For women experiencing infertility, Mother’s Day can stir up a range of emotions and can be a stark reminder of another year gone by. With all the advertisements and social media posts, Mother’s Day can easily become a time that leaves hopeful mothers feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Regardless of where you are in your unique journey, we are here to acknowledge and celebrate you this Mother’s Day. 

Mother’s Day and Infertility

Below, we share a few simple tips to keep in mind this Mother’s Day. At Donor Nexus, we have had the privilege of working closely with hundreds of women facing infertility and guiding them through the process of using donor eggs or donor embryos for their IVF treatments. We have learned so much from our patients, and hope these insights help bring you peace and comfort this Mother’s Day.

1. Connect With Others 

Infertility can feel so isolating, especially if you feel that you have to face it all alone. However, statistics show that roughly one in six people experience infertility, which shows that you are not alone at all. 

Connecting with others who are going through a similar experience can be a helpful way to cope with infertility on Mother's Day. You can reach out to support groups or join online communities – we can’t recommend this enough. There are so many wonderful support systems and resources available, many of which were created by and for women facing infertility. One group that we know and love is Infertility Unfiltered, offering education, support, and sisterhood.

Additionally, confiding in your partner, friends, or family may help you process your emotions. Remember that you're not alone in your struggle, and there are people who care and want to help.

2. Moderate Your Social Media Use

Anticipate that your Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with Mother’s Day posts, and make a game plan beforehand on whether or not you think it is a good idea for you to consume that content. Ask yourself ahead of time, will this be triggering to me? Will it leave me feeling empty? Could this lead to feelings of comparison, hurt, or anger? If so, consider being kind to yourself and simply staying off these apps on Mother’s Day.

3. Do Something That Brings You Joy and Contentment

You may find yourself with some extra time on your hands, especially if you’ll be staying off social media. This could be a great opportunity to plan out something that you would really like to do. Some ideas:

• Take a trip – alone, with your partner, family or friends. Visit a favorite place or explore somewhere new!
• Tackle a project –  even something as simple as decluttering or organizing a closet could serve as a good (and productive!) distraction.
• Spend time with loved ones.
• Plant a garden. 
• Rediscover an old hobby or passion. 

4. Practice Self Care

Self-care is an important aspect of coping with infertility on Mother's Day or any other day. Take time to focus on your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include exercising, meditating, journaling, or doing anything that makes you happy and relaxed. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more balanced and in control.

5. Celebrate Others, But Also Celebrate You

Lastly, as you celebrate your own mother or other women in your life, also take a moment to celebrate yourself. Reflect on your journey and feel proud of yourself for how far you have come. Celebrate the love, care, and dedication you are already bringing to motherhood.

We hope that at least one of these tips resonates with you and helps you feel acknowledged and comforted this Mother’s Day. If you are considering using donor eggs, we invite you to learn more about this unique path to parenthood by taking advantage of the resources throughout our website, including many heartfelt stories by women who have gone through the journey themselves. If you have any questions, our compassionate team is here to help.

Additional Resources:

• 7 Ways I Learned to Cope With Infertility Grief (written by a DEIVF mother and infertility advocate)
• Should I Use Donor Eggs? Will I Have Any Regrets? 
• Making the Leap to Using Donor Eggs (written by an experienced fertility physician)
• Intended Parent Testimonials
• Donor Egg Success Rates - Donor Nexus