In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week 2017 (April 23-29), I wanted to bring you the stories of 12 talented and courageous Etsy shop owners. These women have walked through the depths of infertility and miscarriage, and I admire their determination in fighting for their families. It's my honor to give you a glimpse into their lives, and I strongly encourage you to support their family-building missions by shopping today! Jackie Blue Handmade Jackie Smith launched her shop in 2011, selling handmade beaded jewelry made of semiprecious gemstones. Her hobby became a full-time side job in 2014 to help pay for infertility treatments. Jackie's story: "I was diagnosed with … [Read more...]
National Infertility Awareness Week 2017: Our Story
Thank you for stopping by today to read our story in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week 2017! What is the cause of my infertility? I have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS is an endocrine disorder in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. (Androgens are male hormones that females also make.) High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn’t make all of the hormones it needs for an … [Read more...]
The Day We Took Down the Swing Set
I remember when we were considering purchasing this home five years ago. I squealed when we toured the backyard, "Aww look! A swing set! This would be perfect for the kiddos!" A baby swing, an adult swing, a horse swing, a slide, and a little treehouse with a steering wheel -- it was adorable. I visualized Matt and I pushing our giggling babies in these swings. I imagined putting them on my lap as we'd slide. I dreamed of little voices screaming, "Higher, Mommy! Push me higher!" But years passed and I enjoyed watching my nieces swing. I pushed my friends' kids in the baby swing. I attempted putting Rudy (our dog) in the swing at one point. I watched fuzzy squirrels perch atop the set, … [Read more...]
Five Ways You’re Unintentionally Hurting Your Infertile Friend
It’s a natural desire to say things to comfort those we love who are in pain. But in our desire to eliminate suffering from our loved ones’ lives, we can unintentionally hurt them. Even with the best intentions, we often say the wrong things. Here are five common ways that infertile couples feel hurt from well-meaning family and friends. Offering the “Just Relax” Mentality Advising your friend to “just relax,” “stop thinking about it,” and/or “go on a vacation” as a possibility for them to get pregnant is hurtful for many reasons. Sure, we’ve all heard anecdotes of other couples getting pregnant after they “stopped thinking about it” or went on a tropical vacation. But essentially, … [Read more...]