Friday, April 30, 2010

NIAW Day 7 - Find Support. Do you need help coping with your infertility diagnosis?

Find Support (as provided by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association)

Do you need help coping with your infertility diagnosis?  If you answer YES to any of these statements, please consider finding a support group or mental health professional in your area.  You are not alone.

  • I can not enjoy the pregnancy news of friends/family.
  • I have a difficult time being around babies.
  • I find myself withdrawing from gatherings with family/friends to avoid questions about my "baby plans".
  • I feel alone, like there is no one else to talk to.
  • My partner and I have different ideas on what to do next.
  • The stress of infertility is effecting my work performance, personal finances, social life--I'm having trouble keeping it all together.
Sound familiar?  Consider connecting with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association's support resources.


Find RESOLVE near you.
Find a RESOLVE support group.
Listing of programs nationwide.
Get online support 24/7.
Call your local RESOLVE HelpLine.








NIAW Homepage

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Video: Project IF - Raising Awareness for National Infertility Awareness Week

iReport —Posted, Wednesday, April 28, 2010

1 out of every 8 couples struggles with infertility. This piece seeks to put a real face and name to the very real disease of infertility, and what it's like for millions of people in the country who cope with infertility every day. This video was made as part of ProjectIF for National Infertility Awareness Week, which runs through this Saturday, May 1. After today's successful congressional briefing on infertility with the CDC, members of Congress, and RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, this piece is vital to spreading awareness for a healthcare issue that affects over 7 million people in this country.

ABC News: Health Care Bill offers little comfort to the infertile

Take a look at this article regarding the Health Care Bill and infertility care related costs. Very little is going to change for those going through fertility diagnosis and treatment. 

Health Care Bill Offers Little Comfort to the Infertile

NIAW Day 6 - Navigate the Costs of Family Building

Navigating the Cost of Family Building (as provided by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association)

Infertility exacts an enormous toll on both the affected individuals and on society. Women and men in their most active and productive years are distracted by the physical, financial and emotional hardships of this disease. Infertility is more than a disease, it is a devastating life crisis which can greatly impact the health, relationships, job performance and social interactions. Added to the emotional and physical toll exacted by infertility is the financial burden carried by many seeking treatment.

RESOLVE aims to ease that burden by providing comprehensive information on insurance coverage for infertility and alternative options for making your infertility affordable.


RESOLVE.org Resources
The Costs of Infertility Treatment
Setting and Reaching Financial Goals
Creating a Financial Plan
Infertility Financing Programs





 







 NIAW Homepage

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

NIAW Day 5 - Impact your community

Think about and decide how you can have an Impact Your Community today! 
Volunteer, host a support group, raise awareness. (as provided by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association)
Making an impact on your community with RESOLVE's message will not only benefit the thousands of women and men who suffer with infertility in silence, but it will benefit you.  We hear from our volunteers every day that giving back and engaging their community in a conversation about the issues surrounding infertility helps them find hope and a resolution to their own family building journey. 

Take a moment and think about how you can make an impact on your community. 
  • Order free brochures from RESOLVE and drop them off at your local ob/gyn offices so you can reach someone sitting in that office wondering "why is it so hard to get pregnant?"--email: publications@resolve.org
  • Host a RESOLVE support group--visit this link for more details.
  • Call a local radio station during "drive time" and let them know it's National Infertility Awareness Week and if listeners are having trouble getting pregnant, they need to "take charge and know the facts". Make sure to mention resolve.org/takecharge
  • Talk to your family, friends and coworkers about your family building journey.  Engaging others in conversation can help change perception, create a support network you didn't realize was there, and help you find a resolution. Here are some "Fast Facts" about infertility.
Visit "Get Involved" for more volunteer ideas.

Impact Your Community.  Because 1 in 8 is someone you know.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

NIAW Day 4 - Send a free NIAW ecard

Today's call to action regarding National Infertility Awareness Week is, Take Charge: Send a NIAW eCard:

  • Want to thank someone for the support they've given you during your family building journey?
  • Know someone that could use some support during this difficult time?
  • Want to help spread the word about the National Infertility Awareness Week movement?
  • No matter what the reason, sending a NIAW eCard is easy! 
Click here to send your ecard today! 


Taken with permission from RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association

Monday, April 26, 2010

Press Release: Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC joins with RESOLVE to Take Charge During NIAW

Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC joins with RESOLVE: The National Infertilty Association to Take Charge During National Infertility Awareness Week (April 24 - May 1, 2010)

NIAW Day 3 - Become an advocate

Become an Advocate (As posted by Resolve, The National Infertility Association)

Whether you have been diagnosed with infertility or know someone who has, becoming an advocate is one of the most important steps you can take when it comes to the infertility movement. 

