A couple shares their journey of infertility and the challenges they face in trying to start a family. They discuss the emotional toll of fertility treatments and the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing their relationship. They also reflect on their experiences with grief and offer support to others going through difficult times.
The emotional toll, physical challenges, and financial cost of fertility treatments for couples trying to have a baby.
Finding fulfillment in life without children through mentorship, hobbies, and involvement with friends' children.
The transformative nature of the fertility journey, including lessons in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for life's joys and challenges.
Deep dives
The Journey of Trying to Conceive
Dave and Anaya share their experience of trying to have a baby through various methods such as IUI and IVF. They describe the emotional toll, physical challenges, and the financial cost associated with fertility treatments. Despite their efforts, they face the heartbreak of multiple failed attempts and the difficult decision to close the door on parenthood.
Coping with Grief and Loss
The couple opens up about the emotional impact of their journey, including feelings of sadness, anger, disappointment, and self-blame. They emphasize the importance of communication and support in their relationship, as well as finding solace in their support group and helping others going through similar experiences.
Reframing Family and Finding Joy
Dave and Anaya discuss the process of redefining their idea of family and finding fulfillment in their lives despite not having children. They embrace their role as mentors, enjoy their hobbies and interests, and actively participate in the lives of their friends' children. They express gratitude for their relationship and the strength they have gained from their journey.
Sharing Their Story and Seeking Support
The couple reflects on the decision to share their fertility journey publicly, their fears of judgment, and the overwhelming support they received from friends and loved ones. They express the power of sharing their story and how it has allowed them to process their grief, offer support to others, and feel a sense of validation and love.
Learning and Growing Through Adversity
Dave and Anaya highlight the transformative nature of their experience, recognizing that they have grown stronger as individuals and as a couple. They discuss the lessons learned from their fertility journey, including empathy, understanding, and appreciation for life's joys and challenges.
When Anaya and Dave Lee fell in love, they saw a whole future with each other. Part of that future included being parents. But when they started trying, they learned creating a family was going to be much more challenging than they expected. They eventually had to ask the question, if a baby doesn’t happen, what would our family look like?
Note: this episode talks about pregnancy loss.
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