Many crave the routine of back-to-school, but for those wanting to add to their family while struggling to conceive, it can bring its own challenges. Life is busy and undergoing fertility treatments can feel like a full-time job in itself sometimes. Learning to balance family life and the commitment of fertility treatments successfully can make a huge difference in one’s fertility health. Let’s explore some helpful tips for keeping stress and anxiety at bay during the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season.
Tips for Managing Fertility Treatments and Family Life:
- Practice Self Care - prioritizing emotional health is imperative to treatment success and overall health. In the various seasons of life, recognizing when to say no to additional responsibilities as a school parent can be vital. Clearing the mind and the calendar of non-essentials gives energy and resolves the space to flourish.
- Seek Out Counseling - individual or group counseling can supply patients with coping mechanisms and emotional support throughout their fertility journey. Spending time with others who understand the ups and downs of fertility treatment while raising a family can also be highly beneficial.
- Plan Appropriately - fertility treatment appointments are often time-consuming and time-sensitive. Plan with your healthcare team about which appointments can be scheduled during school hours so you have plenty of time for family in the afternoons and evenings.
- Take a Break When Necessary - fertility treatments can put an enormous amount of emotional pressure and financial strain on the family unit. Taking a break from treatment when needed may seem counterintuitive, but it may be a necessary piece in the quest for treatment success.
- Set Realistic Expectations - delays in treatment can happen due to extracurricular activities or the specific needs of others in your family. Starting early and incorporating time for potential setbacks can help to minimize frustration and disappointment.
Balancing the demands of treatment and family life can feel overwhelming, but the experts at ReproMed Fertility Center are here to help! We will guide, support, and encourage our patients as they navigate this journey one step and one season at a time. Reach out today!
Author: Dr. Anil Pinto is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Pinto has a special interest in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced reproductive technologies, such as IVF. Dr. Pinto practices at ReproMed Fertility Center, which includes four convenient locations across Dallas and Tyler, Texas.