When going to sit down with a fertility specialist for the first time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget to ask the questions you’ve been wanting to. Here’s a quick list to help you prepare. Make notes that apply to you and your partner and take it with you to help guide the discussion.

Feeling heard and understood from the origin of the relationship helps build trust and respect, which prove to be vital to also feeling cared for by your physician and clinic.

Informed patients are good at self-advocating, so plan to speak up when you have the opportunity.

Every year, a few days before Christmas, comes the winter solstice, an astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It occurs annually on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a night of celebration, to give thanks for another year closing and the birth of a new one on the horizon. Although it isn’t marking the end of the calendar year, it marks the end of a season and the beginning of another.

In many cultures, the winter solstice represents the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is a symbol of hope and renewal. Many ancient civilizations celebrated festivals such as Saturnalia and Yule during this time.

In Chinese medicine, this represents the turning of yin to yang, a phase that happens each day and night, each year, and in nearly every phenomenon we know. TCM is all about phases, the progression from stillness to action, and the ebb and flow of life as days and years pass.

In today’s world of social media language, we have all learned about FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out. I have to admit, this one is pretty handy.

Fear of missing out has likely increased for most of us, since the rise of social media and the ability to make the most boring and uninspired events look larger than life. It’s amazing what an angle can do for a scene.

Personally, when I’m having the time of my life I’m unlikely to capture it on film. When I’m in the moment I just don’t think to stop and film. So many other people are taking pics and videos that I’m sure the posts will be made, and all I have to do is enjoy them. As a result, I’m rarely ever in photographs. HA! That’s part of my MO, I love anonymity.

I notice FOMO creeping in at times, but many other people suffer it constantly. The need to be present, be a part of it, (Whatever it is), be IN the photos, is too great to say no.

The downside is that constant busyness and social engagement are exhausting.

I saw a new acronym that we should jump on and make a trend. JOMO. Joy Of Missing Out.

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. 🤍