COPE

Birth experiences vary greatly from one person to another, and even from one birth to another - just ask anyone who has had more than one child!

While every birth is so different - and things can happen that are outside of our control - there are some ways that you can physiologically prepare for birth.

Ready to COPE is a free weekly guide that provides you with timely, relevant updates so you can stay informed and feel reassured throughout your pregnancy, and as you prepare for, and recover from birth.

You can access Ready to COPE here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H0166FB0

[Trigger warning. This post discusses birth trauma.] Expectant mum Melissa felt prepared for her baby's birth, but nothing went according to plan.

When reflecting on her birth experience, Melissa says, “I felt cheated of the labour that I had wanted and hoped for.”

It took three-and-a-half years before she received help for the ongoing impacts of birth trauma as well as PTSD.

Melissa shared her experience as part of campaign to help raise awareness of birth trauma and to support others: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H0160DZ0

Infertility doesn't just test your body — it can quietly reshape your world. 🤍

Maybe it's the friend who announces her pregnancy and you feel a flash of jealousy you're instantly ashamed of.
Maybe it's being left off the guest list for a baby shower - and how much that hurt, even though you probably wouldn't have gone.
Maybe it's dreading "So, when are you having kids?" at every family gathering.
Or maybe it's simply going quiet on social media because you can't face another announcement.

None of this means you're doing infertility "wrong." These reactions are some of the most common ones people describe — and they don't make you a bad friend, sister or daughter.

🤍A few things that can genuinely help:
→ Say the quiet part out loud. People can't understand what they don't know. Letting a friend or family member in - even briefly — often relieves more pressure than staying silent.
→ Prepare a script. For the events you can't avoid, have a few ready answers for tricky questions, and a couple of safe topics up your sleeve to steer the conversation elsewhere.
→ Give yourself permission to opt out. You don't owe anyone your presence at every event. Protecting your energy is not the same as giving up on your friendships.
→ Find your people. Connecting with others who've walked this path -through a support group or online community -can turn isolation into solidarity.

You're allowed to feel however you feel about this. There's no "right" way to grieve what infertility takes from you. 🤍

If you'd like more support navigating this, search the COPE Directory (https://ap1.hubs.ly/H0158kY0) to locate relevant online and local services to help you cope.