We know all too well the roller coaster of emotional ups and downs that come with undergoing fertility treatment. One thing we know that helps so so many women going through fertility testing and treatment is having a support network around you that really gets what you are going through and how you feel. While friends and family are, of course, important, there is something special about connecting with women who are going through a similar experience. We like to refer to these wonderful women as fertility besties!
A “fertility bestie” is an individual who truly understands your emotions, challenges, and victories. In this blog post, we’ll explore five fabulous reasons why forming friendships with other women in the same boat as you is one of the best things you can do for yourself when on your own fertility journey.
Shared Understanding and Empathy
When you connect with women going through fertility treatment or IVF, you instantly find a deep sense of understanding and empathy with each other. Explaining your emotions or frustrations to others who haven’t experienced them firsthand can be hard work, and while they may offer a listening ear, they will never truely understand what you are going through if they haven’t walked in your shoes.
However, a fertility bestie will get it. They comprehend the rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, and resilience accompanying the fertility journey and are right there with you.
Emotional Support and Encouragement
Undergoing Fertility treatment and IVF can be emotionally draining. There are moments of hope, setbacks, fear and sometimes disappointment and everything in between. During these times, having the support and encouragement of your fertility besties can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a kind word, a shoulder to lean on, or an understanding ear, these friendships provide a safe space to express your fears, anxieties, and small wins on your journey.
Knowledge and Experience
Navigating fertility treatment and IVF is overwhelming. However, when you befriend or join a network of women who have been through similar experiences, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and insights. From tips on managing side effects to advice on self-care during treatment, your fertility besties have firsthand experience and wisdom to share.
They can help you through the process, answer questions, and provide valuable resources, all based on their own journeys. This shared knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and navigate the fertility landscape more confidently.
Building Lifelong Friendships
The bond formed with your fertility besties can extend far beyond the fertility journey itself. Going through such an experience together creates a strong foundation for lifelong friendships. These connections often evolve into enduring relationships built on trust, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of one another. Your fertility besties become a part of your support network not only during treatment but also as you navigate parenthood or explore alternative paths. Having friends who have walked a similar path can enrich your life in many ways.
Someone to celebrate with!
On your fertility journey, there will be ups and downs, both big and small, and every victory deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s a positive pregnancy test, successful embryo transfer, or any other milestone, your fertility besties are there to cheer you on. They recognise the significance of these moments and are genuinely happy for you. Their genuine joy and celebration add an extra layer of meaning to these milestones, making them even more special.
Find your fertility bestie today
Finding women who are going through the same fertility treatment as you might sound easier said than done. You might be sitting there thinking, well, this is all very nice, but where can I find someone like this who will really get my journey?!
Well, that is exactly why we created the Hoopsy fertility community. It’s a space set up by Hoopsy’s founder Lara, after she went through her own fertility journey, which you can learn about here. In the fertility community, you can connect with women across the UK and ask our experts anything that’s on your mind. It’s our hope that many fertility besties will be found via our free community because we know it can really make a difference and make a journey that is so isolating and difficult a little easier to endure. You can join the fertility community now, it’s completely free, and we cannot wait to meet you!
