The IVF two week wait is really the stuff of scary bedtime stories for couples who want to have a child.
It is incredibly terrifying for many couples to have to face those two whole weeks of just waiting around for their maybe baby.
This waiting period, though, doesn't have to be quite as frightening if you know how to handle it.
Just having the resource of a good support network can dramatically ease the feelings that come with the entire IVF process, and especially the two week wait.
If you're frightened of this waiting period before you even get there, here's some information about the type of support you need and why you might need it.
Studies Show Support Valuable During In Vitro Fertilization Recently, more studies around IVF and similar procedures have been focused on emotional and mental responses rather than just success rates.
In British Columbia, a study out of the University of British Columbia's IVF/GIFT program has recently released findings about the emotional reactions of women and their partners during IVF.
These reactions were gathered from a series of personal questionnaires that the couples took throughout the IVF process.
The emotions on these tests ranged from anxiety to depression to loss of control to positive feelings.
Women most often reported that they felt anxious during the treatment process and felt as if they had lost all control after the transfer.
Men and women both reported very high levels of depression after the completion of a round of IVF.
Both men and women in this study reported that they felt they needed a high level of support to make it through the entire IVF process.
Where to Find Support Knowing that you need support is one thing.
Most people who are considering trekking through the IVF process already know that they're going to need some support.
Actually finding that support is an entirely different matter.
Here are a few ways that you might get the support you need during the IVF process: * Local Support Groups - If you live in or near a larger city, and sometimes even if you don't, you may be able to find local IVF support groups that meet regularly.
These groups exchange resources and stories, and they simply know how to be there for one another.
This can be one of the best types of support because it comes from people who have been where you are.
Plus, being able to give support is mysteriously helpful when you're going through a tough time.
If you're in the two week wait, you can help other couples who aren't as far along in the process.
* Online Support Groups - There are tons of forums and support groups online right now.
Studies show that men, in particular, respond well to the support they get from these groups.
If you don't have time to meet with a local group each week or if you're simply not up for face-to-face contact, this can be an excellent option.
* Friends and Family Members - Even if you have support from other couples who have gone through IVF, it's important that you also have the support of your closest friends and family members.
These are the people who know and love you and who want the absolute best for your life.
Before you go through IVF, talk with your partner about which friends and family members you'll invite to journey with you.
Be careful not to tell everyone you know, but just seek out support from those who are closest to you.
It is incredibly terrifying for many couples to have to face those two whole weeks of just waiting around for their maybe baby.
This waiting period, though, doesn't have to be quite as frightening if you know how to handle it.
Just having the resource of a good support network can dramatically ease the feelings that come with the entire IVF process, and especially the two week wait.
If you're frightened of this waiting period before you even get there, here's some information about the type of support you need and why you might need it.
Studies Show Support Valuable During In Vitro Fertilization Recently, more studies around IVF and similar procedures have been focused on emotional and mental responses rather than just success rates.
In British Columbia, a study out of the University of British Columbia's IVF/GIFT program has recently released findings about the emotional reactions of women and their partners during IVF.
These reactions were gathered from a series of personal questionnaires that the couples took throughout the IVF process.
The emotions on these tests ranged from anxiety to depression to loss of control to positive feelings.
Women most often reported that they felt anxious during the treatment process and felt as if they had lost all control after the transfer.
Men and women both reported very high levels of depression after the completion of a round of IVF.
Both men and women in this study reported that they felt they needed a high level of support to make it through the entire IVF process.
Where to Find Support Knowing that you need support is one thing.
Most people who are considering trekking through the IVF process already know that they're going to need some support.
Actually finding that support is an entirely different matter.
Here are a few ways that you might get the support you need during the IVF process: * Local Support Groups - If you live in or near a larger city, and sometimes even if you don't, you may be able to find local IVF support groups that meet regularly.
These groups exchange resources and stories, and they simply know how to be there for one another.
This can be one of the best types of support because it comes from people who have been where you are.
Plus, being able to give support is mysteriously helpful when you're going through a tough time.
If you're in the two week wait, you can help other couples who aren't as far along in the process.
* Online Support Groups - There are tons of forums and support groups online right now.
Studies show that men, in particular, respond well to the support they get from these groups.
If you don't have time to meet with a local group each week or if you're simply not up for face-to-face contact, this can be an excellent option.
* Friends and Family Members - Even if you have support from other couples who have gone through IVF, it's important that you also have the support of your closest friends and family members.
These are the people who know and love you and who want the absolute best for your life.
Before you go through IVF, talk with your partner about which friends and family members you'll invite to journey with you.
Be careful not to tell everyone you know, but just seek out support from those who are closest to you.
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