From April 22-28, 2018 it is National Infertility Awareness Week.  It’s about raising awareness about the disease that affects 1 in 8 couples.  This week in particular we are trying to shed the stigmas and help increase knowledge to those who suffer, we want YOU to feel supported and know that you are not alone!  I was there not too long ago!  The more we talk about this subject, the more awareness it will bring.  I spoke up and talked to the person in charge of benefits at my full time job and asked why we weren’t offering infertility coverage over two years ago.  This past fall, they started offering coverage.  Just by asking and talking about it made those decision makers AWARE that our team needed some more support to accomplish their dreams of becoming parents. 

A few thoughts:

• This July, IVF is approaching its 40^th anniversary of the first baby born through IVF. Here is a look back at the milestone.
• Cleveland Clinic lost their frozen embryos – my hearts goes out to you and hope you -overcome this huge obstacle and – keep trying.  I know in some cases that is not possible and I hope you find some peace with this awful loss.  I have frozen embryos in storage tanks and it’s scary to think that it could be gone in a second.
• I’m a parent because of IVF!  I now view all of this so differently after giving birth.  It’s a PREVILAGE to be pregnant.   I have no idea what will happen down the road as far as if I can get pregnant again or not.  It’s something I will always cherish and continue to share my story

To anyone who is thinking about taking the journey down IVF, just DO IT!  Yes there will be pain and heartache and so many unknowns.  When you hold your baby, it all goes away!  We need to bring more awareness to this disease because there are SO MANY PEOPLE who struggle getting pregnant.  I LOVE talking about this and sharing my story in the hopes it will help just one person!  Together, we can change how others view infertility.  Join me as I take the pledge to #flipthescript

Check out last year’s National Infertility Awareness post here.

If you are in the Boston area please check out IVF New England and Boston IVF.

Xoxo Jen Araya