Women are taking control of their reproductive decisions like never before. Embracing technology to increase their future child-bearing possibilities to more than simply a roll of the dice.
Talk of egg freezing with celebrities, news media, and cutting-edge technology companies are all weighing in on the option of removing reproductive decisions from the hands of mother nature, doctors, and insurance companies. Placing them in the hearts, minds, and female bodies themselves.
It’s not just ladies! Men are no longer afterthoughts in the family planning process, but rather equal participants or leaders in planning and childcare. Single and homosexual men are exploring parenthood through adoption, IVF, and co-parenting relationships.
The midwives of Midwife 360 have curated an article on how to find peace during the fertility journey.
Seek an Unbiased Opinion
It is reported that one in every four to six couples are unable to procreate after a year of trying. Inability to conceive within 12 months without the use of medication qualifies for an infertility assessment. (American Society for Reproductive Medicine [ASRM], 2014).
What is less widely discussed is the emotional confrontation that can occur while analyzing one’s reproductive health or initiating a reproduction plan. It may be a fruitful period of joy and happiness, however, it can stir concerns and worries. Creating tensions between couples, as well as rekindling old challenges.
Even when the options are emotionally neutral, there can be a surprising amount of issues to consider. Such as time, resources, work and family commitments, and assembling a dream team of medical specialists.
To make matters even more complicated when it comes to reproduction, family and friends are likely to offer a misinformed judgment on the best approach. Rather than, merely acting as an unbiased listening ear.
How Does Therapy Benefit You?
Over 7 million women in the United States are believed to have used infertility services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017. With such a huge proportion of the U.S. population navigating the realm of fertility therapy, the profession of mental health must expand. Establishing new areas of specialty to meet this unique clientele.
In certain circumstances, conversing with a counselor or expert can assist one in exploring the numerous competing voices in one’s brain. Providing the clarity required to make a pro-egg freezing choice.
A study was done on couples navigating fertility therapy, and their desire for assistance during their infertile journey. The biggest highlighted need in this study was being able to communicate the damage infertility has on their relationship.
- Finding Skills to Increase Communication
- Resolve Persistent Relationship Conflict
- A shared perspective of the therapy process
Couples expressed a need to seek support from those who knew the fertility treatment process and the challenges it included. Providing additional data for well-trained fertility counselors prepared to meet these requirements for couples.
Consider therapy if you are unhappy, nervous, or distracted by infertility that you find it difficult to live a productive life. If you are feeling “stuck” and need to explore your options, you may want to seek the help of a counselor.
Other Forms Of Support
Support can come from a variety of sources.
- Books can provide insight and awareness into the emotional elements of infertility.
- Support groups and educational sessions can help to lessen feelings of loneliness. While also providing opportunities to learn and connect with others who are going through infertility.
- Individual and couple therapy provides the opportunity to speak with an expert in order to sort through your feelings. Establish coping methods, and work toward alternatives to your problems.
Find Peace During The Fertility Journey
Bringing awareness to our inner experience is never a terrible thing. Instead, it should be normalized. However, it seldom is in our fast-paced culture that promotes ideas and accomplishments over feelings.
Hilary Jacobs Hendel, the author of Its Not Always Depression, notes out in a 2018 Time Magazine article that. “What we learn in our culture is not how to cope with our feelings, but how to suppress and reject them.”
She continues, “suppressing emotions is not helpful for mental or physical health. It’s like pushing your car’s throttle and brake pedals at the same time, generating an inner pressure cooker.” However, there’s no reason to wait until you’re desperate to seek expert help.
When it comes to reproductive health and family planning for women, the emotional stakes may be high. They are dealing with everything from the normal hormonal swings that are part of our biology. To innate beliefs and desires that shape our identities.
While social media, websites, and friends can give useful information. Nothing can replace the direction, knowledge, and personal connection that comes from interacting with a skilled expert.
Midwife 360
At Midwife360, we provide treatment and counseling for family planning, which can include everything from planning your pregnancy and delivery to managing fertility difficulties and using birth control.
