Friends & Family
How to Help
November 20, 2024
Infertility is a deeply personal and often isolating experience, but no one should have to face it alone. For parents navigating this challenging path, a strong support system—their village—can be a lifeline. At Villie, we believe in the power of community to uplift and empower families through every stage of their journey, from trying to conceive to celebrating milestones.
Whether you're a friend, family member, coworker, or part of someone’s support network, here’s how you can help create a compassionate, understanding village for those experiencing infertility.
Infertility doesn’t just affect one person—it ripples out, touching relationships, families, and even communities. It’s not simply about medical procedures or missed milestones; it’s a journey marked by emotional highs and lows, financial strain, and societal expectations. Recognizing this complexity is the first step in building a village that can truly support and uplift.
👉 Resource Recommendation: Our friends at Grain Fertility offer a helpful introduction to understanding the IVF process and the unique challenges families may face.
Every parent-to-be experiences infertility differently. Some may want to share every detail, while others may prefer privacy. Let your loved one lead the conversation. A simple “I’m here for you” can go a long way in providing comfort.
Words matter. While phrases like “just relax” or “everything happens for a reason” might be well-intentioned, they can feel dismissive. Instead, focus on validating their experience: “I can only imagine how hard this must be, but I’m here for you.”
Infertility treatments often come with packed schedules of appointments, medications, and financial planning. Here are a few ways you can make their life a little easier:
Family gatherings, baby showers, and holidays can be emotionally difficult. Respect their decision to skip these events, and find alternative ways to connect—like sharing a quiet coffee date, going for a walk, or sending a thoughtful note.
Families navigating infertility are still people—they want to be part of your life. You don’t have to avoid mentioning your pregnancy or your children entirely, but be mindful and respectful. Ask if they’re comfortable hearing updates and let them guide the conversation.
At Villie, we often hear from families who’ve faced infertility that emotional support is just as valuable as practical help. Here are a few ideas to create an inclusive, judgment-free village for your loved ones:
Acknowledge milestones in their journey, like completing a round of IVF, freezing embryos, or even making the decision to pause treatments. Let them know their resilience is seen and celebrated.
Infertility affects everyone involved, not just the person undergoing treatment. Take time to check in with partners or spouses and make space for their feelings too. They might also need a sounding board or emotional support.
Each fertility journey is unique. Avoid saying things like, “I know someone who tried XYZ,” unless your loved one specifically asks for advice or comparisons. Support should feel affirming, not like a competition.
Infertility can feel overwhelming, but no one has to go through it alone. At Villie, we’re committed to helping parents mobilize their village. With tools like personalized Baby Pages, community resources, and curated guides, we make life’s toughest moments a little easier.
Some families have even created a Baby Page to document and share their fertility journey with their trusted village. It’s a safe way to share updates, celebrate milestones, and receive encouragement and support from loved ones. If this interests you, let our product team know—we’d love to help you make it happen.
The road to parenthood isn’t always straightforward. But with compassion, patience, and the power of community, we can make the journey a little less daunting for our loved ones. Whether it’s offering practical help, a listening ear, or simply showing up, your support can make all the difference.
