Let's Talk About Infertility

April 24th - 30th is Infertility Awareness Week

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Apr 26, 2011 at 9:05 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 26, 2011 at 11:04 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - At 41 years old, Diahnn Holder is mom to 3-year-old Langston and 8-month-old Briggs.  Motherhood did not come easily. She and her husband battled for these babies for years.  She says with tears in her eyes, "I have so many friends who would, you could just see it in their eyes, they didn't want to tell me they were pregnant."

Holder, who eventually found success with in vitro fertilization, is like so many others.  In your early 20s, doctors say most couples have a 1 in 12 chance of infertility.  Between 25 and 35, 1 in 8. And in your late 30s or 40s, 1 in 4.

Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte's Dr. Nancy Teaff says, "40 is the new 30, but not in reproduction, at least not for the woman."

Teaff says she's still surprised by the number of women in their 40s who come into her office and expect to have a baby quickly.  In part, Teaff blames celeb moms who have babies well into their 40s and suspects donor eggs are often used but never publicly discussed, sometimes even denied.  Teaff wishes celebrities would "At least say that you sought fertility care."

"There is a shame that some people feel about it.  They feel its an embarrassment to talk about it," says Dr. Eugenia Gullick, a licensed psychologist.  She says there are several ways to manage infertility stress and recommends 1) communicating with your partner, family and friends, 2) finding a good doctor so you don't feel like you're battling infertility alone, 3) avoiding the Internet (it's information overload) and 4) give yourself permission to avoid difficult events like baby showers or christenings.  "It's OK to say no, it's important to say no sometimes," says Gullick.

For mom Diahnn, it was all worth it.  Because without talking about it and seeking treatment, she and her husband would still be trying.  "I really am so blessed to have these two," she says.

April 24th - 30th is Infertility Awareness Week.  Check out

http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html

OR

http://www.northcarolinafertility.com/

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