| Most couples are very surprised when they discover | | | | can offer support without causing more harm than |
| that they may be infertile. This can be an emotional | | | | good. You can still be a pillar for the couple to lean |
| blow to a family. The couple dealing with infertility can | | | | on. You can be supportive without intruding on |
| really be in for a roller coaster ride of draining | | | | personal matters. Let the couple come to you with |
| emotional experiences. Seeing someone you love go | | | | information rather than constantly prying for the |
| through something so complicated can be hard for | | | | scoop. Let them know that you are here if they |
| family and friends as well. You may feel very sad and | | | | need you, but you understand that this can be a |
| helpless when talking with the couple. You may feel | | | | very personal matter. Be there when they want to |
| like you should offer advice. | | | | talk. Don't discount their fears because they can be |
| Keep in mind that you are not an infertility specialist | | | | very real. Being afraid and talking about it to a third |
| and you have no way of knowing what infertility | | | | party can be very therapeutic for a couple. Offer |
| treatment may be best for the ones you love. Be | | | | perspective whenever possible, but don't pretend to |
| careful about finding a lot of information online and | | | | completely understand, as every situation is different. |
| offering it up as a solution to all of their problems. | | | | One thing to remember is that the couple you care |
| Many couples experiencing infertility are very deeply | | | | about is feeling very much out of control in a lot of |
| affected by their problem and may react irrationally | | | | ways. You can offer constructive support by giving |
| to suggestions from family and friends. Dealing with | | | | them control whenever possible. Asking how you can |
| infertility is a very personal journey that couples must | | | | help and putting them in control of dictating your role |
| go through together. | | | | can help them feel supported without giving them |
| Remember that the couple is probably having trouble | | | | the impression that they need to be saved. If they |
| dealing with their infertility. Men and women react | | | | would like for you to stay out of it, then stay out of |
| differently to infertility and some may consider their | | | | it. Let them know that you respect that decision and |
| partner's reaction to be the wrong one. This can | | | | that you will be there for them if they need you. |
| really cause the couple to be in an uphill battle with | | | | Support the decisions that they make as far as |
| each other. You offering up solutions is not going to | | | | treatments are concerned. Wish them well, but try |
| solve all of their problems. You may only be giving | | | | not to speculate on whether certain treatments will |
| them more to deal with. This can severely impact | | | | work. Offer as much support as needed without |
| relationships, so you should proceed carefully when | | | | going overboard and you will be a great asset to the |
| offering support and advice. | | | | struggling couple. |
| Do not get discouraged, there are ways that you | | | | |