The Inland Northwest’s top infertility expert, Dr. Edwin Robins, recently went to Facebook Live to answer your commonly asked fertility questions. You can watch the full video here
If you have additional questions about infertility or your individual fertility health, you can send a message to a Center for Reproductive Health specialist on our Contact Us page. We also offer free, in-person nurse consultations for new patients. You can make an appointment by calling (509) 462-7070.
Commonly known as the “two-week wait,” the time between ovulation and your expected period can be riddled with hopes and anxieties. For many women trying to conceive, the wait plays one question on replay: “Am I pregnant this time?” And for those of us going through fertility treatments, the resounding fears of failure and hopes for success can be even louder.
The team atCenter for Reproductive Healthcompiled some of our favorite tools to help you quiet the noise:
Stay Busy
Make plans in advance that give you something (else) to look forward to.
- Is there a movie you’ve been wanting to see? Buy your tickets online and mark your calendar.
- Explore a new hobby. Maybe sign up for a cooking class at Spokane’s Kitchen Engine.
- Pick out an audio book. Listen while you clean up around the house, drive to work, or whatever – and challenge yourself to finish the book before the two weeks are up.
- Some of our favorites include Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey and Bossy Pants by Tina Fey.
- Have back-up activities ready, like painting your toenails, making your favorite herbal tea or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Write It Out
Journaling often allows us to express honest feelings without the fear of judgment.
- If you’re struggling to let go of the ‘what-ifs’ and worries, write them down. It may help legitimize your feelings.
- Schedule time to write. Knowing you will get to put your feelings to paper later will alleviate the pressure of keeping it in all the time.
- Write yourself positive quotes and mantras on sticky notes, such as, “Make today count,” “Do the best you can!” and “You are enough.” Leave them around your home, office, or car as a reminder of present blessings in your life.
Limit Internet Surfing
Over analyzing and googling pregnancy symptoms can quickly take you down a dark rabbit hole.
- At no surprise to anyone, not everything on the internet is true. Stumbling upon a forum could lead to misinformation and unnecessary stress.
- While there are a lot of positive infertility support sites and people sharing their story online, your story is YOURS and no one else’s.
- Determine how much time you will spend on facebook or instagram each day or week. If scrolling is painful or you find yourself wondering about others after you log off, you may be adding to the anxiety.
Waiting is hard, but we hope some of these tips can make it a little more bearable. If you’re looking for additional help, Center for Reproductive Health is pleased to recommend professional counselors for patients. You can call (509) 462-7070 if you have any questions.
