Making an Impact: National Infertility Awareness Week Explained

Today we are talking all about National Infertility Awareness Week. 🎗️

From the recent changes in how infertility is defined, the updated frequency of the disease, to the impact of sharing our trying to conceive stories, this episode covers it all.

If you're not sure what to expect from #NIAW, or want to get some ideas on how to participate but maybe not on the totally social-media-public way, this episode tells you what to expect and gives you plenty of options so you can participate in a way that honors you and your feelings.

In this episode, I also go back into the instagram archives and share my first NIAW post!!

So, if you're looking for some inspiration and encouragement to join in on the NIAW events this year, I invite you to tune in to this episode of the MORE THAN YOUR INFERTILITY PODCAST. 

And don't forget to tag me on social media if you decide to participate this year—I'd love to see what you share and show my support! https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/

Links mentioned in the episode:

Resolve: https://resolve.org/

NIAW Website: https://www.infertilityawareness.org/

Doctors for Fertility: https://www.doctorsforfertility.com/

Fertility Within Reach: https://fertilitywithinreach.org/

Don't forget to click “subscribe” for the More Than Your Infertility Podcast to stay updated on future episodes. 

And if you're ready to explore how coaching can support you during this journey, schedule a call with us today. https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation

Xoxo,

Kristin

#niaw #niaw2024 #leaveyourmark #ivf #reproductivecare #familybuilding

Transcript

Kristin Dillensnyder (00:00.406)

Hey, okay, so this is the National Infertility Awareness episode. So we will start, I'll take a sip and then we'll get started.

I hope you can hear me okay and I will plan to stay in the same spot the whole time. Okay. Is it recording? Yes.

Kristin Dillensnyder (00:23.126)

Today, we're talking all about National Infertility Awareness Week. This week holds so much significance for those of us navigating the often challenging journey of infertility. But before we jump into today's discussion, I want to acknowledge something crucial. For many of us, infertility isn't just a medical condition. It's a deeply personal and emotional journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.

And during National Infertility Awareness Week, which is April 21st to 27th, those emotions can be heightened as we're bombarded with messages, events, and campaigns aimed at raising awareness. In fact, I was in CVS this week and heard an ad in between two songs that was from Resolve about National Infertility Awareness Week, and it got me so excited. But let me start by saying this. If you're feeling overwhelmed,

anxious or hesitant about participating in the week's activities, that's completely okay. Your feelings are valid and you are not alone in this. Whether you're still going through your journey, processing your own journey, struggling with the weight of infertility, or simply not ready to share your story publicly, I want you to know that it's okay to take a step back and prioritize your well -being.

It's not on your shoulders to educate the public on infertility. It's okay to sit this one out and consider it again next year. Personally, I've walked this path of infertility and I know firsthand the roller coaster of emotions it brings. There were times when I felt like I was barely holding myself together, let alone capable of advocating or educating others, sharing my story or opening myself up for questions.

and that's perfectly okay. We all have our own timelines, our own ways of coping, our own level of comfort of what we share and our own boundaries to respect. So if you decide to be a bystander this year, I support you and your decision. And I'll speak up and out on your behalf like I always do.

Kristin Dillensnyder (02:40.278)

Just like it's important to support your choice, it's also important to speak up for change and awareness for people who are dealing with infertility. And that's why National Infertility Awareness Week matters. It's about more than just raising awareness. It's about education that could help break down barriers, challenge the stigmas, and build a sense of community among those affected by infertility.

It's about shining a light on a topic that has long been covered in silence and shame. And it's about advocating for change together. Through education and advocacy, we have the power to make a difference, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of countless others facing similar challenges, both presently and in the future. This means the impact of what happens this year during National Infertility Awareness Week.

will be felt by people who don't even know they will go through infertility. By sharing our stories, educating others, and advocating for change, we can help pave the way for a more supportive and understanding world for those dealing with infertility today, next year, and a decade from now. Recently, the World Health Organization revised the prevalence of infertility from one in eight

to one in six people of reproductive age globally. It makes it clear that infertility is a significant issue and it demands attention and action. And then in October, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine or ASRM changed the definition of infertility to be more inclusive.

They now define infertility as a disease characterized by the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy based on a patient's medical, sexual, and reproductive history, among other factors. This updated definition means that someone who has access to fertility care yet has unexplained infertility can be covered when in the past without that diagnosis, they didn't qualify.

Kristin Dillensnyder (04:57.718)

It also means single mothers by choice or same sex couples who would need a surrogate gestational carrier or donor gametes, meaning sperm, egg or embryo will qualify for the fertility benefits as well. In short, it means more individuals and couples struggling with infertility with access to insurance coverage can use that coverage.

The Resolve website does such a great job of sharing what National Infertility Awareness Week is all about. And here's what they said. They said that National Infertility Awareness Week as a movement has set out to reduce the stigma and educate the public about reproductive health and issues that make building a family so difficult for so many.

