After treating thousands of infertility patients over the past 23 years, I have heard it all. I see patients during their most vulnerable, hopeful and heartbreaking moments. They often share their struggles and triumphs with me.
One topic that often comes up are the insensitive things that people can say to those who are hoping to become a parent, but haven't been able to have a child yet. Since one in eight couples experiences infertility, awareness of infertility has grown -- but we have a long way to go in infertility etiquette.
People can be insensitive when it comes to painful topics like infertility, and many make hurtful comments, even when they don't mean to. Over the years, patients have shared some of those hurtful comments with me and my colleagues. Here are just a few examples:
- "Are you pregnant yet?"
To help those with infertility as well as the friends and family who love them, I've put together some advice to help navigate conversations without hurt feelings.
Infertility Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts
If you think you may know someone with infertility, here is some basic advice to follow.
Do:
1. Lend a caring, patient ear.
If you know someone who opens up about their infertility, the best response is to listen. Give them a hug and let them share what is on their mind. Don't ask questions or offer advice. By listening, telling them you care and letting them know you are always there for them, you can show your support.
2. Talk about things that are not centered around children or babies.
Make sure that while you are all out to dinner with your spouse and friends that the conversation is something other than kids so that they can laugh and share with you. There are many other topics to discuss such as hobbies, work, current events, etc. If they bring up the topic, it is OK to pursue, but avoid introducing it.
3. Be understanding if they opt out of social obligations.
They aren't skipping the party because they don't care about you; they are opting out because some events can be so painful that their heart aches. Being at events with children or where they could be asked upsetting questions may be a challenge they wish to avoid. Sometimes people need a little space and privacy to grieve as they deal with infertility.
4. Think about what it is like in their shoes.
An infertility diagnosis can cause feelings of shame, inadequacy, depression and isolation. People with infertility often blame themselves for their diagnosis. Be aware and sensitive to what their needs may be, and choose your words wisely.
Don't:
1. Ask them when they're going to have children.
Prying and pressuring about when there will be children can be extremely hurtful to hear if you are trying for a baby and have not achieved pregnancy. Avoid this question at all costs. Nonetheless, asking how things are going in their life or if they ever need an ear to listen can be very helpful to couple who needs to share.
2. Give advice.
Unless asked a specific question, don't offer unsolicited advice. This includes the topics of adoption, conception, infertility diagnosis, exercise, diet, weight, habits and lifestyle as well as starting, continuing or stopping fertility treatment. You don't know what the couple has done thus far and is going through, and many couples keep this information private. In fact, some couples never share that their baby was conceived through fertility treatment.
3. Say "Just relax. If it's meant to be, it will happen."
These are two of the most common insensitive statements that those with infertility hear, and also some of the most painful. Sadly, they may have heard both of these statements many, many times. Telling someone to relax comes across as disrespectful, blaming and dismissive. To imply that someone is not meant to be a parent is devastating to anyone who longs for a child. Instead, simply saying that as they go through this journey, there are many options to help them. Hope is very powerful and words of encouragement can go a long way.
4. Complain about your pregnancy or children.
While you may be experiencing sleep deprivation, weight gain and swollen feet, someone with infertility longs for the day their pregnancy and child brings about these challenges.
Have you experienced similar situations?
Feel free to comment below and help raise awareness.
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