Although you may be receiving many social media posts and invitations regarding friends’, coworkers’, and family members’ pregnancies and births, chances are at least one of your friends or acquaintances is struggling with infertility. The U.S. Department of Human and Health Services estimates 12% to 13% of couples struggle to conceive. If you know someone who is undergoing infertility treatment, here’s how you can support them. 

How to Support Someone Dealing With Infertility

1. Permit Them Not to Participate

When someone is going through infertility treatments, baby showers, pregnancy announcements, gender reveals, and births may seem like a constant reminder of their inability to conceive. Although they are likely genuinely happy for their loved ones and would like to participate in the celebrations, it may be too painful and awkward to do so. Let them know they can skip baby and child-themed events. You can even suggest getting together before or after the event for one-on-one time, so they don’t feel as left out.

2. Don’t Assume You Know What’s Best

If you’ve been pregnant or had children yourself, you likely know how frustrating it can be to receive unsolicited advice from seemingly everyone you meet. Don’t put your friend or loved one through this regarding their infertility. What worked for you or someone you know might not work for them. Everyone’s body and health and the challenges associated with them are unique.

3. Be Supportive

Let your loved one know you are there for them, whether they need to vent or go out for coffee and talk about non-baby-related topics. Try to be patient with them as they may be depressed, anxious, and frustrated, which may result in irritability, tiredness, and mood swings. Although you shouldn’t tell them what to do, offering recommendations for resources such as a counselor, support group, or fertility treatment specialist can be helpful and appreciated. 

If you’re looking into infertility treatments to help conceive, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization for compassionate, experienced care. Since 1985, they’ve been one of Honolulu, HI’s most trusted fertility treatment centers. Open seven days a week for your convenience, they support families from all walks of life. Call (808) 946-2226 to schedule a consultation, or visit the website to learn more about how they can help your family.