LifeAdvice
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3-minute video
Gospel for Kids
Thinking It Through
g e-Counseling
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Coping
with Infertility
by Rachel Tungate
 I
glanced down at my bulletin and blinked back quick tears. There it was in
bold print: Baby Dedication. Instantly I tried to think of an escape. Should
I go home or hide in the Ladies' Room? Guilt welled up as I scolded myself
for my misery at such a joyous occasion.
The conflicting emotions and thoughts that collide when dealing with childlessness
are always complicated. And, although sorting through the hurt and confusion
takes time, there are several steps you can take along the way.
Acknowledge your
pain.
Coping with not being able to have children is a process of grief. The
cycle of hope and despair that occurs month after month can be devastating.
It's essential to recognize that the ache for a child causes real heartache;
give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions.
Find support.
Infertility is one of the least talked about life crises in the church.
The already intense pain can be magnified when feeling isolated. Seek
out encouragement and prayer from within the body of Christ. Allow others
to help you bear this burden. You are not alone.
Take care of yourself.
During the emotional, physical and spiritual crises of infertility, it
is easy to become exhausted, overwhelmed and physically run down from
the toll. Take time to rest and set limits. It's OK to say no to that
baby shower invitation if you know it will send you into an emotional
tailspin.
Keep living.
It can be tempting to hold off on making short and long-term decisions
when there is an overpowering hope that you will soon have a child that
those decisions could affect. The reality is that you can't put your life
on hold. Know that God has a purpose and plan for your life right now.
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