self-help

It can help you to prepare thoroughly for the different tests and treatments and allow you to establish limits together with your partner.

Good information will allow you to adopt a more realistic take on your situation, which can help you to face up to possible setbacks. However, when researching fertility concentrate only on the aspects that are or might be important to you. There is a lot to find out, but fortunately nobody has to deal with all aspects of it. Only focus on the information relating to the phase and that you are in.

Do not underestimate the power you have over your own emotional well-being. The better care you take of yourself, the better able you are to get through this difficult time. Taking good care of yourself means doing things that make you feel good and that reduce stress. In addition, you can sometimes keep yourself “on the right track” by trying to think positively.

Everyone deals with stress and pain differently. Some people benefit just from putting their thoughts on paper, while others choose exercise to relieve their stress. It is crucially important that you find strategies that make you feel better, not worse. It is also important - if needed - to give yourself the space to grieve - whether for a miscarriage or a failed IVF cycle.

And don’t forget to enjoy yourselves! Often people dealing with infertility deny themselves all pleasures such as night outs or holidays. They spend so much time and energy on treatments and making plans for the future that enjoying the moment is all too often overlooked.