I did a thing that scares me. I co-wrote an Op-Ed with other women from 500 Women Scientist about infertility.
See, my sons are the result of multiple rounds of different types of fertility treatments. During the process I told almost no one; it was an incredibly painful time and a very difficult journey. I was scared and ashamed and I felt like a failure for not being able to conceive. Even now, more than 5 years later, the memories have sharp edges; I cried almost the whole time I worked on the piece.
1 in 6 couples experiences fertility issues. Someone that you know (besides me) has struggled to build a family, and they probably did it quietly and alone because of the stigma and shame associated with infertility. Enough.
If you are struggling with infertility you are not alone. You are not a failure. You have no reason to be ashamed.
Here’s the piece. Please read and share; you never know who may need it.