It's also a movement to empower those whose lives are forever changed when they struggle to build a family. So let's use National Infertility Awareness Week to raise our voices, talk about the issues facing this community, and make sure we continue to support those most in need. Anyone can be challenged to have a family, no matter what race, religion, sexuality, or economic status.

change begins with being part of this national movement, which is National Infertility Awareness Week. This week will unite millions of Americans who want to remove the stigmas and barriers that stand in the way of building families. Perfect, right? So now it's important to acknowledge that National Infertility Awareness Week, while empowering for many, can also be triggering for some.

Seeing an abundance of stories and messages about infertility may bring up emotions from sadness and frustration to jealousy and guilt. And that's okay. If you find yourself struggling with these feelings, please know that you're not alone. It means it's time to take a step back, prioritize some self -care, and remember that your well -being comes first. This means that every infertility journey is unique.

Kristin Dillensnyder (07:12.182)

And while some may have faced challenges that seem insurmountable, others may have had a smoother path to parenthood. It's easy to compare ourselves to others and wonder why some seem to have it easier or harder than we do. But the truth is there is no right or wrong way to experience infertility. Each person's journey, no matter how long or how hard,

is valid and deserving of compassion and support. Also, like I always say, there's no winner in the grief Olympics, so there's no need to compete for the gold medal. I'm happy to be able to say that infertility as a topic of discussion has shifted significantly in recent years. With more people sharing on social media,

more people involved in National Infertility Awareness Week and Advocacy Day over recent years, advancements in medical research, infertility doctors speaking up and out more, social media and changing attitudes, infertility is no longer such a taboo subject that's only whispered about in secret. Instead, when people have conversations about access to care, about reproductive rights,

and about the emotional toll of infertility, it helps everyone. It means more people understand what it's like to go through infertility. It means more people can see that infertility does not discriminate. It means more people can see that they are not alone. It means more people can see a face of who infertility impacts. It means more money can go towards research.

and it means more laws can be created to protect access to care. By participating in National Infertility Awareness Week, we help grow a greater understanding of and support for those affected by infertility. So now that you know why National Infertility Awareness Week matters and that it's okay to sit this one out if you need to, let me show you some ways to jump in if you're feeling up for it.

Kristin Dillensnyder (09:29.302)

because sharing your story not only helps others, it also helps you give some meaning to your experience, your struggles, and your pain. One resource to check out is the infertilityawareness .org website, which is run by Resolve, the National Infertility Association. There you'll find a ton of resources like information on local events, social media graphics, and advocacy opportunities.

So whether you're looking to share your story or simply educate yourself and others, this website can be your go -to hub for all things related to National Infertility Awareness Week. And if you're ready to participate but want to start small, start by signing up for Resolve's email list. Follow their social media account if you aren't already. And if you want to take it up a notch but still start small, start by sharing your infertility story with one person.

It doesn't have to be on social media. It could be an email to one friend or a group of friends. And next you could begin by opening up about it at work or sharing with your family about what you're really going through right now. Another way to get involved this week would be to donate to Resolve or Doctors for Fertility. These are two organizations that I donate to that are both working around the clock to protect access to family building reproductive health care for all.

I'll include links to both of them in the show notes. One woman used the energy and excitement of National Infertility Awareness Week to research infertility coverage options and pitched it to her company. She was done trying to conceive and did it for all the IVF warriors behind her. And a year later, infertility coverage was offered to her colleagues. So if that sounds more like how you want to spend National Infertility Awareness Week,

Go for it and make your mark within your company. A good resource to lean on for this is called Fertility Within Reach. Resolve, which is the organization leading the National Infertility Awareness Week charge, has created different themes to focus on to help amplify our community's message together during National Infertility Awareness Week. So there are hashtags and themes for each day.

Kristin Dillensnyder (11:53.494)

and you can check them out or share your own posts by using the hashtag and following along. Day one is remarkable stories. Day two is mark your support. Day three, wear orange 2024. Day four, make your mark. And day five, leave your mark 2024.

Having a focus each day can really help you share your story when it might feel hard to even start. I remember the first time I publicly posted about our infertility story on social media, it felt so hard to put what I was going through into words. What do I share? What do I not share? Will I know if I share too much? Can I say what we went through in enough spaces?

Kristin Dillensnyder (12:52.886)

Having a focus each day can really help you share your story when it might feel hard to even start. I remember the first time I publicly posted about our infertility story on social media. It felt so hard to put what I was going through into words. What do I share? What do I not share? Will I know if I share too much? How do I summarize everything I've been through? Will someone disagree with our choices? Will someone be triggered by our success?

Will someone be mean to our IVF miracle? In fact, I spent the whole week watching others share their story so eloquent with me.

