Are you in the middle of the dreaded two week wait between fertility treatment and testing?
Can I offer you a few suggestions? I know this is a trying time, mostly because you have done all you can and the outcome is not in your control at this time.
The only thing you proactively have left to do is to take your progesterone and wait out these two weeks. Now, you can wait them out in fear, thinking that the fertility treatment didn’t work, or you can actively try to maintain a state of equilibrium. Easier said than done. Part of your conscious will naturally want to protect you emotionally from a negative outcome. You may notice the pessimism surface even when you try to think positively. Almost like the elephant in the room.
You can speak to this energy and welcome it. If you want, you can label it “fertility fear.” The more you understand this part of your experience, the less it will impact you.
Where are you focusing your energy?
If you are spending a large amount of time googling the anecdotal stories that align with your experience, you are likely precipitating anxiety. If you are able to resist and focus your energies into getting out of your mind, and into your body, you will worry less and be more relaxed.
Self-care needs to be an important part of the two week wait as it will also contribute to your mind-body homeostasis. Where else is it better to focus your attention then by asking yourself this question everyday. “What is it that I need to get through the day?” It may be an ice cream, a manicure or pedicure, or a long afternoon sleep. Whatever it is, you are giving it to yourself, with the feeling of compassion, caring and love. Even if you aren’t quite feeling it for yourself, I still suggest you ask yourself the question and respond.
Everything has a beginning, middle and end just like this two week wait, just like this journey you are going through and just like the breath that you just took. It is important to understand perspective and that that this too shall pass. As cliche as it sounds, let this mantra ring deep.
You are not alone. 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility. Please take a look at our individual and group services. We have a new program called Fertility Friend.
