Coping With Infertility During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and for many, this is a time of celebration to be shared with friends and daily, but for those going through infertility, it can be painful and unwelcome.

Dealing with infertility is often emotionally draining and difficult to navigate, but the holidays can make that even more challenging. It can be a reminder of missed memories for the year or invite questions such as “When are you going to have a baby?” that can trigger overwhelming emotions. 

We’ve compiled a list of tips for coping with infertility during the holidays below that will hopefully help reduce some additional stress and overwhelming emotions you may feel this holiday season.

5 Tips for Coping with Infertility During the Holidays

Practice Saying No

You may feel obligated to attend all of the holiday festivities each year, but it’s okay to say no. You can evaluate how this particular event will make you feel and determine if it’s right for you. It’s okay to politely decline, and depending on your relationship with the host, feel free to be open about your reasoning if you choose.

Host Your Own Event

Maybe you don’t want to miss out on a gathering, but you know it will be full of kids, and that just doesn’t sit right with you. Take matters into your own hands and offer to host an adults-only event at your home or a local restaurant. This is a great way to stay connected with friends and family but avoid possible triggers.

Take a Break

The holidays can be a busy time of year, and this may be a good chance for you to take a break from treatment. A short break can help you feel more like “yourself” during the holidays and allow you to feel more at ease during the fun festivities. 

Lean on Your Support Network

Take some time to connect with your support network and lean on them during this time of year. Sometimes we just need someone to listen to and understand what we are going through. In addition to relying on friends and family for support, you can also attend support groups and connect with others going through infertility.

Take Care of Yourself

Take extra time for yourself this holiday season and treat yourself to something special. Fertility treatment can affect your mental and physical health, so it’s important to enjoy some downtime. Enjoy a spa day, treat yourself to a special lunch, or even pick up a new book this holiday season.

By following the tips listed or coming up with some of your own ways to destress and relax during the holiday season, we hope that you will be well-rested and feel your best going into the new year. You deserve it, so take care of yourself this holiday season and it’s okay to put your needs first when it comes to enjoying the holidays this year.