It's Infertility Awareness Week from April 22-28. So many people are struggling with infertility.  LISTEN.  ASK.  HELP. 

Partners in Healing of Minneapolis was well represented at Resolve's Annual Family Building Conference in Minneapolis over the weekend.  Dr. Deborah Simmons, Dr. Nita Champion, and Diane Tanning, L.Ac. presented information on how to approach a new infertility diagnosis, depression and anxiety related to fertility challenges, gestational surrogacy, when to let go of biological dreams, naturopathic medicine to treat infertility, and Chinese medicine for infertility.  Don't Ignore Infertility.

At Partners in Healing (PIH), we approach reproductive loss and bereavement comprehensively.  Reproductive loss includes a number of difficult experiences, including infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and unexpected fetal anomaly, among others.  

Some losses result in death.  Other losses feel like a death.  Some losses are symbolic.  For example, when a woman is told that she will need infertility treatment, or that her baby has an anomaly, she is experiencing profound loss.   Often people experience more than one type of loss in their reproductive lives.  This can also include complications in pregnancy or trauma during labor and delivery. 

People do not “get over” a reproductive loss, but they can integrate the experience into what is hopefully and long and happy life.  Telling the reproductive story is a must for healing.  Too often people are afraid to tell their story for fear of burdening others or because others minimize or deny the physical and emotional pain caused by reproductive losses.  This can lead to isolation, resentment, and depression.  At PIH, we actively elicit the story and provide hope for healing and transformation.  

It is insufficient to say that loss is difficult, as each person and each couple experiences loss differently.  

We explore:

• Gender issues
• Psychological make-up
• Childhood trauma
• Medical trauma history
• Family history and dynamics
• Belief systems
• Social environment
• Spiritual beliefs
• Resilience factors 

Our PIH team, including Dr. Deborah Simmons, PhD, LMFT, Dr. Nate and Dr. Nita Champion, ND, and Diane Tanning, RN, MS, L.Ac. provide clinical hypnosis, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), acupuncture, individual and couples therapy, and naturopathic medicine to those who have experienced reproductive loss.  We listen to our patients’ unique situations and partner with them in developing the most appropriate treatment plan.  Many of our patients have found healing and new purpose. 

We collaborate actively with physicians, nurses, acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, and other health care professionals across the Twin Cities to ensure that healing is complete and that hope can spring anew for family building in the future.  Dr. Simmons is available for professional consultation, as well.  Compassion and clinical know-how ensure good outcomes at PIH.  To schedule, call us at 763-546-5797.

It is not surprising that many women and some men suffer from depression and anxiety when faced with fertility challenges.  The ups and downs of infertility and its treatment drain the spirit right out of people.   I hear daily the intensity of the experience, “This is personal.  I feel invisible in the world.  This is physical.  I hate my body.  I am demoralized and afraid.  This is expensive.  I have no control and I feel out of control.  This has taken over my life.  I’m so worried about my relationship.” 

Some women have mood consequences from using birth  control pills and ovarian stimulation medication, on top of the fear of not having a child.  For many of the people I see, the following “formula” captures their experience: 

Uncertain Outcome of Procedures + Uncertain Length of Time + Internal/External Pressure + Medications + Fear = DEPRESSION and ANXIETY. 

It is important to distinguish between depression and grief when dealing with fertility challenges.  Grief hurts but it does not lead the thinking process toward self-hatred and negative thinking.  Depression is a heaviness all its own. 

Help is Available at Partners in Healing

Our integrated fertility team at Partner in Healing can help.  We provide:

1. Specialized counseling for individuals and couples who are suffering from fertility challenges, that includes hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); 
2. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine;
3. Naturopathic medicine and nutritional counseling; and
4. Medical massage aimed at reclaiming your body from the rigors of treatment.  We collaborate with national and local leaders specializing in fertility treatment. Let us help you regain your sense of wholeness and rebuild hope as you build your family. 
   

By Deborah Simmons, PhD, LMFT