Every woman trying to conceive needs her gal pals
In case you haven’t heard, Galentine’s Day takes place on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Originally the brainchild of fictional television character Leslie Knope, played by the hilarious Amy Poehler on Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day has since taken on a life of its own.
Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship and gal power. Friends provide companionship, comfort, support and understanding through both our happy moments and darkest hours. We celebrate with our gal pals as well as commiserate them.
When you are trying to conceive, female friendships can be more important than ever. But they can be complicated too, especially if your closest girlfriends are getting pregnant and having babies.
But there are many reasons to find strong female lifelines as you navigate the frequently rocky waters of the fertility journey.
You need your friends to lean on
Of course, you should be able to rely on your spouse or partner for support. After all, you are going through treatment to make a baby together. Sometimes, however, another woman is the best person to lend an impartial ear when you need to vent or to give you a soft shoulder to cry on when crying is the only thing you want to do.
A good friend is a sympathetic listener who will be there when you need her and who will ask you how she can help rather than give you advice. Not all friends will meet those requirements, but those who do are priceless.
You need a community of trying to conceive sisters
There are many online resources where you can find support and understanding among other women who are trying to get pregnant. Some women have formed strong and lasting relationships with women they have never met in person, but with whom they have forged a remarkable bond.
If virtual friendships are not for you, there also are ways to find female infertility friendships ‘in real life.’ Women who clicked online might move those friendships to their community if they discover they live nearby. Some patients have gotten to know each other in their clinic’s reception room and then formed an informal support network. Others have taken advantage of support groups organized by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association or other nonprofits.
In southern California and other metropolitan areas, there are numerous ways women experiencing infertility can meet each other.
You need your friends for fun and enjoyment
We understand how emotionally draining infertility treatment can be. It can be difficult to remember to take time off to relax and smell life’s beautiful roses. We hope you have friends who can ‘take you away’ from your challenges and celebrate with you, and that you can reciprocate for them.
You need your friends to remind you to take some me-time
During the emotional roller coaster ride of infertility, it can feel like your body has betrayed you. You may feel like less of a woman because of your inability to conceive and nurture a baby. So it is a necessity to set aside some time to do something indulgent, like getting a massage, manicure or both.
There are many other strategies to make you feel instantly better about yourself and your body and, hopefully, you can do this with a friend and within your budget.
P.S.: Don’t forget Valentine’s Day
We hope you and your partner take some time to reconnect on Valentine’s Day and use this time to do something special together as a couple. Even if you don’t believe it today, someday you will become parents, and it won’t be as easy to set aside couple’s time. Focus on the things you love about your partner and what you have been through together. Try not to talk about infertility or baby plans or, at least, set limits on the conversation. But make this day all about romance and your love for each other.
But also don’t forget to thank your girlfriends the day before on Galantine’s Day. Make February 13 a special day for the women who have been with you every step of the way as you try to overcome infertility. Candy, flowers, and a night out on the town with your girlfriends may just be what the doctor ordered.
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/02/each-day-is-galentines-day/516408/