If you have been diagnosed with infertility, become an advocate and you will:
  • Regain a sense of control that is lost when you are dealing with infertility.
  • Know your voice will be heard.
  • Find others that understand what you're going through and won't feel so alone.
  • Feel empowered.
How to become an advocate:
For friends and family, become an advocate and you will:
  • Understand what to say during a difficult time in your loved one's life.
  • Feel part of the journey having a better understanding of their disease and treatment.
  • Feel empowered to stand together and know you're making a difference.
How to become an advocate:

Back to Take Charge
NIAW Homepage

Sunday, April 25, 2010

NIAW Day 2 - Take Charge of your fertiliy: Design a plan

It's Day 2 of National Infertility Awareness Week. Resolve, The National Infertility Association can help and point you in the right direction for moving forward regarding your family building options. They are a tremendous resource and provide insurance information, options, and support.

Design A Plan (As provided by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association):

If you or a loved one is struggling with infertility, you need to know that there are many roads one can take. Visit resolve.org to learn more about the family building options listed below. 

Medical Treatment
Medical treatment options include drug therapy, surgical procedures, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surgical techniques. Get the facts. 

Adoption
Adoption can take many forms: domestic or international; closed or open; private or public. If you are considering adoption as a family building option, learn all you can to make the decision that's right for you.

Donor Options
Many options exist today for couples who are facing infertility and one or both partners is unable to have a genetically-related child. Learn more about donor egg, donor sperm and donor embryo here. 

Surrogacy
Sharing a pregnancy with a surrogate or gestational carrier may be the right option for you if involvement with the pregnancy, prenatal care, genetics and being present for the birth of the child are important. 


Childfree 
Choosing to live childfree is a way to resolve your infertility. When couples experiencing infertility move through the grief over not having a pregnancy or a biologically linked child, it's an opening into a world of possibilities. 

Back to Take Charge
NIAW Homepage 

Saturday, April 24, 2010

NIAW Day 1 (National Infertility Awareness Week) - Infertilty 101: Get the facts

Today is the first day of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). In order to "Make a Difference for you and others" it's important that you educate yourself. Do you need to see a fertility specialist? Do you know someone who is trying to conceive and not understand what they are going through? RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, provides these common myths and facts as a starting point to understanding infertility. 

National Infertility Awareness Week (April 14, - May 1, 2010) is a movement to raise awareness about the disease of infertility which affects 7.3 million Americans.

Infertility 101: Get the Facts (as provided by RESOLVE)

Myth: Infertility is a women's problem.

Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: Everyone seems to get pregnant at the drop of a hat.

Fact: More than 7.3 million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. When you seek support, you will find that you are not alone. Join RESOLVE, a support group, or talk with others who are struggling to build a family, so that you won't feel isolated.

Myth: It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a vacation. Then you'll get pregnant!

Fact: Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with your overall quality of life, the stress and deep emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it easier to diagnose infertility problems.

Myth: Don't worry so much -- it just takes time. You'll get pregnant if you're just patient.

Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of about 5% after a year of infertility.

Myth: If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant!

Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: Why don't you just forget it and adopt? After all, there are so many babies out there who need homes!

Fact: For many, adoption is a happy resolution to infertility. But choosing how to build your family is a very personal decision. Learning about all the ways to build a family can open your eyes to options you may not have thought of as a possibility. Education is key to finding resolution.

Myth: Maybe you two are doing something wrong!

Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder.

Myth: My partner might leave me because of our infertility.

Fact: The majority of couples do survive the infertility crisis, learning in the process new ways of relating to each other, which deepens their relationship in years to follow.

Myth: Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two aren't meant to be parents!

Fact: It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem.

Myth: Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.

Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.

Myth: I shouldn't take a month off from infertility treatment for any reason... I just know that this next month will be THE one!

Fact: It is important periodically to reassess your treatment and your parenting goal. Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next steps.

Myth: I'll be labeled a 'trouble maker' if I ask too many questions.

Fact: The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another, either physically, financially, or emotionally. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor.

A second opinion can be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.

Myth: I know I'll never be able to stop treatment until I have a pregnancy.

Fact: Pregnancy is not the only pathway to parenthood. You may begin to think more about parenthood than about pregnancy. You may long for your life to get back to normal. You may consider childfree living or begin to think of other ways to build a family.

Myth: I've lost interest in my job, hobbies, and my friends because of infertility. No one understands! My life will never be the same!

Fact: Infertility is a life crisis -- it has a rippling effect on all areas of your life. It is normal to feel a sense of failure that can affect your self-esteem and self-image. You will move through this crisis. It is a process, and it may mean letting go of initial dreams. Throughout this process, stay informed about the wide range of options and connect with others facing similar experiences.

