Getting ready for an egg retrieval is a combination of hopeful anticipation, and dread for a potentially bad outcome. Like most other milestones of (in)fertility, you want good things to happen but know that there is no sure thing.

What steps can be taken to prepare for an egg retrieval that might improve your outcome? What steps can be taken to improve the way you feel each day as the looming event nears?

Let’s take a look at how Chinese Medicine views this process and find the small measures that makes it easier to get through.

So, what happens in an egg retrieval?

The holiday season is typically a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for those of us navigating the ever changing landscape of infertility, it can also be a season of heightened emotions, stress, and sadness. The family gatherings, unsolicited questions, and baby-centric festivities can feel overwhelming and just - too much.

I’ll be honest - before infertility, the holidays were my favorite time of year. But now, knowing we’re approaching another Thanksgiving and Christmas without a baby to be thankful for or a pregnancy announcement to share, it’s another a holiday filled with anxiety and sadness.

My personal goal this year has been to redefine joy while on this rollercoaster. I’ve been journaling in preparation, and through that, I’ve created some personal strategies to help me cope and find moments of joy and peace. I thought I’d share that list with you today.

So, if you’re anything like me, I hope you know you're not alone, and that I’m here for you every step of the way. 🤍

An article in Forbes magazine discussed taking time off from work after suffering a pregnancy loss, a subject that is very dear to Bryant and I. The Fertility Resort has taken on fertility struggles in the workplace as an advocacy topic that we hope to shed light on as we develop.