Surviving Mother’s Day
9 Tips for Surviving Mother’s Day (and every day)
From the Experts at the Global Jewish Fertility Support Summit
Know That You Are Not Alone
We are here for you. There is a whole online community here for you. You are not alone in your anxiety, frustration, or loss.
Set Boundaries
Do what feels right to YOU. Protect yourself.
-Bill Petok, PhD
If you do not want to go to your sister's Mother's Day brunch, don't! Walk away from conversations that aren't serving you. You don't have to explain yourself.
-Aliza Abrams Konig, IWSTHAB
Be Honest
Tell your support system how they can best support you.
-Chani Levertov-Fruitful
Speak up if somebody says something inappropriate to you.
-Aliza Abrams Konig-IWSTHAB
Spend Time With People That Make You Happy
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people that uplift you.
-Suzanne Sackstien, PhD- Malka Ella
Build a support system of people that you trust to share your struggles with.
-Bill Petok, PhD
Advocate For Yourself
Understand that even though life feels out of control, you have options.
-Michal Roness- Nishmat Fertility Fellow
Seek help from resources that can best support you.
-Rabbi Elan Segelman-Puah
Do Something For Yourself
Treat yourself to a spa day. Go for a walk with a friend. Try a new restaurant. Read your book. Meditate. Take a break from social media.
-Gail Miller, MD
Acknowledge Pain
Don't ignore your pain. Engage with it and process it.
-Susie Holder, MSc, AFBsS, CPsychol- Chana
Don't let your infertility become a "dirty secret". Own your emotions and don't keep them inside.
-Rachi Hain, BSW- Merkaz Panim
Give yourself permission to grieve and feel pain.
Rabbi Idit Soloman- Hasidah
Redefine "Motherhood"
While nothing compares to holding your child. There are alternative ways to nurture that "motherly" piece of yourself such as getting a pet or volunteering.
-Karen Friedman, PhD- Keren Gefen
Remember: You Are More Than Your Infertility
You are not defined by your infertility. You are also a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, colleague, and so much more.
-Gail Miller, MD
Your value and self-worth is not tied to your fertility and ability to have children.
-Rachi Hain, BSW- Merkaz Panim