While attending an infertility conference last fall I discovered three things that really stuck out to me.
As I watched people come and go I was able to observe and take in a lot of feelings and thoughts. And during that time I came away with three things that stuck out to me the most.
Three things that brought me comfort as someone who struggles with infertility.
Infertility does not discriminate
Like I mentioned, we met so many amazing people! I truly felt so much love for every single person who stopped by our table and took interest in our jewelry and our website. I felt connected to each person knowing that in one way or another they were struggling with infertility just like me.
This conference was a safe place. And I hope they felt it, too.
A place where you knew you were not alone in your struggle or your grief. A place where you knew others were going through similar things as you.
Every person was there for a reason. Those reasons may be different from person to person but you could feel the camaraderie shared by everyone.
As I watched all the different people come through it made me realize even more so that infertility does not discriminate.
There were so many different kinds of people that we met and it does not matter your age, size, race, religion, income, job, or background.
Infertility can affect anyone. Remember- one in eight couples experience infertility. And somehow, knowing basically anyone of any walk of life can experience it, brought me a little comfort. It helped me feel less alone.
Partner support is so important
I was pleasantly surprised to see so many spouses attend the conference together. But then again, why wouldn’t they?
Infertility affects both people regardless of the reason of infertility. Coming together as a couple and supporting one another is so important. It made me so glad to see so many husbands and wives together to hear the same messages.
If you and your spouse are not on the same page with your infertility, we challenge you to do what you can to change that. Whether that means you have a deep heart-to-heart or you write your spouse a letter explaining your desire to have them support you more- we know it will only bring you closer together.
People care about infertility
At this conference there were several people who spoke- including doctors, those who have experienced infertility, adoption, pregnancy loss, surrogacy and child-free living.
The key-note speaker was Tiffany Alleman who was Mrs. Utah 2011 and although I did not hear her remarks everyone we asked told us it was simply amazing and inspiring.
As mentioned before there were close to 20 vendors in attendance all who are trying to make a difference in the community.
Each and every step that someone makes toward raising infertility awareness makes a difference.
And that is one of my goals.
I want you to know I care, that others care, that infertility is not going away and that your pain does not need to be in vain.
You can use it for good- to help and educate those around you and to be a light for those suffering, too.