Sensitive but important topic alert! The purpose of this blog is to get resources to those who need it, but I highly encourage those who don’t to share this resource! When it comes to motherhood, I’ve stated my opinion before. I personally think women become a mother the moment they consciously decide to start the journey of motherhood. For some, that’s the moment they find out they’re expecting.

For others though, that moment starts long before she can officially say she’s ‘with Little One’. This is the case for many it turns out. The journey of motherhood can be one of the most magical and special experiences of a woman’s life. But it can also be one of the most stressful and grueling experiences of a woman’s life as well. Which, as you may know from following along on my journey, has been a difficult time for me personally.

And it’s becoming more apparent to me how many women out there are going through similar circumstances. I even personally know more than I would’ve ever guessed if those brave women didn’t open up about their stories. But through my experience, through the heartbreak and struggle, it’s nice to know that there’s a community out there and people who can be there for me, support me, and love me through my worst. And it’s truly comforting knowing I’m not alone. And neither are you if you’re going through a similar situation!

If you want, feel free to click the photo to watch the video!

So, today I’m going to be sharing some resources to help navigate family planning. If you find yourself in one of these 3 categories, please check out one or more of the resources listed! I can’t tell you how much of a relief it can be to better understand our own circumstances and where to go/what to do from there. And if the resource itself isn’t necessarily helpful, check out the additional resources listed at each one. There’s tons of info and resources out there, if we just know where to look. Now let’s get into it!

Conception

This first category is for those who are like me. Who are or have been trying to conceive, and it hasn’t happened yet but you’re not necessarily in the category of fertility where you might be considered infertile. When it comes to conception, it can be frustrating not being able to conceive because you don’t necessarily know what the cause is or if there even is one. But there are still plenty of resources for women in this category. There’s the Office on Women’s Health, which has everything from charts, to counseling options, to treatment and alternative methods available.

There’s also the American Pregnancy Association, which has tools, a directory, and lots of blog topics that go more into depth on different situations and circumstances. And there’s Health & Human Services which has multiple resources on pregnancy and prenatal care, including health assistance programs and services. And like I said, please feel free to check out the additional resources listed on each of these sites. The information available is most likely better than what I can find by myself!

Fertility

This category includes women who have tried to conceive and have not been able to. Who are starting to look into alternative methods and treatment options. Unfortunately, for women who struggle to conceive, they have to take such alternative routes. This can end up costing lots of money to do. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s fair that people have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to be able to start a family. Why would more insurance companies not cover this? But, there are still resources for you if you find yourself in this category!

Resolve is one of the largest well-known resources available for women who find themselves here on their motherhood journey. Advocacy, treatment options, financial options and coverage, and even grants and scholarships are just some of the things they’re able to help with. There’s also Fertility Within Reach, which helps patients find treatment and coverage options, and providers find a way to offer such services to patients who don’t have coverage. And the March Of Dimes is a great place to find plenty of resources too. From treatment options and coverage to information to better help you understand your own special circumstance or situation.

Pregnancy

This category was a bit hard to name. It’s for women who are able to conceive, but aren’t necessarily able to sustain a pregnancy. Which unfortunately, is more than my heart wants to accept. And it’s not too well-known. I think people tend to think that women either get pregnant or that they’re infertile, when really there’s an in-between that isn’t recognized or understood. And it can often times be the hardest category for women to be in because of the consistent loss and heartache. But there are amazing resources for this category too, and more on the way every day!

An MFM is a maternal fetal medicine specialist who an OB or regular physician might refer a woman too anyway, but if not, she can ask her provider for a referral. An MFM is the same thing as an OB, but went through 3 additional years of schooling to better understand the complexities in the relationship between the mother and fetus. Baby Center is a great resource and community for women with high-risk pregnancies. Reproductive Facts is a terrific resource for treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss, which discusses topics like reasoning as to why it could be happening, as well as treatment and financial options for those specific reasons.

Motherhood Is The Toughest Hood There Is

Look, without any extra complication or special circumstance, motherhood is already one tough journey. Women’s bodies change drastically, lives change dramatically, and, well, a human being is made! But when a woman is facing conception, fertility, or pregnancy complications, it shouldn’t have to be that way. That’s why I’m so glad how many resources are available to these women in need! Like I said, there’s tons out there, if we just know where to look.

Plus a community full of people who know what it’s like and can be there for you when you may need it most! If you’re in one of these categories, please, PLEASE, check out at least one of the resources I listed. And if you still don’t find what you’re looking for, please comment and let me know. Because this is a community for you too. Say, “Hey Brandolyn, here’s my situation and here’s what I’m looking for. Please help!”

P.S. – If you’ve been looking for a sign to work on some health aspects, last week’s blog is it! Check it out here. Thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma