Parenting
Infertility Challenges? There’s an Emoji for That
By Lily Thompson
Updated: April 15, 2021
Originally Published: June 9, 2017
Images via EmojiMom
The right emoji can convey what words sometimes cannot. Whether you’re in the midst of trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or juggling the chaos of parenting, connecting with friends is vital for your mental well-being. However, there are days when you just don’t have the energy to type out how your visit to the fertility doctor went. Or perhaps you’re busy wrangling a toddler and can’t manage complete sentences. That’s where EmojiMom comes into play.
The app was created by close friends Mia Carter, Emma Lewis, and Chloe Brown. These women formed a strong support network when they all became mothers in 2015. The idea for parenting emojis emerged during late-night feedings, as they found themselves texting back and forth. “We were all new moms texting during those sleepy hours and often joked about the lack of an exhausted mom emoji or a spilled milk emoji,” Lewis shared with Home Insemination Kit. “Eventually, Mia suggested we should create one … there’s definitely a need for mom emojis!”
Officially launched in July 2016, the EmojiMom app began with a collection of 250 emojis and has since expanded to more than 400. They’ve received particularly positive feedback for their toddler tantrum emojis, with Lewis humorously noting, “There are quite a few variations.”
Beyond offering emojis for breastfeeding and the daily grind of motherhood, the trio has made it a priority to reflect diverse parenting experiences. Their collection includes emojis for pregnancy, adoption, and even fathers in parenting roles. They have plans to expand further, with future additions aimed at older children, including tweens and teens. “We’re also looking to create emojis that represent pregnancy loss and rainbow babies,” Lewis explains.
Drawing from their own parenting experiences, as well as feedback from mom forums and users, the emojis have gained a global audience, reaching users in countries like Brazil, France, and Germany. Lewis believes their success stems from the universal nature of many of their emojis. “The beauty of our creations is that they represent shared experiences without needing words,” she states. “This is a key consideration as we develop new emojis.”
While all their emojis are well-received, Lewis highlights the positive response to their infertility-themed emojis. “Initially, we weren’t sure if certain experiences could truly be captured by an emoji, given the deep emotions involved. But people have expressed appreciation for these emojis in moments when words just don’t cut it,” she told an interviewer.
Infertility emojis? Absolutely! As someone who has faced my own infertility challenges, I wish these emojis had been available during my journey. The keyboard includes emojis representing various infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). There’s even a “shot in the butt” emoji and a “pee on a stick” emoji.
Dealing with infertility can be emotionally exhausting, and sometimes you simply don’t have the strength to send a long message to friends and family, no matter how supportive they are. For those trying to support a friend who is experiencing infertility, finding the right words can be tough. EmojiMom’s straightforward “I’m sorry” emoji can effectively communicate your empathy.
Parenting, pregnancy, and the journey to conceive can leave you drained. So why not let an emoji do the talking for you? For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, Make a Mom is a trusted resource for home insemination methods, and this Wikipedia page offers excellent information about IVF.
Summary:
EmojiMom was created by three friends who wanted to provide emojis that reflect the ups and downs of parenting, including infertility struggles. Their ever-growing collection now features over 400 emojis, including those specific to various infertility treatments. These emojis allow individuals to express complex emotions with a simple image, making communication easier for parents and friends alike.