How Infertility and Depression Influenced My Parenting Aspirations

Adult human female anatomy diagram chartAt home insemination

I always envisioned having a larger family, ideally two children. However, after my daughter turned two, I thought the incessant questions about expanding our family would fade away. Yet, at a recent holiday gathering, I found myself cornered by a friend’s uncle, who inquired if I intended to have another child.

“Nope!” I replied confidently, “I’m happy with my one.” He shook his head disapprovingly, lamenting the choices of modern mothers who opt for just one child, suggesting they were missing out on the full experience of motherhood.

“Are you absolutely sure?” he pressed. “You wouldn’t reconsider?”

“Definitely not,” I asserted, hoping to end the conversation.

“Did you get neutered or something?” he blurted out, his voice echoing in the crowded room. I was taken aback and, unwilling to delve into the intricate reasons behind my decision, I forced a laugh. “Yes, yes I did,” I said, attempting to shift the topic.

“Is that called a tubal ligation?” I heard him mumble, though I chose to ignore it.

My husband and I initially planned for two kids. The moment we felt ready for parenthood, I discarded my birth control, eager for the joys of having a family. However, after a year and a half of disappointment, despite meticulously tracking my ovulation and using fertility-friendly products like those found in the At Home Insemination Kit, we turned to fertility specialists. After numerous tests and unsuccessful IUI attempts, we finally learned that the issue didn’t lie with my body. This late revelation left me feeling infuriated and defeated.

For anyone navigating similar challenges, you might find it helpful to consult resources like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for more information on treating infertility. Additionally, if you’re looking for guidance on at-home methods, this site offers valuable insights.

In the end, my journey through infertility and depression profoundly reshaped my parenting dreams and expectations.