15 Heartfelt Ways to Encourage Someone Going Through Infertility
Infertility is a challenging journey that affects many people and couples, often bringing with it a range of emotions from hope to despair. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH) says that around 9% of men and 11% of women who are of reproductive age in the United States experience infertility.
Supporting a loved one during this tough time can help them cope and feel less isolated. If you’re wondering how to encourage someone going through infertility, here are 15 thoughtful tips to offer genuine support and comfort.
1. Listen Without Judgment
When someone is struggling with infertility, they need a compassionate ear more than anything. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or making judgments. To encourage someone going through infertility, simply listen to their feelings and experiences. Being an empathetic listener shows you care and understand their struggles.
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Infertility can bring about a rollercoaster of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration. Recognize these feelings and validate them. If you want to know what to say to someone struggling with infertility, phrases like “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way” can offer comfort and validation.
3. Offer Practical Help
Sometimes the best approach to help someone is to provide tangible aid. Offer to assist with daily activities such as food shopping, cooking, or running errands. This can relieve some of their stress and demonstrate that you are available to help them in real ways.
4. Respect Their Privacy
Respecting their privacy is crucial. Avoid probing questions about their treatment or personal details. If they choose to share, let them do so on their own terms. Respecting their boundaries helps maintain trust and shows you care about their comfort.
5. Be Patient and Understanding
Infertility can be a lengthy and emotionally demanding struggle. Be tolerant as they experience emotional ups and downs. Understand that their mood may fluctuate and that their ability to engage in social activities may vary. Showing patience reinforces your support during this tough time.
6. Educate Yourself About Infertility
Understanding what your friend or loved one is going through can help you provide better support. Learn about infertility and its treatments so that you can provide informed and compassionate assistance. This knowledge can also help you understand what to say to someone dealing with infertility.
7. Avoid Comparisons
Comparing their struggles to others’ situations can be hurtful. Instead of detailing words like “At least you can still try,” focus on their individual experience. Offer your support without making comparisons, which can come off as dismissive of their experience.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate the small victories along their journey, whether it’s a successful test result or completing a treatment cycle. Recognizing these times can bring encouragement and optimism, demonstrating that you are invested in their success.
9. Offer Emotional Support During Failed Treatment
If your loved one or friend is undergoing failed IVF or other treatments, offer emotional support during these times. A simple message of encouragement or checking in before and after appointments can be comforting. Knowing you’re thinking of them can be a significant boost.
10. Be Sensitive to Triggers
Be mindful of situations or conversations that may be triggering for someone struggling with infertility. Avoid discussing pregnancy or children excessively around them if you know it might cause distress. Sensitivity in these areas demonstrates your consideration for their feelings.
11. Help Them Find Support Groups
Aside from looking for words to say to a friend struggling to get pregnant, encouraging your friend to join a support group can be beneficial. Help them find local or online communities where they can connect with others who understand their situation. This can provide them with additional support and a sense of community.
12. Be Supportive of Their Decisions
Whether they choose to pursue further treatments, consider adoption, or explore other options, support their decisions without offering unsolicited opinions. Respect their choices and provide encouragement based on what they feel is best for them.
13. Avoid Clichés and Well-Meaning Advice
Well-meaning but clichéd advice can sometimes be hurtful. When dealing with someone struggling with infertility, avoid saying things like “It will happen when you least expect it” or “Just relax and it will happen.” Instead, offer your genuine support and empathy without trying to fix their situation.
14. Encourage Self-Care
Motivate your loved one to participate in self-care activities that will help them manage stress and maintain their well-being. Whether it’s through hobbies, exercise, or relaxation techniques, supporting their self-care can help them cope with the emotional challenges of infertility.
15. Keep the Conversation Open
Let your friend know that you’re available to talk whenever they need it. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there for them can be a great comfort. Maintain open channels of communication and provide regular support, even if they do not reach out.
Find Ways to Encourage Someone Going Through Infertility
Supporting someone going through infertility requires empathy, patience, and understanding. You may make a big impact in someone’s life by listening, respecting their boundaries, and providing practical and emotional assistance.
Remember, how to encourage someone going through infertility and what to say to a friend struggling to get pregnant can be as unique as their experience. Your sympathetic presence can provide comfort and support as they go through this difficult period.
If you’re looking for ways to encourage someone going through infertility, keep these tips in mind to provide the most effective and heartfelt support. Understanding how to support a friend after failed IVF and showing empathy throughout their journey can make a meaningful impact.
