This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a week that aims to raise awareness about infertility, support those affected, and advocate for policies and resources to improve access to fertility care.
Although infertility does not affect everyone, you probably know someone – friend, co-worker, family member – that has or is experiencing infertility. And, considering this week and the many women that are impacted by infertility, it has brought to light this idea of community – this sense of belonging, shared identity, and support network. And how important community is to all the women, moms, families, and beyond in every aspect of their lives.
Brittany Polk is no stranger to community. She grew up knowing that she wanted to have a family, and after years working as a Mother and Baby Nurse at Mercy Hospital, she found herself single, in her late thirties, and thinking realistically about having a baby without a man in her life. It was, of course, during this time that she found her now husband. Before they got married, they both knew that they did not want to wait to start trying to have kids.
After six months with no success, she turned to her OBGYN, and after multiple failed rounds of IUIs and a new job at a local fertility clinic, she and her husband decided to turn to IVF. At the time, it was almost exciting – knowing that this route could bring the success they were looking for, the feeling that they had a plan in place to make it happen.
Two whole years later, with four retrievals, months and months of injections, and surgery – Brittany’s first transfer is now her son, Archie.
Brittany is quick to tell you that the road was NOT easy. And this is so very normal for many women that are on their own infertility journey – no matter where you start or end or the challenges you face. But what her story highlights is that COMMUNITY is so important for women and moms and families.
Brittany says she always tried to find the positives in her journey because she was lucky enough to be a fertility nurse – knew what to expect, knew the language of infertility, and the medicines you would use. She even had an involved husband in the process, and co-workers that were familiar or were nurses themselves. She even says her family was an incredible support network during the time – which sometimes is not the case. And she seemed to come back to this idea of her support network – her community – that she was so lucky to have and that she decided to lean on. And it is in this community that she feels got her to where she is today.
As an IVF mom and nurse, Brittany shares that “One of my most important tips for my patients coming through is that I always remind them that I am here to help them through their journey … I HIGHLY encourage them to seek out the support they need – in whatever way that looks, and to accept that support fully – not to shy away from it. It’s the community around you that helps you through the process.”
And it is from Brittany that we can ALL take away this idea of community – not just this week, but in every day in the many facets of our daily lives. It is important to find the positive solidarity, the sense of shared identity and belonging, and the power it brings to unite us. And on a greater scale, it brings the strength and foundation that powers social change.
So, take a moment this week to find or strengthen the community or communities in your life. You never know the spark of change it could bring!
