In this episode, Doug and Jesse explore how infertility creates a deep sense of loss of control and emotional chaos during infertility. We talk about all sorts of ways that infertility makes us feel out of control and how losing control shows up differently for each of us. We break down the following ideas...Dynamics and Coping Mechanisms when we Feel Out of ControlWe look at how contrasting coping styles during infertility can lead to tension in our lives and our relationships.Loss of Control and the Reproductive NarrativeWe each have a reproductive narrative, a story we told ourselves about how things would go. Infertility disrupts our expectations of family-building, forcing a reimagining of our story that feels very out of control. Embracing the Loss of ControlFor many of us, grief will be part of what helps us release control and find unexpected freedom in acceptance.Uniquely Knitted is a Non-Profit Organization serving all who are emotionally affected by infertility. We are on a mission to bring healing to the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that comes with struggling to grow your family.Learn more about our Process Groups uniquelyknitted.org/groups
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54:44
Why is it so hard to care for my mental health during infertility?
Infertility can make it hard to prioritize your mental health, especially when success feels just around the corner. In this episode, Jesse and Doug explore the challenges of self-care during this journey and offer a real path forward.If you've struggled to care for yourself while pursuing your dream of growing your family, know you're not alone. This episode is here to remind you that you are worthy of care and support.Want to know more about process groups? uniquelyknitted.org/group-sign-upUniquely Knitted is a Non-Profit Organization serving all who are emotionally affected by infertility. We are on a mission to bring healing to the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that comes with struggling to grow your family.
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46:53
Infertility and Regret
NO REGRETS! Well maybe not in this case. The reality is that many people experience regret during infertility. There are a million decisions to make, so much to grieve, and so many things that go wrong!Avoiding regret can feel impossible. In this episode we look at what is going on with regret during infertility and we explore how we can build the resilience to handle regret and make it through infertility!Build some resilience and process your experience with infertility in the Uniquely Knitted Process Groups 👉 uniquelyknitted.org/group-sign-upThe Infertility Feelings Podcast is a show supported by Uniquely Knitted, an organization supporting people who are or have experienced infertility. Learn more at uniquelyknitted.org
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53:33
Infertility and Identity
Infertility impacts pretty much EVERY PART of your identity. It changes the way that you feel like you ARE. It changes how you view your future and impacts who you are becoming!How does infertility impact your identity?What even is our identity anyway?How can we stay connected to who we are while going through this?!These are the questions of today's podcast. If you have ever felt like infertility impacts your identity this episode is for you!Uniquely Knitted is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional support to people affected by infertility. We understand the profound emotional toll that infertility can take, and our mission is to bring healing to those wounds. Through our groups, education, and podcasts, we aim to end the isolation and loneliness that often accompany the struggle to grow a family. We offer a safe space for sharing experiences, finding support, and building resilience.Discover more at uniquelyknitted.org
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53:25
Infertility and Boundaries
We definitely need boundaries during infertility... But making boundaries during infertility is not easy. How on earth are you supposed to make boundaries when you are dealing with the stress of trying to get pregnant. It's overwhelming, confusing, and just well... a lot. In this episode we look at boundaries during infertility. We define the goal of boundaries, look at 3 reasons making boundaries might be difficult, and offer a way forward. Boundaries during infertility are so hard, hopefully this conversation give you some hope that you can stay protected and connected!Uniquely Knitted exists to transform the experience of infertility. Our mission is to heal the traumas of infertility, miscarriage, and loss, and to end the isolation that comes with struggling to conceive. We achieve this by providing innovative, evidence-based preventative mental health support to those fighting to grow their families.Learn more at uniquelyknitted.orgView available Process Groups uniquelyknitted.org/programs/group-sign-up
Jesse and Doug have suffered from infertility without success for the past decade. Throughout their struggle with infertility, they were overwhelmed with a tidal wave of uncontrollable feelings. In 2019 they founded Uniquely Knitted, a non-profit organization aimed at serving all who struggle with the emotions of infertility.This podcast breaks down all the things we feel during the struggle to grow our families. Giving words to the feelings we have and understanding the psychology of our emotions during infertility.Interviews with leading psychologists and real-life stories from those dealing with infertility. Your place to cry, laugh, process, and rage about all things infertility.
Ireland