NIAW: Don't Ignore Infertility

         This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. The focus this year is "Don't Ignore Infertility." I have been struggling with what I should blog about. I've been thinking hard about this. I think as a culture we tend to hide infertility. We don't talk about infertility. It's a taboo subject. As a young woman, no one talked about infertility. I had no idea until a couple of ladies at church had come out and said they were struggling with infertility.
        It wasn't until I started having issues that I found out how prevalent it is. 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility. That's a lot of people! Why is it taboo? Why should people feel ashamed? Infertility isn't their fault. It's a medical issue. Infertility is just that, a medical issue. Don't ignore Infertility.
               Don't ignore people struggling with infertility. The best way to help your friends/family struggling with infertility is to listen. Just a shoulder to cry on is sufficient. Make sure you talk to them.
 Things not to say...

•   Just Relax. Relaxing doesn't solve medical issues. It's good to relax, but those words can be hurtful. It's like saying that infertility is not a big deal, it's not a real problem.
•  Adopt, then you'll get pregnant. Just because some person you know got pregnant after adopting does NOT mean everyone will. There are more stories that people don't get pregnant than those that do. Also, adoption costs thousands to ten thousands of dollars. It's very expensive and a lot of couples aren't at that point yet. It can be hurtful.
•  Don't tell them that they weren't meant to be parents. That is the worst thing you can say. It's just mean!
• On the other hand, don't tell them that you just know that it will happen, that they will get pregnant. How do you know? There are many couples that will never get pregnant. It's like giving false hope.
• Don't make jokes about how they can take yours because they are driving you crazy! Do you know how rude and how hurtful that is? We would love to have a child to cuddle and love.
• Don't tell them to enjoy being childless, enjoy sleeping in, ect. We would love to enjoy having a baby too.

   In conclusion, Don't Ignore Infertility! Don't ignore that 1 in 8 people suffer from it. If you are struggling with it, open up and talk to someone. It's not shameful. For friends or family of someone struggling with this medical condition, listen to them and think before you speak. If you want more information on infertility, visit Resolve.