Friday, April 30, 2010

NIAW: April 24-May 1

National Infertility Awareness Week is coming to an end (April 24, 2010-May 1, 2010).  If you've read this blog before, you probably know we have been trying to have a baby for over 3 years; and even though we have achieved at least two pregnancies, because we don't have any children on earth, we are what the world, and doctors would call, infertile.

I remember first hearing that term and being overwhelmed with anxiety because of its implications.  the prefix -IN in front of any root means NOT.  And hearing that you're NOT-FERTILE sounds so final, doesn't it?  I think that's where my anxiety came/comes from...the fact that it just sounds, and many times FEELS, like the end of a dream.

However, it isn't the end and for many, many, many couples, a diagnosis of infertility doesn't mean they will never have children, it just means it won't be as easy as it might be for the Fertile Myrtles of the world...oh, how I loathe that term, in all honesty.

I've thought about posting something during NIAW, but I just couldn't get in my head and my heart what I wanted to say.

So, I thought I would give you few facts and Do's/Don'ts about INFERTILITY.  I guarantee, at some point in your life, you will meet, befriend, or possibly even BE an infertile.  Knowing more can help you relate.  One of the most challenging and difficult aspects of infertility feels VERY LONELY!

FACTS and SUCH

-More than 7.3 million people in the United States experience infertility.

-Infertility is a male problem 35% of the time, female problem 35% of the time, combined problem 20% of the time, and unexplained 10% of the time.

-Don't ever tell an infertile to relax!  Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system and relaxing, in most cases, will not solve the problem.  Plus, it puts a lot of unneeded pressure on the infertile couple and points out to them that part of the issue may be their fault.

-Infertility is a medical condition, NOT a sexual disorder.  The couple knows what has to be done, so no reminders are needed...please, and thank you. 

-Infertility is brutally expensive and can drain a couple of their financial resources.

-Infertility is ISOLATING!  As you look around and see your friends moving on with their lives, having children every other year, you start to feel left behind and stuck in neutral.  This is when support is essential!

This road of infertility, with all of it's twists and turns, hills and valleys, turns and u-turns has taught me more than I ever could have dreamed.  God is BIG!  God is INFINITE!

In God's dictionary, the word INFERTILE doesn't exist and that gives me great HOPE!

post signature

12 comments:

  1. You are right....we do serve a BIG God. Thankfully!! But, I love how you said that infertile is not in the dictionary!! What a great statement. Praying for you guys!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Remember...Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 before God graced them with Isaac! It is all in His time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I saw that it was NIAW on Kelly's blog and have been thinking about and saying extra prayers for you guys all week. Love y'all!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post! I'm going to send the link to my friend who is dealing with this! As always, praying for you & McH!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such good information! I have a good friend who is struggling with infertility right now. I am always so amazed at her strength!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post. Thinking of you and praying for you along this journey. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post! Thank you for sharing your heart on this. I am so glad that our God is indeed, VERY BIG!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! I've periodically "lurked" on your blog for a while now (I am a friend of Lori Benich's) and just wanted to hopefully offer you some encouragement. My husband and I are in the 10% "unexplained" yet God has allowed us to have children (we tried and tried and saw several specialists/had tests run/did IUIs/etc. for over two years before getting pregnant with our first...after that, He has blessed us with two more without intervention). I know you will be a mom in one way or another. You have such a sweet, tender spirit that oozes from the words on your blog. Thank you for your honest words, and for keeping your eyes on Christ. You Will be given the desire of your heart! (hopefully sooner rather than later, right? :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Where were you 18 years ago when I was so desperate for answers and comfort? My heart aches for you because I completely understand! All I can say is that it is ALL in God's hands and He will let you know when He is ready, no matter what! You will be a family with children some day but do not forget you are already a family and building a relationship that will guide you through all the trials of parenthood!

    Hang in there, girl. Praying for peace and comfort for you daily!

    ReplyDelete
  10. very heartfelt...I wish you the best :O)

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have been in my prayers daily...for at least 3 years! Lori R.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have such courage and are an inspiration to me! God does have a plan for you and I am praying for ya'll. I admire your strength!

    ReplyDelete

Comment away, y'all!