As the year draws to a close, many people gather with family. For some, this season brings celebration. For those facing infertility, the year may have been shaped by transfers that did not result in a pregnancy or by pregnancy loss. Holiday time can amplify what feels absent, marking another year without the child long hoped for. This can make this time of year feel especially heavy.
Infertility can feel like an invisible grief. While more people are talking openly about it, some people still feel uncomfortable discussing it.
At Thrive Fertility, we’re here to support your emotional wellbeing, wherever you are on your fertility journey.
We recognise it’s a difficult time of year for many. Here are some suggestions for navigating infertility at year’s end.
A moment just for you
Infertility can be all-consuming. You may feel grief, jealousy, sadness, anger and numbness all at once. During the holiday period, you may find yourself around people you wouldn’t usually choose to be with, which may make it more difficult to tune into yourself and to express your emotions. Even so, try to carve out a small pause in the day to check in with how you’re feeling and, if feeling disconnected from yourself, ask what might help you feel more like yourself again. It might be reading a poem you love, taking a quiet walk alone, or with your partner, and noticing the world around you, or listening to a podcast that steadies, entertains or inspires you. Small moments like these may help you reconnect with yourself.
Talk it out
Time spent with each other’s families can sometimes be especially painful during infertility. One partner may find these gatherings a strain, while the other may not experience the same hurt or loss. These different experiences can be difficult to articulate, particularly when emotions may already be running high. A support session for the couple with a counsellor may provide a space to help each other better understand the other’s different perspective, may help facilitate communicating clearly and may help the couple to reconnect.
Social media
Take a moment to consider what you need right now. It might be taking a complete break from social media or limiting time on certain accounts. On the other hand, it might be good to connect with the Trying To Conceive or #TTC community who might inspire you during this time.
Resources
It might be a good time to try meditation apps like Calm or Smiling Mind.
Book in something to look forward to
Whether it’s a catch up with a good friend in person or on the phone; a yoga class you’ve been wanting to try, reserving a novel at your local library or a trip to a museum, book in something that you are looking forward to in the new year. You’re going through so much, focusing on the chance to have moments of joy may lift you momentarily out of the sadness.
Plan for 2026
Having a plan in place can help you to see a way forward. Whether it’s sitting down with your partner to talk about the next steps, booking an appointment with your doctor or arranging to see a counsellor, putting together a plan can help bring some clarity.
To anyone who hoped to be pregnant or holding a baby this year, we see you. We know how painful this can be. Please be gentle with yourself and know that you’re not alone.
If you would like information about our support services or to speak with a member of our team, you’re welcome to contact us on (03) 9124 3896 or visit here.