Jamie and Alex are excitedly expecting their second child.
For some, this news is met with cheers: “Hooray! Another little star in the making! I can’t wait to follow Baby North’s journey!”
However, for women grappling with infertility, this announcement feels like a slap in the face. We want to scream, “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!”
Let me clarify—I’m genuinely happy for those embracing motherhood, whether it’s their first, second, or beyond. We wish the best for everyone. Yet, there’s an underlying twinge of resentment when it seems like everyone except us can conceive.
It’s not that we intend to be bitter. Part of it is the hormonal rollercoaster we’re on, thanks to treatments like Clomid. The frustration is compounded by the endless cycle of thoughts:
- Is today the right day?
- Am I ovulating?
- Should I eat this or avoid that?
- Is this a sign of pregnancy, or just wishful thinking?
- Will a change in position make a difference?
We’re consumed by the desire to conceive, trying every trick in the book. It’s exhausting, and we can’t help but feel envious of those who seem to have it easy.
Getting pregnant isn’t as simple as some might think. Those who claim that “just have fun” clearly haven’t faced the challenges we do. And let’s not even start on the advice that suggests quitting coffee or lighting sage will magically improve fertility—those suggestions belong in another universe!
Then there are the unfit parents we hear about in the news, juxtaposed against celebrities who flaunt their children like accessories. They pose for magazine covers, proclaiming how “blessed” they are, only to send their kids off with nannies while they indulge in a night out. Dressing their children in designer outfits doesn’t excuse the lack of genuine parenting.
It’s frustrating, and honestly, it’s hard to find humor in the situation right now. Maybe we laugh, but it quickly turns into tears as we face yet another month without joining the Expecting Club.
So, forgive our bitterness. We’re exhausted and just want to hop on the same journey that Jamie and Alex are embarking on. Congratulations to your family! We look forward to hearing about the arrival of your new addition, but understand why there’s a part of me that feels a bit resentful.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey to parenthood, check out this excellent resource on fertility and home insemination from Science Daily. For those considering at-home options, you might find valuable insights from Make A Mom’s artificial insemination kit. And for more on this topic, feel free to explore our other blog posts about home insemination.
In summary, while we celebrate the joys of new beginnings for others, it’s impossible not to feel a tinge of frustration when faced with our own struggles.