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Thoughts on seeking support during fertility treatment

 For many of our patients, infertility treatment is one of the most difficult challenges they face.  The uncertainty about the outcome coupled with the importance of having children, causes people to experience a wide range of feelings.  Sometimes people feel hopeful when they begin to see a fertility specialist.  They feel that coming to the specialist must be the answer.  However, if positive results don’t happen quickly, hope begins to diminish and worry sets in. 

 You are not alone.  Most of the things people think and feel during treatment are normal.  For many patients, weathering the emotional ups and downs of treatment can be difficult over time.  At times, the stress of going through treatment can even effect people’s marriages, jobs and relationships with others.

 Because infertility is such a personal issue, patients may hesitate to discuss their feelings with others.  Many patients talk themselves out of coming to see a counselor thinking that they can deal with treatment on their own.  However, patients who participate in even just a couple of counseling sessions often report that they feel much better while trying to get pregnant.   Many people find it helpful to speak with someone who understands and can provide assurance that their feelings are normal.   Family, friends, support groups and religious leaders can also provide insight and comfort during this time.

 The Fertility Center offers counseling at no cost in the Grand Rapids office to help people sort through the variety of feelings they are experiencing.   An experienced counselor can give indivualized ideas on how to get through treatment in a healthy way.   Seeking help during difficult times is a wise idea.  Taking care of our emotions is an important part of an over all wellness plan.

Sumbitted by Kristin Blackwell, LMSW, Counselor at the Fertility Center (March 2009)

We understand how devastating a pregancy loss is and want to offer support to you during this time.  Losing a baby is especially difficult for couples who have struggled with infertility.   

What to expect the next few weeks:

 ·                    Right now you may be in shock and feel tearful much of the time.  This is normal. 

·                    People tend to experience grief in stages.  Expect that your feelings will change over time and that most people experiencing pregnancy loss feel similiar feelings.

·                    You may or may not want to talk to others about what has happened.  Feel free to talk as much or as little as you are comfortable.  You may want to let others know if you are up for talking.

·                    You, as a couple, may have different reactions to your loss.  Be patient with one another.  You will each have good days and bad days.

·                    Let others know if there are specific things that you need.  People are looking for ways to help and you may benefit from giving them some responsibilbity now to ease your load.

·                    If you wish, you can name the baby or create memories that remind you of your baby.  This can help you as you think or talk about your baby in the future.

 There is a lot of information about healing following a pregnancy loss.  If you feel up to reading, you may want to find a good book or go on the internet to find more helpful suggestions on dealing with your grief.  It may also help to hear that there are other people who have shared a similiar experience.

 We have an on-site counselor in the Grand Rapids office who can meet with you individually or as a couple free of charge.  She is also available by phone if you are unable to come in person.  Many of our patients find that it is helpful to talk to someone during this difficult time.  Please call the Grand Rapids office (616-988-2229) to schedule an appointment if you would like.

Submitted by Kristin Blackwell, LMSW, counselor at the Fertility Center (March 2009)

The Fertility Center is proud to offer a Donor Embryo Program for infertile couples. The Fertility Center was one of the first to have a Donor Embryo Program in the country.  Using a donor embryo is a treatment option for couples that have been unsuccessful at achieving a pregnancy using their own eggs/sperm, or have a medical reason why they are unable to use their own. Patients who wish to receive donated embryos are screened by our doctors and counselor.

The Donor Embryo Program provides a great option for our patients who have gone through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and have extra cryopreserved embryos. Couples who donate can provide input into who they want to receive their embryos. These couples donate their cryopreserved embryos anonymously for use by the recipient couples.

At The Fertility Center, the recipient couples select the embryos after reviewing the profiles of the donating couple. Our donor coordinator is available to help in the selection process, but we feel the decision should be made by the recipient couple.

The Fertility Center gives individualized care to each couple regarding their fertility options. If you are interested in donating or receiving embryos, please call 616-988-2229. Presently there is a waiting list for donated embryos. Our staff is available to answer questions regarding the Donor Embryo Program.