Self-Care Tip #3
If you can find just one thing to smile about, one joke, one crazy situation, one obscenely obnoxious thing someone said to you, and actually laugh about it, your load will definitely feel a little lighter.
Self-Care Tip #4
It’s the little things. They may be little, but don’t dismiss them as happenstance. They’re special gifts for you in the middle of the darkness, to remind you that you are not alone. ❤️
Self-Care Tip #5
We all have our go-to comfort foods that bring us some semblance of joy during times of grief, pain and sadness. And they’re usually carb loaded because those are the foods that increase endorphins.
Self-Care Tip #6
When things get rough, it’s always helpful to have some mantras to play over and over again in your head. Lessen the negative self-talk, it will be easier for you to be able to move through all of the pain.
Self-Care Tip #7
Sometimes, the fact that a conflict is unresolved is the thing that’s keeping you up at night. And a true act of self care would be to discuss this with your person, and try to let some of it go.
Self-Care Tip #8
Choose the things, people and content that bring you joy, and stay away from the things that make you feel yucky. There is enough in your life that is not going according to plan.
Presence of Absence
Choose the things, people and content that bring you joy, and stay away from the things that make you feel yucky. There is enough in your life that is not going according to plan.
I Can’t Even Imagine
We know that you mean no harm when you say this kind of thing, but it can feel really invalidating and lonely when you do. Would the world be a safer place if no one could imagine these things? No.
The Three Weeks
While there are those who don't like to think about unpleasant things, or block them our of their minds, most of us can't help ourselves. We ponder, ruminate, belabor and worry about what the future holds.
Fasting Emotions
For many in the fertility community, fast days bring up all kinds of feelings. They wish they wouldn't have to tell people if they are fasting. If they were still pregnant, they would be able to eat.
SIDS Complexity
Just like any new information that hits the airwaves, please be cautious when talking about it with people who are struggling. Your comments might cause more harm than good.
Suppressing Emotions
A gentle reminder that pretending not to have emotions or feelings comes at a high price that will eventually come at a cost to your mental or physical health.
Dear Society
So here's a formal shoutout to all of society - PLEASE DON'T ASK. You don't really want to know the answers. You're just making small talk. And the small talk hurts.
Talking About My Baby
Because we know that talking about our babies will heal us on some level, but it won't bring them back. "I can wipe away the tears from my eyes, but I cannot wipe the grief from my heart."
It is Normal To…
Everyone reacts to grief in their own way, and so many of you question whether "you're doing it right." The answer is that only you know what you need.
Open Letter to Friends & Family
"Things have been pretty rough around here lately. We have been going through (insert your own narrative here or keep this section vague) a lot, and I need to take a step back.”
Dearest Little Embryo
“How does one describe the grief and pain of a failed embryo transfer?It’s hard to put pen to paper, but the pain and grief is so very tangible. It’s an unexpected pain and yearning.”
Letter to My Embryo
We have been flooded with messages about your embryo failures. "I thought I was crazy to feel this way.” "I didn't know anyone else I could talk to about my feelings of deep, intense loss."
On Tisha B’av
For all of you who are crying - we see you. For all of you who are not crying - we see you. For all of you who want to cry, but feel like you're all cried out - we see you.
Grief Awareness is Every Day
But here at IWSTHAB, we talk about infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, grief and loss every single day of the year. Those of you living this world don’t need a day on the calendar to commemorate your pain.