From Self-Doubt to Self-Empowerment: Building Confidence in Your Fertility Journey
By Connie Stark, RNC, Director of Fertility Coaching for Fertility Outreach
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your doctor, or a mental health professional, for the most appropriate treatment.
The path to parenthood can feel like navigating a maze full of twists, turns, and unexpected paths that bring moments of uncertainty, negative thoughts, low self-esteem, doubt, and feeling lost. But here’s the truth: you’re not lost, you are exploring.
With the right mindset, tools, and support, every step forward brings you closer to where you want to be. You can turn the fertility journey into a path of self-discovery and empowerment by embracing a proactive fertility approach and prioritizing your overall well-being.
Fertility challenges have a way of stirring up doubt and uncertainty. Thoughts like, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Am I not meant to be a parent?” may race through our minds. The first step toward empowering yourself is recognizing those thoughts without letting them define you. Research consistently shows that self-compassion is a powerful tool in navigating the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing.
Infertility can feel like being stuck in a maze with no exit, but what if we shifted our language? Living “in fertility” means recognizing and nurturing your unique reproductive potential. It’s about creating a space within yourself for growth, balance, and possibility, turning the maze into a journey with a path forward, guided by a light of hope.
Instead of dwelling on the unknowns, ask yourself:
- What can I do today to support my reproductive health?
- How can I create a journey where possibility thrives?
Fertility is about what you can control. Understanding ovulation patterns, knowing when to consult a fertility specialist, and choosing the right path for you, not someone else, are all steps towards empowerment.
Understanding your menstrual cycle is more than just tracking days, it’s a window into your reproductive health. Learning your own ovulation patterns, recognizing hormonal shifts, and knowing when to seek expert guidance are all steps in taking control of your fertility. Let’s be real: Google is not a fertility specialist. You owe yourself time to research your options using credible resources as well as choosing the right team of experts can be a game-changer. Not all fertility providers are created equal. Seek credentialed specialists, who listen to you, empower you, and help you make informed decisions about treatments that meet your specific needs. You can also expand your fertility care team with a fertility coach. Signing up for Fertility Outreach is a proactive step on your fertility journey, and gives you access to texting with expert fertility coaches who offer personalized support and guidance, every step of the way. If you love to read, check out books. If you’re more into audio, listen to podcasts. Credible information from fertility experts can guide you to finding your best self throughout the path to parenthood.
Conquer doubt by taking charge of your fertility journey, starting with a proactive mindset. Consider these five points of wellbeing that lay the foundation for empowerment:
Physical Wellbeing
- Eat for fertility: Choosing antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and healthy fats.
- Move your body: body movement, whether it’s yoga, walking, dancing, or swimming, supports not only your overall health and wellness, but hormonal balance and stress relief.
Emotional Well-being
- Be present: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation to shift focus from “I can’t” to “I can.”
- Shift the focus: Focusing on what’s going right can transform your outlook and reframe your mindset.
- Prioritize self-care: Make time to take care of yourself, and consider implementing positive self-talk and affirmations in the mirror every morning.
Social Wellbeing
- Communicate openly: Keep communication open with your partner, and share hopes, fears, and goals.
- Stay connected: Connect with friends and family members who build you up and can be the support system you need.
- Grow your support system: Find support groups (in person or virtually) with others going through the same thing.
- Pause scrolling: Take breaks from social media when you need to, as endless scrolling, comparing to others, and misinformation can all lead to confusion and negatively impact self confidence and thought patterns.
Financial Well-being
- Learn your fertility financial situation: IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility treatments come with costs. Research and fully understand your treatment costs and insurance coverage, along with all of your financing options (grants, loans, scholarships, payment plans), to better prepare and ease stress.
From doubt to empowerment, the path to owning your fertility journey with confidence isn’t a straight line. It’s also not a maze to confuse you, either. Every choice, from learning more about your body, to seeking support, or simply taking a deep breath, is a step forward. Trust yourself, trust the process, and celebrate the wins, big or small. You’ve got this!
