Fertility Friends is Yesh Tikva’s peer-mentoring program for Jewish individuals navigating infertility. We connect you with a trained fertility mentor who has lived experience with infertility, loss, or fertility treatments. A mentor is someone who truly understands the emotional, medical, and spiritual challenges of trying to build a family. Fertility Friends mentors provide compassionate, confidential infertility support through phone, text, video, email, or in-person check-ins, offering a safe space to share grief, hope, fear, and joy. Each month, we highlight a mentor who uses their experience to help fertility warriors feel seen, heard, and less alone.

At Yesh Tikva, our Fertility Friends peer mentors are dedicated to supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility. This month, we’re highlighting Cat Abrams, who has generously shared her insights and experiences.

1. Why Cat Became a Fertility Friends Peer Mentor

When asked what led her to become a mentor, Cat shared:

“I responded to a post about a need for a mentor who’d experienced both infertility and loss. I’m nearing the end of my battle with infertility, and it’s always been a goal of mine to reach out a hand to those still in the thick of it. This felt like a great opportunity.”

Her story reflects a deep commitment to helping others while creating a supportive space for those still navigating the journey.

2. Lessons Learned from Mentoring

Being a mentor has been a profoundly rewarding experience for Cat. She explains:

“I feel like I’m talking to different versions of myself when I speak to other mentees. It is intrinsically rewarding to support other women walking through this. I’ve learned that we all have so very much in common.”

Mentoring has given her the chance to connect deeply with others, highlighting the shared experiences of infertility and loss.

3. One Thing Cat Wishes More People Understood About Infertility

Cat emphasizes the isolation many experience during infertility:

“Many people walk through this pain in solitude. Either they don’t know someone who is going/has been going through this or they might be ashamed to be in this place. Regardless, many suffer in silence and it’s such a heavy load to carry on your own.”

This reminder underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and supportive communities for fertility warriors.

4. Summer Self-Care Tips for Fertility Warriors

With summer vacation season approaching, Cat offers practical self-care advice:

“Take a break from social media, or create an account that only follows others that fill your cup up. It’s okay to narrow or eliminate social media consumption.”

Her tips encourage mindfulness, protecting emotional well-being, and finding ways to stay supported while navigating family and social pressures.

Final Thoughts

Cat’s journey as a Fertility Friends mentor illustrates the power of connection, compassion, and support in the face of infertility. Her insights remind us that while infertility can feel isolating, reaching out, whether as a mentor or a mentee, can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is navigating infertility, consider connecting with a peer mentor today. Learn more here.