Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: June 14, 2013
Whether it was your very first attempt, that initial round of in-vitro fertilization, the first year of trying, or the first five years spent on an adoption waitlist, we all have those early challenges that stick with us.
Remember the first time morning sickness hit? Or that first hormone injection that made you feel like a human pin cushion? Perhaps it was the heartache of an adoption falling through. In the beginning, we might have felt queasy over all sorts of things, and then came the second round of challenges.
The second ultrasound when the doctor looked a bit worried. The second IVF cycle. The second miscarriage that left us reeling. The second round of blood tests that felt like a never-ending saga. The second set of legal fees for adoption that seemed to multiply overnight. We all faced our fair share of second attempts—and not just with dessert!
Then, we reached the milestone of three. The third trimester, where bed rest became your new best friend. The third round of IVF that finally gave us hope. The third trip to a foreign country in search of the family we longed for. The third meeting with a genetic counselor that left us feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Oh, and let’s not forget the third time we found ourselves in the ER, which we could have done without!
Through all the ups and downs, we held on to hope and eventually held our babies in our arms. Whether you became a mother through birth, adoption, or other means, it’s essential to recognize the shared journey we’re all on. No matter your beliefs, your methods, or the battles you fight, we should be united in this beautiful yet challenging experience of motherhood.
For more insights on home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from ASRM, or learn more about fertility options at Make a Mom. And if you want to dive deeper into the topic of home insemination, don’t forget to visit this other blog post.
Summary:
This article reflects on the shared journey of motherhood, highlighting the various challenges and milestones that mothers experience, from the initial attempts at conception to the joy of holding their babies. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity among mothers, regardless of their paths to motherhood.