Fertility Chair: Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the fertility community this holiday season. It’s the time of year when friends and family gather - along with celebrations and announcements that may not always be easily received when you’re in the midst of fertility and family building challenges. And of course the end-of-the-year reflections often highlight a painful passage of time. I see you!

As you look toward the new year ahead and the uncertainty of your family building future, perhaps you can find comfort with the knowledge that you are not alone (regardless of how you may often feel). There’s a whole community of people who get it, and who get you! As you side eye that list of New Year’s resolutions, consider adding one or more of the following:

• Surround yourself with people who may offer a compassionate ear rather than an unsolicited “suggestion.”

• Join a Fertility Support Group to decrease your isolation.

• Seek education and guidance in your family building quest from reputable sources- NOT 2am “Doctor Google” searches.

• Explore and process grief and anxiety through counseling.

• Share only what you feel comfortable disclosing to others. You own your reproductive story and don’t owe anyone the Audible version.

• Remember that fertility challenges don’t define you, they’re merely a part of you- you are SO much more!

Family Tree Wellness continues to offer individual and couple counseling, as well as, the following Fertility Groups- visit www.familytreewellness.org to sign up today!

1st Monday of the month- Pregnancy After Infertility Group 6:30-7:30pm *California residents

2nd Monday of the month- General Fertility Support Group 6:30-7:30pm

3rd Monday of the month- Secondary Fertility Support Group 6:30-7:30pm

4th Monday of the month- General Fertility Support Group 6:30-7:30pm

As the Director of Fertility Programs at Family Tree Wellness, it’s an honor and privilege to continue serving the fertility community. From creating new groups and opportunities for connection and education to bearing witness to your reproductive and family building challenges in this extremely vulnerable and intimate time in your life. I appreciate each and every one of you and very much look forward to supporting you in 2022.

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Written by: Jamie Van Zanen, LCSW