for that today.)
Find the motivation to live healthy the majority of the time, but don’t go overboard – allow yourself that glass of wine or three when you need it.
Originally published here.
Sara Laharnar is the owner of Tree of Vida Acupuncture, a womens health clinic on the Mid North Coast. She is a passionate acupuncturist/herbalist dedicated to womens health, fertility and pregnancy support.
