National Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National IF Awareness Week.  I feel so blessed to be able to say we beat infertility, but when I think of all of the couples who are still going through the journey with no success, it truly makes my heart hurt.

I firmly believe that the only reason our struggle didn't affect me more, emotionally, was due to the fact that we talked about it, and still talk about it now.  I know it is an EXTREMELY personal decision whether or not to share with others that a couple is having trouble creating a family, and some people really cannot imagine letting family, friends and strangers know they need help.  I was that way at first.  We didn't share our struggle for many many months.  Those months were by far the hardest throughout the entire journey.  Once I finally said enough, I need to talk about this, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders, and I was able to face the rest of it head on.  Everyone we shared our story with was so supportive.  We had quite the support system, even from people we'd never met (due to this blog!)  It helped me sort through my feelings, and know that I/we weren't alone.

I was absolutely floored by the number of people who, once we  shared our story, confided in me that they too were struggling.  We have referred several friends to our fertility office, and most have gone on to successfully have their own children.  I'm thrilled that they were able to make their dreams come true, but at the same time I'm absolutely amazed at how many couples we know, first hand, who struggled with infertility.  The national statistic is 1:8 couples will suffer from infertility, but that's based on those who seek help.  Deep down, I think it's probably higher than that.

I will be eternally grateful to our fertility doctor, his staff and ironically, our health insurance.  (I bet few people ever say that!)  Without Dr. Gary Horowitz, the staff of SIRM Peoria, our health insurance, and most importantly God, we would not have our two beautiful boys.  I cannot imagine our lives without them, even in the most challenging moments (Griffin is 3 after all...) I still cannot begin to imagine what our lives would be like if we were never blessed with them.  My hope is that through weeks like this, the stigma associated with infertility will begin to disappear, and it will be something much easier for couples to talk about and no longer feel ashamed.

Our miracle babies!

http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html
http://www.haveababy.com