- What led you to become a Fertility Friends peer mentor?
After my daughter was born via surrogate, I was looking for ways to give back and feel more fulfilled. I was so incredibly lucky to have support during that process (and during my prior fertility challenges for my son) and wanted to be that support for others going through their own fertility challenges.
- How has being a mentor impacted you, and what have you learned from the experience?
Being a mentor has continued to heal me from my own trauma of years of infertility. It’s reminded me how healing it is to talk about what I’ve been through, and how gratifying it is to be able to pay it forward. All it takes is talking to one person who understands what you’re going through to feel less alone.
- What is one thing you wish more people understood about infertility?
Many people think about the physical repercussions of infertility and treatment, but don’t realize how the emotional / psychological aspect of it is even more difficult and can affect every other part of your life. The waiting especially…unless you’ve been through it, you don’t realize how much waiting is required for every step of the process.
4. Any tips for fertility warriors on navigating Mother’s Day, and how can loved ones best support them during this challenging time of year?
I will say what helped me on Mother’s Day when I was in the season of waiting for my own child was to focus on my mom on that day (rather than focus on the fact that I wasn’t a mom yet myself). I think the best way for loved ones to support fertility warriors on Mother’s Day is just to simply recognize how the day may be challenging and just let them know that you’re thinking of them and there if they need anything.
