Talk to most women (with and without children) and they’ll confess that Mother’s Day brings a mixture of happiness, guilt, and regret. Even mothers struggle with the concept of “Mother” on this holiday. For women who are wrestling with infertility, Mother’s Day can be one of the hardest holidays on the calendar. Depending on where you are in your fertility journey, Mother’s Day may evoke strong feelings (it’s entirely ok if they change from year to year!) and it’s perfectly acceptable to adapt your weekend plans to support your feelings. So, what are the best ways to survive Mother’s Day when you’re dealing with infertility?
Take a Weekend Trip. There’s nothing better than getting away for the weekend. Make an escape and visit that great B&B or swanky hotel you found in your travel magazine. Enjoy sleeping in and long lunches.
Celebrate the “Mothers” in Your Life. Many women (whether they have children or not) find satisfaction spending the day celebrating the mother figures in their lives, rather than being celebrated themselves. If you have a woman in your life who has served as a amazing female figure, show her.
Relax at Home. Maybe your family is getting together or your girlfriends are planning a Mother’s Day brunch. You get to decide if you’d like to attend or not. If it’s too much, take a rain check and relax at home alone or with the ones you love.
Treat Yourself. A little shopping therapy can go a long way. Or, treat yourself to an experience, tools for a hobby, or a spa day.
Avoid Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will be filled with pictures of children, handmade gifts from kids, and other difficult posts for someone in the thick of infertility. Swear off social media for the day and avoid tracking back on Monday.
Get Active. Instead of stewing at home, take a hike, bring your dogs to the park, or stroll down the shoreline (if you’re close enough). Keeping active can keep your mind off Mother’s Day.
Dream a Little. Maybe you don’t have your family yet, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t ever. Stay positive. With the many advances in infertility treatments you may be enjoying Mother’s Day next year or the year after. It’s ok to spend Mother’s Day dreaming about your someday babies!
Mother’s Day can be difficult for women who have been diagnosed with infertility. Only you can decide how you wish to spend your day. Our goal at Park Avenue Fertility is to provide the best, most effective fertility treatments that enable our patients to experience Mother’s Day in the future, too. To learn more about reproductive assistance like In Vitro Fertilization or Intrauterine Insemination in Connecticut, visit our website parkavefertility.com or call us at 855-901-BABY to schedule an appointment with board certified reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Andrew Levi.