Alone Together: One Woman’s Journey Through Infertility & IVF Part 2
Disclaimers:
This episode may contain sensitive topics related to miscarriage, infertility, and infant loss. If these subjects are triggering for you, please listen with care. While there may be conversations about medications or medical treatments, I am not a doctor, and I am not offering any medical advice. Please consult an actual doctor for your own medical care.
Between the endless appointments, uncomfortable conversations, and days spent wondering “what if,” infertility is an emotional whirlwind. Along the way, there are ups and downs, tough decisions, and moments when you feel like you want to give up. But making the decision to keep pushing forward even in the midst of your grief is one of the most courageous things you can do on your infertility journey.
In this second part of the episode, my lifelong friend and I are talking about the emotional side of infertility treatment. She’s sharing her experience attending IVF appointments without her partner, and we’re both sharing our stories of receiving and navigating devastating news. Plus, we’re discussing the pressure to get pregnant naturally and how we each decided to release that expectation for ourselves.
What’s in this episode:
Choosing a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and confident [1:14]
Managing your expectations when things are looking good [4:22]
Why it’s so important to find a doctor who truly cares [7:00]
How we handle appointments that our partners can’t attend [8:38]
Choosing to test tissue after a miscarriage [10:00]
Struggling with the “moral dilemma” of infertility treatment vs. adoption [12:08]
Understanding your diagnosis and how it could affect your treatment timeline [18:20]
Finding the “silver linings” throughout your infertility journey [23:21]
Finding closure and the will to try again after a miscarriage [25:09]
The next steps in each of our treatment plans [27:21]
Experiencing a loss of innocence or optimism during infertility [32:38]
Releasing the pressure of trying to get pregnant naturally [37:21]
How to navigate conversations about infertility with friends and family [39:38]
If you’re feeling alone on your own infertility journey, I invite you to tune in to this episode.
Resources Mentioned
Support us on Patreon here, where 10% of proceeds will also go to support others on their journey through The Stork Foundation.