Family get-togethers can be stressful even in the best of circumstances, but for the person experiencing infertility, parties and events can add additional emotional stress to an already complicated situation. If you celebrate Easter there's probably even more pressure to join in Easter egg hunts with friends' and relatives' children.
You certainly can’t make the pain of infertility disappear miraculously, but by planning in advance and acknowledging that it may be uncomfortable; you can prepare yourself and improve your chances of getting through them.
When You Get the Party Invitation
DO: Be selective about accepting invitations to parties, especially the ones at which you know there will be a lot of children or pregnant women. Remember: you don’t have to say yes.
DON’T: Feel guilty about not participating in all the traditional family events. You’re going through a difficult time, and you need to concentrate on helping yourself (and your partner) to get through the holiday weekend.
Visiting Family and Friends
DO: Plan to spend time with couples or friends who don’t have children if family festivities are too much to bear this year.
DON’T: Rely completely on family traditions to fulfill your present needs.
Sharing Your Feelings
DO: Decide in advance how you will handle difficult and insensitive questions.
- You may even want to rehearse your answers. (You can decide to be honest with friends and relatives as to why you can’t join certain celebrations and traditions which are just too painful right now.)
- Express your appreciation to friends and relatives who have given you their love and support.
DON’T: Be caught off guard by unexpected or embarrassing questions about your plans for having a family. Plan your responses, but don’t feel that you have to disclose all the details of your situation either!
DO: Set aside time to share your feelings with each other.
- Allow yourself to feel sad, deprived or depressed. Talk with each other about your feelings. Your partner may be able to help you through the rough times.
- Give yourself, and each other, frequent pats on the back for making it through the long weekend.
Want to find out more?
If you are having trouble falling pregnant, you can book a fertility chat or make an appointment with one of our doctors.