More RESOLVE Resources
NIAW (National Infertility Awareness Week) Homepage

Friday, April 23, 2010

Heartfelt Egg Donation, llc to participate in National Infertility Awareness Week (April 24 - May 1, 2010)

I'm pleased to announce that Heartfelt Egg Donation, llc will participate in National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), April 24 - May 1, 2010. Our goal is to help raise awareness about infertility and family building options and to support RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association in their efforts to educate those who may be experiencing infertility or know of someone trying to conceive with difficulty.

Starting tomorrow, April 24, 2010, I'll provide information on how to educate yourself. You'll be given the tools to Take Charge with 7 things you can do in 7 days:
  1. Educate yourself
  2. Design a plan
  3. Become an advocate
  4. Send a free ecard message to someone
  5. Impact your community
  6. Navigate the Costs of Family Building
  7. Find Support
I'm excited to see the information that will be coming from the infertility industry and those affected by infertility. What a great way to open the lines of communication and to help remove the stigma associated with infertility.

I came across an article/blog post by Connie Shapiro, PhD from yesterday titled "Celebrating Infertility Awareness Week". I encourage you to read it as it touches upon the many facets of infertility that are not discussed openly or frequently.

Video: Life = Risk

We've all faced hard days and times that seem to last an eternity. Continuous struggles and/or perceived failures are no joy ride. The "why me" syndrome can be a real spirit killer. Some of us need to be reminded a little more than others that Life = Risk and success can only come after failure. So when the going gets tough, remember to lift up your chin and look at all your accomplishments whether big or small. Look to those who love you for support and try to keep your mind and body in a good place. As we enter the weekend, I leave you with this video and hope your days are sunny and warm even if it's raining and cold.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Egg Donation Dilemma - Compensation Vs. Enticement

Pamela Madsen is one of my favorite bloggers who always gets to the issue at hand and doesn't hold back with her voice and beliefs. I came across her post on Monday and thought it provided great insight. It also included wonderful, detailed comments from an donor egg agency owner, Amy Demma and Marna Gatlin, a mother via egg donation and founder of Parents via Egg Donation. Their comments are so very poignant for prospective parents and donors, alike. I hope that their voices resonate with you or give you some pause with regard to egg donation and the compensation vs. enticement debate. Please take a look at the link below for the full blog and comments. Feel free to add your own comments.

The Egg Donation Dilemma - Compensation Vs. Enticement

Monday, April 12, 2010

Book Review (Children): Daddy and Pop, from the "Love Makes a Family" Series

I had the pleasure of reading Daddy and Pop from The "Love Makes a Family" Series presented by Guess Who? MultiMedia and Pacific Fertility Center, Los Angeles. Written by Tina Rella, this is a new children's musical book series that celebrates families made possible by adoption, egg/sperm donation, and surrogacy.

Daddy and Pop
The story is about Jessica, a little girl starting first grade who along with the other children in her class, is asked to share information about her family. She has two fathers. At the end of her presentation, someone asks about her mother. She never really thought about this before. After school she asks her fathers why she doesn't have a mother and they explain how she was conceived through the help of an egg donor and carried until born by a gestational carrier. Both women helped to bring Jessica to them and make their family complete.

I first read the book without the CD and then again along with the CD.  It was a quick read, simple and to the point: love makes a family. The story is realistic. The music made the story come to life even more than expected and I can easily see how youngsters curious about their beginnings would enjoy it. There's no doubt that story time will be lots of fun in a household reading Daddy and Pop and I anticipate that the other musical books in The Love Makes a Family Series are equally entertaining and informative.

The official release date of the Love Makes a Family Series of musical books is April 16, 2010. Anyone who purchases one or more musical books on this date will receive a 10% discount. In order to receive this discount, email your order to Info@guesswhomultimedia.com. Purchases may also be made directly through Guess Who? MultiMedia or through Amazon.com.

Friday, April 9, 2010

ABC News / Diane Sawyer Looking for Previous Egg Donors and Parents via Egg Donation

Calling all previous egg donors and parents via egg donation...ABC News and Diane Sawyer are looking for you and want your personal story. Check out the link below. If you happen to get the opportunity to share your story, let us know.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/mailform?id=10332052

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Welcome baby boy J!

It took many years and tries but finally baby boy J was born April 5, 2010. His parents are happy to share the news of his birth and I'd like to share their joy by sharing this image. J was carried and cared for these past 9 months by a wonderful and selfless gestational carrier. I love this photo of "hands"; hands of baby, father, carrier, grandmother. Congratulations to all who made this day possible!