Hi there, have we met before? Yes, actually we have! Myranda first opened up her blog to me back in January, when I shared 3 Tips for Being a Successful Blogger.
But just in case some of you are new around here, here’s a little about me: I am a country-living, ice tea drinking, good book reading, farming, ranching, Jesus-loving, curly-headed wife of a seminary professor. He’s a teacher, I’m a writer. He’s a thinker, I’m a creative. Together we make our home on a small farm in Texas.
First of all, let’s talk about Myranda. She graciously offered her online space to me to share with you about something that is very near and dear to my heart. What a treasure, right? I would be remiss if I didn’t say “thank you, Myranda.” And I don’t know about you, but I can definitely relate to a carb-loving, but trying to lose weight woman. What an inspiration!
I’m here today for a very specific purpose. A quick perusal of my blog, A Royal Daughter, will allow you to see that my husband and I are one of the 1 in 6 couples who are diagnosed with infertility each year. It’s not a fun diagnoses, I assure you. But I’m embracing this season, and since April 21-27 is National Infertility Awareness Week, I am trying to make the most of this painful journey by spreading awareness about infertility.
A few facts about infertility:
- Approximately 1 in 6 couples in the United States have been diagnosed with some degree of infertility each year.
- “Infertility” is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse for women under the age of 35. Women 35 and older may be diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse without conception. (The inability to sustain a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks is also classified as “infertility.”)
- 30% of infertility is the result of an ovulatatory dysfunction (i.e. there is a problem with the woman’s ovulation cycle).
- 30% of infertility is the result of a problem with the man (i.e. sperm structure or production).
- Women who face infertility often describe their situation as “lonely,” “isolating,” and “painful.”
- There is a large spectrum of treatments for infertility, with varying degrees of invasiveness and cost.
My story:
- My husband and I started trying for a baby almost 4 years.
- We were officially diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” in February 2012 (the same month our foster boys were removed from our home).
- We have tried various therapies and treatments, from “alternative” therapies to traditional western medical treatments, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
- In September 2012 we embraced a gluten-free diet, as gluten intolerance is closely tied to infertility.
- We’ve experienced the pain and frustration of two failed IUIs.
- Until last November my husband and I kept our struggle to ourselves. We were completely unwilling to share our story, and to some extent we were unwilling to accept our diagnosis.
National Infertility Awareness Week:
This week on my blog, I will be dedicating the entire week to spreading awareness about infertility, offering encouragement for those battling the pain of barrenness, and providing resources for friends and family of those facing infertility. Topics will include:
- Ideas for stepping up out of the pit of infertility and transforming negative emotions and energies into productive, worthwhile activities.
- Collaborative efforts from women currently battling infertility, and how they overcame common lies women believe about being barren.
- Online and print resources for those battling infertility as well as those who want to come alongside and encourage and support their infertile friends and family members.
- How to encourage and support your infertile friends.
- Owning your infertility + embracing the waiting period.
- Collaborative efforts from women who have made it through to the other side of infertility straight to the hearts of those currently navigating the muddy waters of barrenness.
- Infertility from the husband’s perspective.
There will also be a giveaway during the week with items I’ve hand-picked to offer hope and encouragement to those battling infertility. My goal is to offer encouragement and inspiration not only to those currently facing the isolation and frustration of infertility, but for those who wonder how they can minister to their friends who are facing infertility.
I hope you’ll join us, and help spread awareness about infertility. It is an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be.
You can connect with me at my website, on twitter, facebook, and instagram. I’m also on pinterest and google. However you decide to connect with me, please take time to introduce yourself!
.Thank you so much for sharing Amanda!
Question of the Day: Do you know someone struggling with infertility? Share this post with them, they can connect with Amanda and the happenings on her blog this week.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
Have you tried acupuncture? I'm an Acupuncturist who specializes in infertility and I've helped so many women get pregnant over the years!!! I'm so sorry that you've been struggling with this. I wish you nothing but the best in the future!
Anonymous says
I know a few people I can share this with! Thanks to Amanda for bringing light to this issue, no one should ever feel alone in their struggles š
Jasmine Hellogmsunshine says
Thanks for sharing this – I too talk about unexplained infertility on my blog as well. It does help knowing other people are struggling with the same
atabanana29 says
Thank you for sharing! I will pass it on!
Myranda says
Thanks so much!
Myranda says
You are welcome, I think it is awesome that Amanda talks about it so women don't feel alone.
Myranda says
Thanks so much for sharing Natalie, I hope they find it helpful to have someone for support. Amanda is great š
Myranda says
I don't know if she had tried acupuncture, that's great that you have been able to help so many women.