"You need a team. There is not a single person that can support you in every way in this journey. Different people will support you in different ways. Your physician will support you medically, your partner will support you emotionally and you should also lean into a psychologist or mental health professional. Your friends will support you and life you up and hopefully help you to laugh."
Infertility and the journey through IVF are challenges that many individuals and couples face, often accompanied by emotional, physical, and financial stress. Despite advancements in reproductive technology, the process can be isolating and fraught with uncertainty. How can we better support those navigating infertility and IVF, and what strategies can help manage the various challenges along the way? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eve Feinberg, MD.
Dr. Feinberg is a Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and serves as the REI Fellowship Program Director and the Medical Director for Northwestern Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. She formerly served as the President of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is an Editorial Editor for Fertility and Sterility and the creator and co-host of Fertility and Sterility On-Air podcast. Dr. Feinberg currently serves on the National Medical Committee for Planned Parenthood and on the Executive Board of American Society for Reproductive Medicine as a Director-At-Large and Chair of the Publications Committee. Dr. Feinberg is also the founder and president of the Chicago Coalition for Family Building, a not for profit that awards financial grants for fertility treatment and adoption.
From your experience working with individuals and couples navigating infertility and IVF, what are some of the most common emotional challenges they face, and how can healthcare providers best support them in managing these emotions?
Anger, fear, shock, sadness, grief, jealousy, denial. Basically, every emotion is a part of the infertility journey. The patient will be most successful when they have a team of people caring for them including an honest and caring physician but also (if applicable) and engaged partner, a trusted mental health professional and family and friends to provide support.
Can you please share “5 Things You Need to Navigate the Challenges of Infertility and IVF”?
1. You need a team. There is not a single person that can support you in every way in this journey. Different people will support you in different ways. Your physician will support you medically, your partner will support you emotionally and you should also lean into a psychologist or mental health professional. Your friends will support you and lift you up and hopefully help you to laugh.
2. A good calendar to track all of your appointments.
3. A hobby or distraction (think a good TV series or great books).
4. If you are partnered then date nights where you don’t talk about treatment. If you are single, then nights out with friends where you take a break from talking about treatment.
5. Small ways to take care of yourself — a pedicure, nature walks, making a concerted effort to do things you really enjoy when you are going through treatment.
