Chanukah: Light & Darkness
Thank you @theoutbackmama for these beautiful words about light, Chanukah, and loss. In memory of her son Matisyahu Maccabee born sleeping on the first Chanukah light 2021.
You Will Get Through This
No one thought there could possibly be a pure jug of oil left after the Greeks defiled the Temple. But there was. Here’s to surviving really hard things. Happy Chanukah.
Chanukah Emotions
Swipe to read this beautiful voice from the community about the profound impact of this community and how the sukkot holiday has impacted this follower.
Share Light on Chanukah
We know that this time of year, and Chanukah, is especially hard for the infertility and loss community. We strive to spread sensitivity, inclusivity, and kindness in this community and in the world.
Chanukah is Hard
We hear you. Chanukah is hard. You are not alone if you feel this way. We compiled your responses to how you are feeling about Chanukah approaching.
Chanukah: Light And Dark
As we enter into the holiday of Chanukah, the holiday of light, let's acknowledge that there is still darkness. Light and dark can coexist. They both have their place in our lives.
Anxiety About Sharing Pregnancy News
Pregnancy announcements...When should you share? How should you share? To whom should you share? They're so hard for so many reasons.
Thoughts When Someone Asks “Are You Pregnant?”
You run into your old college roommate Hannah whom you haven’t seen in ages. You start catching up and she immediately asks “OMG are you finally pregnant??”
Making Pregnancy Announcements
We asked the IWSTHAB community about making pregnancy announcements and how they feel about pregnancy announcements. How, Who, and When.
Responding When Someone Asks If You Are Pregnant
However you choose to respond when someone asks if you are pregnant is perfectly okay. And remember, YOU get to choose how to respond. If it feels right to tell them, go for it!
How To Respond When Someone Asks “Are You Pregnant?”
Here are some ways to respond if someone asks you that dreadful question and you aren’t ready to answer with the full truth.
5 Times When You Wish You Could Say The Whole Truth
Five times when you wish you could say the whole truth: you never know what other people are going through.
From The Diary Of A Male Factor Infertility Wife
Regardless of whether it’s your “fault” or not, the emotional pain of infertility is very real for both partners.
They Don’t Get It
Let’s just put this out there. No matter how much your partner thinks they understand, they just don’t. But they can help you get through it.
Living with a Scream Inside You
Imagine living with a scream inside you and the scream is yours and no one else can hear it. Pain is pain is pain. And we’ll hold space for ALL of you.
Types of Guilt In Infertility
Unfortunately, guilt is a part of infertility. It’s a feeling of having done something wrong, whether real or imagined.
Understanding Shame and Guilt
Guilt and shame are two common and complex emotions for people navigating infertility. They are different, but tend to go hand in hand.
Infertility Survivor’s Guilt
Infertility survivor’s guilt is that feeling after you finally get pregnant but you can’t stop thinking “Why me and not her?” It’s painful and destructive.
Pregnant But…
Even for people that get pregnant after infertility or loss, there are many conflicting emotions: gratefulness, guilt, fear, anxiety, hope. You can hold space for the positive and negative emotions.
Holidays are HARD
We asked the IWSTHAB community- which holiday is the hardest? We are totally unsurprised by these results…because when life is hard, ALL HOLIDAYS can be harder.