As you all know, as part of our campaign #ivfstrongertogether we are encouraging each other to share fertility stories.
It’s been wonderful to see that so many of you have taken comfort from reading these journeys. It’s an incredible feeling, to read a story and realise that you feel exactly the same. The solitude you once felt suddenly begins to disappear slowly.
One brave woman who has shared her journey is the fabulous Michelle Smith, who, like all of us, has been on on the rocky roller coaster of fertility treatment.
Michelle chose to document her fertility journey through blogs and vlogs, and has made so many friends along the way. Her YouTube channel and social media platforms have been a huge source of comfort for both Michelle and many couples going through fertility treatment.
We spoke to Michelle and asked her how sharing her journey has made her feel.
I will never forget the moment I decided to share my infertility journey. For those of you who don’t remember, I wrote a blog on how I came out of the “infertility closet”. If you aren’t familiar, here’s the link to read it .
Once you have announced that you are going through infertility, there really is no going back. It’s sort of like anytime you put something out there on the internet, it’s out there forever.
I never imagined we would be bombarded with the immense amount of support that was to follow.
Not only did hundreds of people (yes, hundreds… I am not exaggerating) reach out to extend their love and support but I learned it opened up the opportunity to have honest, hard conversations with the only people who could actually relate.
The conversations I have had with the women who are/were in my same shoes has been helpful beyond measure.
These conversations aren’t like what I was used to having. No. These women totally and completely got me. They understood me more than anyone else was equipped to. Sometimes this meant that we could cry together without needing to explain why, and other times we could share hot new tips that we came across that were actually seeming to help us in one way or another.
I was (and still am) really humbled by the generosity of my readers. Doctors and homeopaths reached out to give me suggestions or advice where needed, and even energy healers and massage therapists offered their services for free to me. Some fertility sisters made homemade gifts, or purchased little trinkets for me to keep along the way as a reminder that I was loved and supported. People drove hours to meet me for lunch and just give me a good luck hug. They did this for me, asking for nothing in return. They care.
That’s what surprised me the most about sharing my journey – how many people care. People I know and people I have never met in my life care.
When you are struggling to conceive, knowing people care can make such a huge difference in our mental health and wellbeing. People can’t support you if they don’t know you need the support.
I can only hope that after reading this, you too feel encouraged to share your struggles.
Sharing really is caring (and I’m not just talking about sharing your sandwich here). Do it because you deserve the love you will get, but also do it because you will have the chance to support others who are going through the exact same thing you are. We are better together.
I am here for you. I care.
Let’s connect on Youtube
Michelle Smith x
If you would like to share your journey, we would love to hear from you. Why not drop us a line: sara@ivfbabble.com