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What NOT to Say to a Couple That is Struggling to Conceive or Going Through IVF

infertility struggle conceive couple

 

As many of you are probably aware, the topic of IVF and infertility is oneΒ very close to my heart. My husband and I battled so hard to get to where weΒ are today – the proud parents of twin boys. It was a struggle that at timesΒ seemed never ending. The endless doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds andΒ injections. Through it all we had a great support network who rallied behindΒ us and were always there through the ups and downs. This isn’t a post aboutΒ them though, it’s one about the people that seem to always have their footΒ in their mouth. The ones who made me want to scream. The ones who made meΒ want to punch them.

This post is all about what NOT to say to a couple thatΒ is struggling to conceive or going through IVF. In no particular order:

1) “Don’t you guys want kids? How come you haven’t had any yet?”

Chances areΒ they want kids more than life itself and your question does nothing to makeΒ them feel better.

2) “I just had to look at my husband and got pregnant!”

Yipee for you.

3) “Are you having sex at the right time?”

I don’t know, is ALL the time theΒ right time?

4) “Think of all the things you can do if you don’t have kids!”

While thisΒ statement may be coming from a good place all it does is highlight how muchΒ I’m desperately trying to have a life that includes kids.

5) “It will happen when it happens.”

Thanks Buddha.

6) “Some people just aren’t meant to be parents.”

Yes, this was uttered toΒ me by a parent who should’ve known better. If this statement were true, thenΒ Teen Mom would not be on TV.

7) “Do you pray enough?”

Yeah, for lightning to hit you right about now.

8) “Don’t think about it. Just relax. Go on a holiday or something.”

Do IΒ really have to explain this one? Telling me to relax stresses me out moreΒ than you know. And going on a holiday only helps me work on my tan. It doesΒ not cure me of infertility.

If you are someone who is struggling to conceive and is dealing withΒ comments like these all I can say is sometimes dealing with stupid is justΒ as hard as dealing with infertility. It will pass. If you’re someone whoΒ doesn’t know what to say to a friend who is struggling to fall pregnant, myΒ best advice is to say nothing. Just listen. Let her talk. Sometimes all youΒ want is a sounding board. And a coffee, make sure there is always coffee. X

Monash IVFΒ is located in Melbourne and offers a range of services from counselling toΒ obstetricians. You can contact them on (03) 9429 9188. If you have anyΒ questions or just want to share your story I’d love to hear it. Feel free to
comment here or shoot me an email on [email protected]

Chrystal Lovevintage is the mother of twins, loving wife and vintage tragic.

A child of the 80s who loves pop culture, Danish design and vegemite toast with honey.

Loves fashion, reading autobiographies and has a knack for turning trash to treasure.

Chrystal’s honest reflections are an insight into her colourful and at times crazy world.

You can follow her blog atΒ www.chrystalovevintage.wordpress.com

Jolene

Jolene

Jolene enjoys writing, sharing and connecting with other like-minded women online – it also gives her the perfect excuse to ignore Mount-Washmore until it threatens to bury her family in an avalanche of Skylander T-shirts and Frozen Pyjama pants. (No one ever knows where the matching top is!) Likes: Reading, cooking, sketching, dancing (preferably with a Sav Blanc in one hand), social media, and sitting down on a toilet seat that one of her children hasn’t dripped, splashed or sprayed on. Dislikes: Writing pretentious crap about herself in online bio’s and refereeing arguments amongst her offspring.