Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for those of us that are not yet mothers but want to be. 1 in 8 couples will have difficult conceiving. 15-25% of women have lost babies to miscarriage. Here is some advice for how to handle Mother’s Day:
- You are not alone. Remember that when you see mothers with their children in public you don’t always know the story behind how they arrived at motherhood. For many of us it is not direct and easy path.
- Let yourself feel the whole rainbow of emotions that you might feel during this time. Find a neutral person who is a good listener if you need to vent.
- It’s okay to avoid family gatherings with children or Mother’s Day brunch events if it is too painful.
- If you will be at any family gatherings enlist a trusted person who knows your story. If relatives start asking you questions like “When are you going to start a family?” that person can change the subject or swoop you away.
- Do an activity that brings you joy. Spend time in nature. Immerse yourself in an arts and crafts project. Spend a day at the spa.
- Exercise. Moderate exercises releases endorphins and regulates hormones that rise with stress. It does not have a negative impact on fertility.
- Eat food that nourishes your health AND your spirit.
- Remember to live life one day at a time. None of us know completely what the future holds for us. Calm your mind with centering practices such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.
- Love yourself just as much you imagine you would love the baby you have in your heart.