Strategies for Navigating Mother’s Day While Dealing with Infertility

Facing Mother’s Day while navigating infertility can bring a whirlwind of emotions. For many, it’s a difficult reminder of unfulfilled dreams and longing for a child. However, with mindful strategies and self-compassion, it’s possible to navigate this day with resilience and grace. Hopeful Mama supports you on your journey and we encourage you to honor your own unique path towards parenthood.

Here we offer 7 strategies for navigating Mother’s Day while dealing with infertility:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions on Mother’s Day. Allow yourself to experience whatever comes up for you, whether it’s sadness, frustration, or even moments of joy.

“It’s ok to feel the feelings. it’s ok to be sad and to allow yourself to feel sad. Motherhood is something you yearn for so immensely, that it is a hard day to cope with. So let yourself feel the feelings!” – Robin | HMF Volunteer

Set Boundaries: Don’t feel obligated to participate in activities that might trigger painful emotions. It’s okay to decline invitations or spend the day in a way that feels comfortable for you, whether that means having a quiet day at home or spending time with supportive friends or family.

“One way to set a boundary is to stay off social media for 1-2 day surrounding Mother’s Day and surround yourself with things you are grateful for.” -Paige | HMF Volunteer

Create Your Own Traditions: Consider establishing new traditions or rituals for Mother’s Day that honor your journey towards parenthood. This could involve activities that bring you comfort and solace, such as journaling, practicing self-care, or spending time outside.

Connect with Others: Seek out support from others who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s through online support groups, therapy, or talking to a trusted friend, sharing your feelings can help alleviate some of the burden. Hopeful Mama offers FREE peer to peer infertility virtual support groups that meet every other Monday at 6pm CST via Zoom. You can register HERE. Our next group is May 6th.

“If you know fellow infertility warriors, reach out to them on Mother’s Day to let them know you’re thinking about them. You could even send them flowers – sunflowers are often associated with infertility. Doing something kind for someone else is who is facing similar struggles can have a positive impact on lifting your own spirits.” -Jennifer | HMF Board Member

Focus on Gratitude: While it may be challenging, try to shift your focus towards gratitude for what you do have in your life. This could include acknowledging the love and support of your partner, friends, or family, as well as the positive aspects of your journey towards parenthood.

“I used meditation to help me focus on being grateful for what I have vs thinking too much about what I don’t have yet. It also helped me to really think of the day as honoring my mom instead of being tied to my lack of motherhood. This allowed me to completely detach my feelings of disappointment for myself and focus on honoring my mom instead.” – Nikki | HMF Board Member

Give Yourself Grace: Be gentle with yourself on Mother’s Day. Remind yourself that you’re incredibly resilient while facing a nonlinear path to parenthood. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise without judgment, and remember that it’s okay to take breaks and prioritize your own well-being.

“When I was deep in the trenches of my fertility journey, I dreaded Mother’s Day. It was a painful reminder that another year had come & gone and I was still not a member of a club I longed to be a part of so desperately: motherhood. After experiencing a number of Mother’s Days childless, I started giving myself grace surrounding the day. I prioritized staying off of social media (all of the Mother’s Day wishes, photos, etc. were just too much for my heart in that season of my life) and I always made sure I did something just for me that day – a nice long walk, grabbing a coffee, reading a book for a few hours.” Linley | HMF Board Member

Plan Ahead: If you anticipate that Mother’s Day will be particularly challenging, plan ahead by scheduling activities or distractions that can help take your mind off things. This could include engaging in hobbies you enjoy, going for a walk, or treating yourself to a special meal or outing.

“Every year on Mother’s Day, I would spend the day doing some form of self care in the morning and then spending the afternoon with my own mother and grandmothers. This allowed me to process my emotions first and be in a good head space with my emotions regulated before venturing out for the day.” – Emily | HMF President

Remember, you’re not alone in your experience, and it’s okay to ask for support when you need it. Hopeful Mama is here to support you along your journey so you don’t have to walk it alone. Give yourself some grace today.