An idea to start support groups for infertility

I had the opportunity to attend the ASRM annual meeting that was held in Denver this year. It was an incredible. I always leave filled with all the information I learned and all the new projects I want to complete. This time, I left thinking about support groups for infertility.

A round-table about support groups for infertility

I attended a round-table meeting where a small group of doctors, nurses and counselors discussed a specific topic. I attended the session that’s primary focus was on support groups for infertility. This is something I am very passionate about. Infertility is so overwhelming. It is easy to assume you are the only one that it is affecting. In truth, your friends could be dealing with similar experiences. It is something that people just do not talk about.

It was interesting to see how many different centers are considering starting support groups for infertility. Texas Fertility Center was the only office there that already had a support group.  I got to share my experiences with our support group at Texas Fertility Center. I shared how beneficial it has become for patients to realize that they are not alone. Patients are able to connect with others who have similar circumstances and goals. I also left with many new ideas to try to implement into our support group to help make it more successful than it already is.

The importance of these groups

It was a unanimous conclusion from the discussion at the meeting that support groups for infertility are important. My hope is that more practices will consider offering a support group directly through their offices. It is instrumental in helping patients develop a network of others.

At our next meeting, we will be having a fertility yoga instructor, who has struggled with infertility herself. She will teach us how to decrease stress using some yoga techniques for relaxation. With the holidays quickly approaching, we thought this would be the perfect time to have her join us. We will of course have time for reflection and of course discussion with your new friends.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting and helping you make friends through the fertility process. Click here for more information about the support group.