It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. Or is it? Or is it a time of the year where you are yet again reminded that you are not pregnant, that you have been trying for what feels like forever and you were hoping this holiday season would be different. Does that sound like you?
It is pretty rough all year round but leave it up to the holidays to make it even harder. We are getting together with families and friends, the questions may come up...When are you planning (IF YOU COULD ONLY PLAN) to have a baby? Are you pregnant yet? and statements like "It will happen when the time is right", "Just stop trying", "There is a reason for everything". BLAH BLAH BLAH when at the end of the day all you want to do is be able to hold your baby in your arms or come up with a creative baby announcement to share your news.
Most likely your friends and family have good intentions and want to help you in their own way. This blog post is not to make anyone feel bad or to create anger towards the ones you care for, its more to bring awareness. You are not alone and sometimes finding a common thread with others can create a sense of comfort.
What can you do during the holidays to help you? Make a notecard that you can hand out at social gatherings that explains you don't want unsolicited advice. NO? Yea that may potentially be rude however giving your close ones a heads up that this is a tough time for you and you rather not talk about it or it may be helpful to guide them on what would be helpful during this time. That can be whatever you want it to be, there is no right or wrong way to go about this.
Another important thing you can do during the holidays and really always, is up your self-care during this period. Self-care has been proven over and over again to boost your confidence, happiness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and increase overall health. Self-care gives you time to take a moment and focus on you in the midst of the hustle of holidays and trying to conceive. Self-care can be practiced in so many different ways, here is a great website as a reference for ideas. www.selfcareday.com
If you would like support or a safe non judgmental place to process, I would love to help you on your journey. Please contact me for a consultation or to start counseling today.
*Counseling available for Texas residents only however if you need help finding someone in your area please don't hesitate to contact me as well.