In a few hours’ time, I will be posting the following status update on Facebook.
It’s National Infertility Awareness Week and I’m stepping out far beyond my comfort zone.
Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, so chances are you are or know someone who is struggling / has struggled with infertility — that is, aside from me. Many of you know I had a miscarriage two years ago, but only our very closest friends and family know that we struggled to have Viva.
I’d like to keep the specifics of our infertility private, because Facebook is not the place to discuss such details. But there are a few other things I want to share.
First, if you are having trouble building your family, here’s a virtual hug. I want to tell you, it doesn’t matter how long we’ve known each other or how well, I’m here for you any time you need to talk. Send me a message and we’ll take it from there.
Second, if pregnancy or birth announcements make you happy for your friends but so sad for yourself, whatever the reason, I am also here for you any time you need someone to talk to. Again, message me.
Third, if you are in the LA area next Saturday 25th, please stop by The ART of Infertility, a traveling art exhibition where you can see a piece of artwork I created! Later this week I’ll post pictures, but for now please go to http://artofinfertility.org and navigate to Events >> Calabasas for more info.
Fourth, this year’s NIAW theme is You Are Not Alone. If you wish, share the words “You Are Not Alone” below if you would like to simply state that you are 1 in 8 people. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with! Together, we can break the silence, release the shame, and spread the love.
Finally, every day for the rest of the week, I’ll be sharing links to infertility resources.
Thanks for reading xo
I’ve emailed my family to give them a heads up and to firmly state that absolutely no details about DEIVF are to be shared in so public a setting.
It feels terrifying to out myself, and also thrilling. I wonder how people will respond. If there will be any ugly responses. But, dammit, I refuse to live in shame any longer!
So, if we’re friends on Facebook, please leave a comment if you are so inclined. Even a humble Like would be great!
And if you’d like to connect on Facebook, I’d love to be friends! Especially if we have emailed back and forth — there are a couple of you I’m thinking of in particular, but I don’t want to put any pressure on you — feel free to add me.
Like Like Like! A wonderful post Lauren and one which I’m sure will touch many people who see it – both here and on your facebook page. I’m not on facebook but if I was I would very definitely ‘like’ this post, and more importantly, would love you to be a facebook friend! What a refreshing change posts like this would make to the usual pregnancy announcements!
Loving your posts so far! I am still on the fence if I want to post about IF on social media, but I really appreciate what you’re doing!
Perfectly put. I hope you get nothing but support and kindness!
Wonderfully worded and I will be sure to comment and may I even go so far as to ask if you would be comfortable with me posting something similar? I love your idea :)