Don't Ignore Infertility

Moms, if you're like me, you love to talk about your kids.  Heck, that's what this blog is about, right?  Your frustrations, their accomplishments, the adorable things they've said and done; you want people to know.

Here's what you may not realize if you've never struggled with infertility: every mention of your kids can feel like a dagger in the heart of those who desperately want children.  I know; I've been there.  I had to take a Facebook hiatus, because I just couldn't deal with it.  Should you stop talking about your kids?  Of course not.  I just want to remind you today, in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, to remember that it's not so easy for everyone. 

We were lucky in that my diagnosis (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS) was clear cut, and so it took just a few rounds of treatment before we conceived our beautiful baby boy.  Still, I know the desperation, the sadness, the pain of watching others around you, in all stations in life, bearing children, while you are seemingly unable to do so.  Well meaning strangers and friends alike ask you when you're planning to have children and you to try to casually deflect the question while inside you're screaming.  You're envious of everything from morning sickness to meconium, if it will make you a mother. 

Enjoy your children.  Talk about them.  Just don't ignore infertility.  And if you know someone who is struggling with infertility (and chances are that you do) please take a few minutes to read this great article from RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

Here are some other resources from RESOLVE if you're interested in learning more:
http://www.resolve.org/infertility101
http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/about.html