09 Dec Infertility and Christmas: survival guide
By Reproclinic Editorial Committee
Christmas is the time of family and friends’ events, of illusion and hope and above all, of children. But also (and we have all done it…) of the typical questions about what we plan to do next year, and “what are you waiting to have a baby?” or “for when the boy or the girl?” Don’t worry, this is indeed very common during these days. How to deal Infertility and Christmas at the same time?
Being like this, emotions such anxiety, anguish and frustration, are commonplace for people undergoing assisted reproduction treatments. And with every right. Reproclinic has collected some tips for you to cope with all of it in the best way possible.
Infertility and Christmas: Managing emotions
If all these sensations and bad memories of previous failed attempts come to you, the essential thing is to change your mind. It sounds complicated, but now you have to stay calm and try to control your thoughts. Focus your efforts on the solution, not the problem. Positive attitude!
There are many people who don’t enjoy these holidays as much as you would expect: when you’re struggling to have a baby, all that you don’t need is Christmas’ stress (gifts, setbacks, one thousand family gatherings, New Year Eve, etc.). But you’re not alone! 1 out of 8 couples have trouble to get pregnant.
Whether you have a partner or not, find yourself a good ally, someone close to you and with whom you feel confident to be with either in times of trouble as in the good moments. Tell this person how you feel, don’t be afraid. It is important that you let your sensations, feelings and thoughts flow freely.
If you have a partner, he/she may become your best supporter. If you don’t, it may well be a friend, a sibling, a parent or even yourself! :). The essential thing is that the person has a positive attitude and enough confidence for you to tell him/her how you feel.
Healthy habits… for your own sake
Take note, because here we give you some tips for coping with these uncomfortable moments you so much fear to get close to:
Your own plans at your own pace: Why go to a place you don’t feel like going? It’s no secret that at Christmas there are a series of appointments that are almost mandatory. But you’re to be first, so take care of yourself, pamper yourself and don’t do things you don’t feel like doing. Take this opportunity to give yourself a whim that you’ve been thinking about. Remember that you’re the most important.
Say no. You don’t want to attend this year’s family meeting because you don’t want to hear the same old comments or questions? Christmas is celebrated every year and the family will understand if you want to rest or make your own plans, such as going on a trip or make anything you want as long as it is for your own well-being.
Take control of the situation and think of yourself. If you decide to attend these celebrations and this is a delicate subject for you, don’t despair. Don’t let this overwhelm you, just prepare some answers and explain your situation.
If, on the other hand, a family member makes an unfortunate comment about your situation, don’t fall apart. Regardless of whether that person knows the process you are going through or not, take a deep breath and don’t give more importance to this type of comments.
Avoid stress
Christmas shopping, dinner preparation, crowded shopping malls… It is clear that Christmas is a time of agglomeration and stress. If you are prone to stress relatively easily, try to avoid going to busy places (such as Christmas fairs or shopping malls). Today, Internet and new technologies allow us to shop from home with complete peace of mind (and safety!).
New Year’s resolutions
We all think about it, we all have one purpose, the words infertility and Christmas suppose to cross a situation not ver easy. It’s perfectly understandable! Believe that everything will change stronger than ever. Infertility is something completely beyond our control. But it is well known that hope is the last thing to be lost.
At Reproclinic we support you and accompany you on your journey towards motherhood. Contact us!
Medical Director at Reproclinic
Specialist in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine