Do you have a friend or family member struggling with infertility that you want to encourage? Or maybe you’re here because you need words of encouragement during infertility? With the newest statistics showing infertility affecting 1 in 4 women and miscarriages occurring in 1 of 3 pregnancies, the likelihood of someone close to you impacted by infertility is high.
We’ve been there…not sure what to say to encourage someone we love that is in the midst of all that infertility brings. However, as we have walked through our own infertility journeys, we have found words of comfort and encouragement that we want to share with you today.
Our hope is that these sentiments will help you meet the one you love where they are, lift their spirits and let them know, friend…you’ve got this.
Furthermore, if it’s you who is struggling, don’t you dare give up. We are cheering you on.
You are so strong and brave.
Telling your loved one that you see their strength and bravery as they continue down this path, will encourage them. It will remind them that they aren’t alone. Infertility journeys have ups and downs. Sometimes you are wading in the water and the next minute you’re gasping for air, about to drown. There is no easy road of infertility.
To go down this path requires strength and bravery that many don’t understand until faced with the same path. For that reason, you can encourage them by reminding them to:
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your heart.
Believe in your hope.
You are meant to be a mom, even if it doesn’t look like how you thought.
It’s so hard to give up control of how we want things to be and look like. For the founder of Hopeful Mama, Emily, she had entire motherhood planned out until she discovered couldn’t have biological children due to early menopause. Emily shares, “I was angry and thought how unfair it was that this was taken from me. But one day, I let go of the “thought” of motherhood. I realized that however I got there, it was going to be worthy. This allowed me to take my focus off of HOW and put all of my effort into making the journey.”
Sharing with your loved one that they are worthy of parenthood, regardless of how they get there, will bring a sense of acceptance and peace they so desperately need on this journey.
Also, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the thought around you (or them) not being worthy to have a child because your ability was “taken away.” Don’t believe that lie. Not for one second. Sometimes a no is just a redirection to a path that in the end, will be exactly what you needed.
A quote shared that we love; “It may be raining now, but it can’t rain forever. Your miracle is waiting.”
I’m sorry.
Sometimes, a simple “I’m sorry” can be more impactful than anything else. It allows your loved one to know you care and that you realize the pain and grief they are experiencing without expecting any explanation from them. Even though it’s a short phrase, its impact can be substantial.
Your story has worth.
Share your own journey with them.
Many times, this allows those struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to have solidarity. It encourages their hearts to have hope, even though patience may be required and a difficult path ahead. Hope is one of the only things we can control during infertility and it’s something no one can ever take away from you or them.
Share your hope.
Share your story.
It will remind them that they are truly truly alone.
Feel all you need to feel, for as long as you need.
The pressure that those going through infertility feel is immense.
- Pressure to get pregnant.
- Pressure to do all the right things for a procedure.
- Pressure to not mess up the medication dosing and timing.
- Pressure to not do anything wrong that would hinder an implantation.
- Pressure to be ok sooner than they are ready.
- Pressure to process their grief how people expect, instead of processing their grief in the way that is best for them.
Reminding them that it is ok to take all the time they need, helps to remove all those pressures. It allows them to sit in their emotions and know someone is sitting with them, supporting them, and waiting with them as they navigate these stormy waters.
So, we wait with you as you wait with them. After all, we were never meant to walk this road alone.