Listen to Director of Adoption and Permanency Erika Schmitt as she speaks with Simon Benn on Thriving Adoptees podcast about the impact of infertility on single people, couples, and their adoptive children.
The grief, loss, and trauma which comes with experiencing infertility impacts everyone. The process of wanting to be pregnant and having a biological child to wanting to be a parent to a child through adoption is long and hard. The official diagnosis of infertility, testing, treatment, and potential losses are all common precursors to adoption and can have a lasting impact on one’s ability to attach to their child and feel entitled to be their parent.
Post adoption services are helpful for recognizing the losses of infertility, and embracing parenthood with an adoptive child. It’s very helpful if the person can be aware of triggers, and check in on their own mental health when they anticipate triggers which may come with significant dates in their infertility history.
Infertility is one of the primary reasons for divorce among couples. Women with infertility have a high rate of anxiety and depression. Seeking help for the grief, loss and trauma of infertility can improve your life and your relationship with your child.
Learn helpful tips on ways to process your own infertility journey or how to support someone who is experiencing infertility through this podcast:
The Children’s Home & Lemieux Center offers Infertility Counseling and support groups. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Erika Schmitt at eschmitt@chomepgh.org