Shavuot Message
Sending love to all of you as we head into another holiday. Shavuos/Shavuot is the celebration of the time in our history when Gd gave the Old Testament to the Jewish people.
Sensitivity Guide
We can’t give you the answers on how to be sensitive to the people in your life who are struggling. Because people are complicated and their stories are even more complicated.
Grief Looks Like
““Grief looks like seeing the bottom of a pint of Ben & Jerrys in one sitting. Grief looks like crying in bed for hours on end. Grief looks like laughing with a group of friends.”
Circumstantial Infertility & Mental Health Medications
“This condition requires me to take medication. I would absolutely love to try to expand my family, but the medication I take isn't conducive to pregnancy.”
Circumstantial Infertility & Medical Clearance
“I don’t fit in with the ‘infertility’ per se, but because of my diagnosis I haven’t been allowed to try to get pregnant for the last 3.5 years.”
Instead of “I Know How You Feel”
Look, there always such a black and white distinction between what is appropriate and not appropriate to say to someone who is going through infertility or loss.
Really…. How Are You?
When was the last time you actually took the time and asked people how they were…really. Have you ever stopped to actually listen to the answer?
Infertility & the Workplace
“I waited around at my current role too long before looking elsewhere for a critical career move, hoping I would get pregnant and have some stability at work by staying.”
Pregnant For One Week
“I was pregnant for 7 days and 7 nights. After doing my one billionth cycle of IVF, I had my first positive HCG. After 42 and a half years I was finally pregnant.”
Termination for Medical Reasons: “It’s Been A Year”
“It's been a year since I saw the flicker of the heartbeat on the screen. A year since I heard the heartbeat and allowed myself to dream.”
“I Wish I Had Never Given My Baby a Name”
“I calculated that I'd be due on May the 4th, so I nicknamed him/her ‘Baby Yoda.’ I thought that was so cute. I wish I had never given my baby a name.”
I Want A Baby
“I want a baby I want to feel the joy of a positive pregnancy test I want to feel the first twinge of morning sickness I want to feel that overwhelming exhaustion.”
Hiding In My Bed
“I've been down this route before but every single time my soul dies a little more And the world keeps on turning And somehow I will move on.”
Dear Baby
“Dearest baby, Each month, I wait for you Each month, I hope for you Each month, I dream about you I dream about touching your tiny hands and feet.”
Who Holds Space for the Birthkeeper
Who Holds Space for the Birthkeeper “Placing your hands on a beautiful, round belly and feeling movement inside While feeling a sudden stillness in your own womb”
Don’t Call Me Strong
“I’d rather never be called strong or resilient again By never having to prove I haven’t yet been broken Does it prove weakness when your strength is not tested.”
If You Only Understood
Sharing two pieces. The first talks about one woman’s personal account of her infertility and the second talks about the pain one feels when others get pregnant.
Letter To Unborn Baby
A letter written to my baby with no heartbeat. To my unborn baby: I don’t why Hashem (G-d) Chose to give you to me And then take you away I don’t know why we were given this test.”
Looking Back and Forward
This time of year brings up a lot of emotions for everyone. We remember where we were last year at this time, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Keeping It Together
You can only keep it together for so long. You need a place to be able to let it all out - a space that feels warm and nurturing and cozy.