Kristin Dillensnyder (13:36.566)

In fact, I spent the whole week watching others share their story so well with so much heart, so much feeling, and I was just in awe. I actually didn't post anything until that Friday. It took me all week to watch and listen, to finally have the guts to write something, edit it a hundred times, and then finally hit submit.

And this was when I had my daughter in my arms. And guess what? I found that post, so I will share what I wrote. But first, I want you to know that my earlier offer to sit this out or do it small is genuine, as I didn't feel ready until I was done with trying to conceive myself. And I took all week to finally do it. So what I did was I shared a photo of me, my husband, and our IVF miracle in one photo.

And the second photo is the image of her at five days old next to a picture of her photo from the lab when she was a five day old embryo. So we usually say five days in and five days out. It also included the signed paperwork from my favorite embryo. It also included the signed paperwork from my favorite embryologist. In fact, seeing the photo again is bringing up a lot of emotions for me.

Deep breath, Kristen. Okay, keep in mind, this was in 2019. So the fact I shared about the frequency of infertility is now one in six. Okay, so here it goes. It's National Infertility Week. And if you're wondering why I'm sharing, it's because this little girl is our blessing. And that's the result of lots of love, prayers, and the science of IVF.

I would not be a mother if it were not for in vitro fertilization. And while it is not something I was ever ashamed of, it was not easy to talk about while in the process. Cue the hormotional tears. Did you know that one in eight couples suffer from infertility? While struggling to conceive was one of the hardest things I've ever been through. I'm so thankful for the impact it has made on my life. Their infertility friends,

Kristin Dillensnyder (16:03.478)

doctors and nurses who are now a part of our world. I have learned to overcome failed transfers, a miscarriage, and gain some patience through the process. And just because we are happily on the other side of infertility, it does not mean we leave it behind. Partly because it's changed us for the better, but also because I now want to take my experience, my big heart,

and my loud voice to spend my time helping women still struggling to conceive. I am now an infertility coach providing support, guidance and hope to couples who are struggling to grow their families. I have been doing this quietly through a private Instagram account for a while.

I have been doing this quietly through a private Instagram account for a while, but in order to reach and help more women, I've decided to make it public. My business account is filled with vulnerable and honest posts and stories with the intention to help other women going through infertility. Therefore, I ask two favors. One, share it with anyone going through infertility so they know they are not alone and there is support out there.

And two, do not follow the account just for the sake of following it. I need it to be a safe space for women during a really hard time. I promise my feelings won't be hurt if you don't follow it. We are one in eight and I believe stronger and better because of it. My hope is to help just one other woman who's struggling to grow her family. And if that's you, you're not alone. I'm here for you.

Kristin Dillensnyder (17:50.934)

Wow, I was so scared for the reaction after I shared that. And you guys, the responses were amazing. So much so, I feel like I need to share them with you. Here's what some of them said. So proud of you. You're one strong mama. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you for sharing. I'm also one in eight with a happy ending and finding friends that have taken the same journey lightens the weight I felt for so long. You are amazing. Love your heart and your voice. After hearing these responses, can you see how amazing, energizing and exciting it can be? I'm more energized to speak up and out now while just reliving that. And let me tell you, five years later,

It still brings up emotion and it's also so much easier to talk about. So thank you for being here, for listening to the podcast, for subscribing to it, for sharing the podcast with others you know going through infertility and for giving me the space to relive this moment of sharing about our infertility publicly as part of National Infertility Awareness Week in 2019.

I hope you feel like you can do something this year to participate. And if you do it socially, I would love for you to tag me when you do. Share your posts with me or your emails because I want to show the love and support back to you. My Instagram name is, is my name. My Instagram is my name. So at Kristen Dillon Snyder, and I would love to hear and see what you share. And once again,

I want to remind you that if you're not in a place where you're ready to share publicly, that is perfectly okay. I am here advocating and growing awareness about infertility and IVF on a daily basis through my work, my conversations, both professionally and personally, public speaking events, media interviews, and even my shirts and sweatshirts from Infertile Tees, which is my favorite shop for infertility gear.

Kristin Dillensnyder (20:06.774)

My commitment to this cause extends far beyond National Infertility Awareness Week. And I will talk about it for you, for me, and for the future warriors behind us to anyone who will listen. As we wrap up today's episode, I hope you didn't count how many times I said National Infertility Awareness Week first. But more importantly, I want to leave you with a reminder. Your story is powerful.

Your journey matters. Your feelings are valid and you are not alone. So let's continue to stand together and support one another. We are so much stronger together. That way no one has to go through this alone. Let's continue to advocate for change so that everyone who wants it and everyone who needs it not only has access to the medical care but also has the insurance coverage.

so that the finances are not the barrier to their medical care. I'm sending you love, hope, strength, and the reminder that you are more than your infertility.