We are 1 in 8

This week marks National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). I will be honest - 5 years ago I never knew such a thing existed and the thought of it never crossed my mind. Then in January 2013 we were told that our only hope to conceive was to do IVF. Our reaction was wait what? I will never forget that exact moment. It sort of sent us into a tail spin - there was so much to think about and so much to process but we were so ready to be parents we just jumped right in headfirst and by March we had started injections.

 

Infertility is something that is very hard to understand if you aren't infertile. I honestly never understood it or gave it much thought until I was thrust into this world. TV and movies idolize having babies. They show husbands and wives in the kitchen cooking dinner, the husband comes to the wife gives her a big hug and says honey I'm ready let's make a baby. Oh if only it were that easy for all of us.

 

For infertile couples - trying to conceive a child means endless doctor visits, countless needle pokes and ultrasounds, more money than you can even imagine, and many many emotional ups and downs. It's a hard long road that isn't romantic or really intimate by any stretch of the imagination. It can literally tear marriages apart and leave them in shambles and is emotionally, physically and financially exhausting.

 

There seems to be a weird taboo around infertility - less so in recent years - but it's kind of something that people don't talk about much and I think that's perfect for the theme of this year's NIAW - You are not alone. It's not always easy sharing every little detail of our journey - not because I am ashamed to do so or because it feels weird - but there's always that fear of dissapointing everyone if it isn't successful. But Chris and I have chosen to do so and are very passionate about it because we want couples struggling with infertility to know they are not alone. There are literally thousands of other couples struggling just like you. They know the feeling of being terrified they may never get to experience being pregnant, or watching their child come into the world. They have the same fears that they may never get to cuddle and rock their little one to sleep, to teach them how to ride a bike, to walk them to their bus stop on the first day of school - all of those hopes and dreams that come along with wanting to be a parent - that you are scared you may never get to experience - there is someone out there feeling those very same thoughts.

 

To all those still fighting the fight - stay strong. I promise you - PROMISE YOU - all the dollars, all of the needles, all of the time spent in stirrups, in waiting rooms, and in doctors offices is worth it all. You will beat this - one way or another you will come out on the other side with your dream.

 

XOXO
K