Wake up? Time to take a test. Afternoon? Another test. Before bed? You guessed it—another test. Throughout the day? TEST. The reality for many women trying to conceive is an exhausting and often obsessive cycle of taking pregnancy tests. Why are we not talking about this more? It’s perplexing, especially considering that I’m almost certain that every woman facing fertility challenges has peered at a test more than once a day in their quest for a positive result.
Perhaps the first test is examined with “line eyes,” squinting in hopes of spotting a faint second line. Maybe you’ve encountered those frustrating evaporation lines that lead to endless questioning of the test’s accuracy. Or maybe, out of sheer desperation for a baby, you can’t stand the thought of waiting until morning to try again.
For many, this relentless routine is emotionally draining. To combat the stigma surrounding infertility, graphic designer at Creative Hearts, Jenna Lane, created a sticker with a powerful message: “This stick does not define your worth.” This affirmation has gained traction among women grappling with infertility, and you might just spot these stickers in the pregnancy test aisles of your local store.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Lane shared, “While I’ve been fortunate to have two beautiful children, I know firsthand how devastating it can feel to see that single line on a test. If you’re reading this tonight, waiting for morning to check your test results again, remember: That stick does not determine your value.”
Lane’s message has sparked a movement among women trying to conceive. The sticker serves as a reminder that, despite the struggles, you remain whole and valuable even when the test reads negative. “That moment before you go to sleep, you tell yourself, ‘Tomorrow morning, I’ll take a test,’” Lane explained in an interview. “The outcome could either bring joy or despair.”
As her sticker began circulating online, countless women, including one who had been trying to conceive for six years, reached out to express how relatable her words were. With over 31,000 shares, it’s clear that Lane’s sentiment resonated widely. One commenter shared, “Not everyone can have children. My partner and I tried for ten years, and it became exhausting and costly. This is a vital reminder that not having children doesn’t diminish your family or your worth as a woman.”
We must shift our focus from speculating about fertility outcomes to offering support for those navigating these painful experiences. After all, among every eight women we encounter, one is silently enduring the monthly heartache of infertility.
When you wake up to start your day, remember that there are mothers worldwide grappling with the disappointment of yet another negative pregnancy test. Instead of offering clichés that may feel hollow, wouldn’t it be more empowering to tell these women, “This stick does not define your worth?” Because it truly doesn’t.
While the journey to conceive can be heartbreaking, it’s crucial to recognize that there are other paths to family building, but not every option is feasible for everyone. Instead of reminding them of alternatives, let’s focus on uplifting and affirming their worth. Follow Lane’s example and spread the message of empowerment.
For further insights on the journey of trying to conceive, check out our post on infertility experiences. For those looking for additional support, Make a Mom offers excellent resources on fertility supplements. Additionally, Progyny provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
A newly popular sticker that states “This stick does not define your worth” is helping women cope with the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive. Jenna Lane, the creator, emphasizes the importance of support and understanding for those facing infertility, encouraging a shift away from focusing on test results towards celebrating personal worth.