This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. I’ve debated writing a post on it for many
reasons. Mainly, I don’t feel like I fit
into the typical infertile category (as if there is such a thing). Because A has CF, I knew even before we were
married that IVF would likely be our only option for biological children. In a strange way, I feel like I deserved to
struggle because I knew what I was getting myself into. I brought this on myself. I was lucky enough to have insurance that
covered the majority of the costs associated with infertility treatments and I was fortunate to come out on
the winning end of infertility - twice.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t struggle.
In fact, I still do.
Our first failed IVF is still clear and present in my
mind. The pain. The uncertainty. The fear. It was the first time I realized that it was
quite possible I would never be a mom.
Ironically, I believe that pain and uncertainty has made me a better
mom. I appreciate my boys more because of the adversity I faced.
I still struggle when friends announce pregnancies and share
photos of new babies. Even though I have
my boys, the process to get them was difficult and with each announcement comes
the reminder of that difficulty. Even
tougher, each announcement brings the reminder that I likely will not have any more children despite my heart's desire. And all the while, it’s
seemingly so darn easy for others to have an entire brood... multiple children, one right after another.
In those brief moments of sadness, I say a prayer and ask
for strength. I allow myself to take a
step back and separate myself from the fertile world as needed. Sometimes avoiding Facebook posts and
pictures for a short time is all it takes and then I’m back to feeling like
myself. And I always, always remind
myself that not one person has it all.
That while friends may have an easy time expanding their family, they
are undoubtedly struggling with something else.
And though their struggles may look different from mine, they are
struggling nonetheless. We all are.
I relate to the infertility without actually being infertile category. I was so fortunate to be blessed with my daughter who was conceived easily. However, due to the progression of my CF another pregnancy/baby stage could prove fatal. I have the same overwhelming desire for another baby that other mothers do when they expand their family. And despite not truly being infertile we are unable to have more children. It can feel lonesome because I don't "fit in" with people that have infertility or secondary infertility. I also absolutely don't fit in with people who can easily expand their family. Heck, having CF means I don't really fit in anywhere! I try to focus on the fact that I am 32 and ALIVE and a mother, but it is funny how that maternal drive for more children isn't easily quieted.
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