A Child Is Born... Infertility Through the Holidays #ABHC4IVF #abpoli

The Christmas season is most enjoyed when shared with family and friends. When we are children, we are excited about getting presents and really, that's about it.  Over the years we learn to love the giving of gifts as well, and can hardly wait to see our receivers open our surprises.  As adults, Christmas really comes alive when we have our own children... but for some couples, that is easier said than done.

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Approximately 1 in 6 couples in Alberta struggle with infertility.  That means you are very likely to know a couple who is having these issues.  Not only is the infertility experience a costly one (and is not currently covered by Alberta Health), but the emotional and physical stress of trying to conceive are very overwhelming.

I spoke with Tara, a friend of mine (who has guest posted on 'Peek Thru Our Window' here and here) about what it is like to be going through the infertility process during the holidays.  She relayed feelings of intense hope, extreme disappointment and much wishful longing.  My friend and her husband endured two 'unsuccessful' Christmas seasons, finally being pregnant with twins their third Christmas.  While they felt that the Christmas season was certainly the harder of the holidays emotionally, EVERY holiday had similar feelings.  Hiding Easter eggs for the hunt, buying Valentines for their little lovelies, or finding the perfect Halloween costumes all added up to sadness... each and every time.

Watching their struggle has really made me think about how lucky I was to be able to conceive naturally. I know how exciting it was to have the possibility of being pregnant... and the let down, knowing it meant another month of trying. You always hope that everything is working as it should, but to add in the costs of conceiving-with-help--  I cannot imagine.

If you're facing the challenges of infertility, I encourage you to join the conversation on Facebook at the Generations of Hope page , the website Generations of Hope or on Twitter @gensofhope .  It's important we tell our government what we want and how it affects us.  Visit the funding petition here. 

Let's talk Alberta.

Disclosure:  This is Part 1 of a 4 part series on IVF and Infertility.  I am a valued member of the Generations of Hope #ABHCIVF blog team.  As such, I received compensation, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.