Are you having trouble figuring out how best to share your pregnancy news with a friend struggling with infertility?
Generally telling family and friends you’re pregnant is a joyful event. However, if a friend or family member is struggling with infertility this can be trickier ground to navigate. Here is what to consider when you tell someone trying to conceive you are expecting.
Infertility is an incredibly challenging journey. I witnessed my sister struggle with infertility for many years, granting me a deep understanding of the substantial emotional pain it can bring. So here’s how to make this easier.
3 Things to Consider When Announcing Your Pregnancy
1. Set Your Intention and Tell Her Early
Begin by embracing the intention to be open, honest, and considerate when making the announcement. Consider informing the friend struggling with infertility about your pregnancy early on. Although it’s usual to keep such news private during the first trimester, it’s crucial to recognize that someone facing fertility challenges may need extra time to process this information. To avoid having her hear about it from someone else, think about sharing the news with her sooner rather than later.
2. Tell Her In Person and Avoid Revealing the News in a Group Setting
Make sure that you tell her the news privately and in person, ensuring a personal and intimate conversation. Sending a handwritten note is a lovely touch, but be cautious about using text or emails, as they may lack the warmth of a direct interaction. Telling her privately is very important. Revealing the pregnancy in a group setting is the least favorable option. In such situations, she may feel overwhelmed, emotional, and without the necessary time and space to process the information. It might be challenging for her to instantly put on a happy face. To avoid this, make sure to inform her ahead of time, allowing her space to process the news before sharing it with the rest of the family or group.
3. Space for Emotion and Reassurance
Imagine yourself in her shoes. While your friend will likely genuinely share in your joy, it’s important to understand that her happiness for you may be accompanied by a mix of emotions, including sadness, envy, and longing. Instead of taking any initial reaction personally, offer her grace and the space needed to process these complex feelings at her own pace.
A note about upcoming baby-related activities. Your friend might be excited for you but she could find it challenging to actively participate in certain aspects of your pregnancy journey, such as shopping for baby clothes or attending baby showers. These activities could be too emotionally difficult for her and recognizing this is essential.
Moreover, reassure your friend about the strength of your friendship. Individuals dealing with infertility not only face the heartache of not having a child but also fear losing connections to friends who enter the realm of parenthood. In this situation, it’s vital to emphasize that your friend will always be a cherished part of your life, and your relationship will endure, even as you embark on a different stage of life.
I hope that these guidelines will help your conversation with your friend and bring as much peace as possible to a really difficult situation.
If you’re seeking additional support for the early stages of your pregnancy, consider exploring these resources.
The Bye-Bye Morning Sickness Formula:
The Ultimate Solution to Reducing Pregnancy Nausea Naturally
Video: Navigating the challenges of the first trimester
Wishing you all the best on your journey towards motherhood, and remember that support and resources are available for you.
