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The Pressure to Become a Mom
You're engaging with friends, laughing, and having a great time. When suddenly, the vibes shift when the conversation changes. They continue to ask the same questions over and over: Do you want to have kids someday? So, when are you going to start trying? How many do you want? Suddenly, you feel a pit in your stomach. Social gatherings start to feel stressful and emotionally draining. How do you explain the pressure you feel when this topic comes up, especially after trying for so long? Infertility is often a private battle made even harder by societal expectations. Let’s explore the
Infertility Stigma and its Impact on Mental Health
Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, yet it's still a subject surrounded by silence, shame, and misunderstanding. Both men and women can experience infertility, but the stigma they face can often differ. The societal pressures and misconceptions don’t just affect how individuals feel about their bodies—they can deeply impact mental health, relationships, and self-worth. Infertility Stigmas Between Men and Women For women, infertility is often framed as a personal failure. In many cultures, femininity and womanhood are closely tied to motherhood, and when pregnancy doesn’t come easily, women may internalize blame. They might face subtle (or outright) suggestions that they're
Coping with Infertility: Setting Boundaries
Infertility is an incredibly personal and emotional journey and navigating it can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, pushing us to feel in more “extremes” than we are used to feeling. One of the most challenging aspects of infertility is managing how much to share with others about our experience. Whether it’s family, friends, or acquaintances, everyone seems to have opinions, advice, and questions, and though often well-intentioned, its sometimes overwhelming, and occasionally…invasive! During this time, it’s crucial to set healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being AND protect important relationships. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about
Kandi’s IVF Journey
When it comes to women's health, it's essential to be educated on the body's natural processes. But I would also like to recognize the real women who have first-hand experience with fertility complications and treatments. When brave women share their stories, it reminds us that we do not have to bear any burden alone. Kandi Matherne is a wife and mother who experienced fertility complications and has shared her story with us. I enjoyed gaining insight into Kandi's IVF journey and how it led to her beautiful family. Kandi's Story In 2006, Kandi found out that her fallopian tubes were
The Emotional Toll of Infertility: Managing Stress and Mental Health
Stress and infertility are deeply intertwined. The emotional toll infertility has on expectant parents is immensely draining. From hormonal imbalances to lifestyle factors, the impact of stress on reproductive health is complex and often underestimated. By understanding this connection, you can empower yourself to manage stress and improve both emotional resilience and the chances of getting pregnant. What is Stress? The World Health Organization defines stress as worrying caused by a difficult situation. Infertility is a complex process that branches into many possible stressors. Some may find it difficult to accept that they cannot conceive naturally. For women, it is
Old Wives’ Tales for Infertility
Ava rolled over in bed as she heard the familiar “ping, ping, ping.” It’s 1:00 am? Who’s texting me? She grabbed her phone off the nightstand to see her group chat light up. Emma B: Oh my gosh, so sorry for the late/early text but my brain’s going 100 miles an hour after my appointment today, and I know I’m not the only one here with insomnia. Anyway, has anyone heard of/tried acupuncture… Ava clicks the silence notifications button, darkens the screen, and sets the phone back down. Been there. Done that. After tossing and turning she gives up and
Fostering Hope Calligraphy Event
Hopeful Mama Foundation in collaboration with Lovely Little Light recently held, "Fostering Hope," a coping calligraphy workshop hosted by Goldfinch in Marion, IA. During that afternoon, women came together to learn a new skill while having the opportunity to truly slow down and create new connections. The event saw a heartwarming turnout of women who had the opportunity to learn the basics of calligraphy from Ana, the owner of Lovely Little Light. Learn a little more about her: Hi, I am Ana: a full-time teacher and business owner. "If you’re familiar with my business, then you know my love for lettering +
