Fertility Struggles & the Holiday Season — How to cope

Usually seen as a magical, jolly season, December can also bring to the surface a lot of triggers, painful conversations and emotional moments, especially for people going through fertility struggles. To help you navigate these weeks, we have put together a list of tips.

Set boundaries

Don't say yes to every invitation, and do not feel obliged to attend events or family gatherings that have the potential to be overwhelming or trigger painful feelings. But if you decide to attend some events, you can always leave early if you start feeling uncomfortable. Decide what works best for you, and be selfish in a healthy way!

Self-care

This concept has been trivialised lately, but it's important to take care of yourself first and foremost. Exercising, cooking, eating ALL the chocolate, talking to a therapist or someone who can understand what you're going through — there are so many ways to go about it, and it's crucial to prioritise self-care during the holiday season. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup!

Be honest

Discuss openly with your family and friends about how difficult the holiday season might be for you. You might be surprised how many people are willing to support you during this time.

It's okay to feel sad

The holidays can be a tough time for many people, and it's normal to feel sad or disappointed if you're struggling with infertility. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but also try to focus on the things that bring you joy.

Escape

Perhaps the best thing you could do during the holiday season is to escape it altogether. Go on a trip by yourself or with your partner and create your own holiday traditions, without any painful reminders of your fertility struggles.