There’s so much to discuss in our community about the joys and trials of pregnancy and parenthood. Topics of infertility and those unique challenges, however, are often relegated to support circles and publications that serve that particular 12% of women in our national community. As both a physician and a parent, I’m always looking for ways to get these seemingly two separate worlds to interact a little more. Broaching the subject of infertility in circles not currently dealing with it can often appear taboo, as if discussing the subject would somehow doom that person’s chances.

Women at many different ages feel their life-giving ability is a right and a certainty. Procreation is one of our deepest life purposes. What’s common these days is for those feelings to allow other things to take priority, pushing motherhood back to a point where it does get statistically more grim. 35 is considered “advanced maternal age” in the U.S. and by 40 there’s only a 10% chance of getting pregnant each month. The quick response here is, if you’re looking to bring a child into this world for the first time or the fourth time, there is no better time than now. And most people would agree there’s never a perfect time to have kids. If you or a loved one find that conception isn’t happening as quickly as we all feared it would when we were teenagers, then know that there are countless ways to ever improve one’s spirit and health.

  • The national fertility association (resolve.org) has regional chapters, seminars, a professional services directory, and a knowledge base. Discover things like community-based events or ways to benefit from group counseling.
  • The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (asrm.org) is the industry leader in research and up-to-date news. You might not know that almost half of all fertility challenges are based on factors with the male partner. And If in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is called for things like acupuncture can help, with studies going back a decade showing IVF success rates jump above 40% with the use of this time-tested medicine.
  • The Tao Of Fertility by Ni and Herko is a book about optimizing body, mind and spirit for procreation, complete with self-evaluations and self-enhancement.

While much of this may have little to do with you or your family, this basic information just might find its way into your supporting a dear friend who is going through this often stressful time. Your pregnancy, your family, and your success are all yours to marvel and celebrate. But when a peer of yours doesn’t so quickly share you’re enthusiasm it’s possible there’s more to their story. You may find that your beautiful pregnancy allows others to strive for what they want in their lives despite their fertility ordeals. And knowing more about their stories gives this segment of our procreative population a voice. Because support and community are key. Whether you’re a proud parent or a parent-to-be, asking for help and lovingly giving to those in need are two practices that truly nourish our community of families.