Namita Nayyar
Many women spend several years taking up on IVF as an optional treatment. You Advice for them.
Shannon Leach
Trust the advice of the experts — your doctors. Find a clinic where you felt seen and heard, where you feel supported and can ask questions. Find your people who will help keep your hope alive — your partner/spouse, close friends, family. You should not and cannot do this alone. It might be dark and lonely at times, but I promise you that, at the end of it all, you will be stronger, and you look back and see that every step along the way was getting you one step closer to your next chapter.
Namita Nayyar
The whole process of treatment is not as easy as it sounds and involves highs and lows, failures, and disappointments. How did you handle the same as a couple?
Shannon Leach
I am incredibly lucky to have one of the most amazing and supportive husband in the entire world. He was my rock through everything. I personally joined a support group through my fertility clinic, and eventually, I created a Facebook Group of my own to provide support to others. Because, aside from a small handful of people in that initial support group, my husband and very few others, I felt so alone on my first IVF journey! I never want anyone to feel alone through this — this is a journey that needs to be shared and supported by those who love and care about you.
When it comes to alleviating my stress, exercise has always been an outlet for me. So, I ensured that this was a part of my daily routine through all my IVF cycles, while pregnant, and on my postpartum journeys. But I always had a conversation with my fertility doctor and OB to determine what was appropriate and safe during each step of my journey to and through motherhood. I wanted to be my healthiest self, and that included my mental health, which is far better when I exercise.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
