S.1 E.7 The Rollercoaster of Infertility & Deciding to Stop IVF

In this conversation, Casey shares her deeply personal journey through infertility and IVF treatments, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges faced along the way. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding infertility, the low success rates of IVF, and the grief associated with each setback. Casey reflects on her decision to stop fertility treatments and how she found acceptance in her new identity, ultimately embracing a life without children. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding the complexities of motherhood and the emotional nuances of grief and relief in the context of infertility. 

Casey and Nicole explore the emotional complexities of infertility, societal pressures surrounding motherhood, and the importance of open dialogue in navigating these challenges. They discuss the misconceptions about adoption as a solution to infertility, the harmful 'never give up' mentality, and the necessity of trusting oneself in the journey. 

About Casey Jourdan

As a coach and content creator, Casey guides late-diagnosed ADHD women toward building lives that actually work for them. With a Master’s in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling- and her own journey with ADHD, PTSD, and a traumatic brain injury- she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her mission? To help people create and celebrate their authentic selves, free from society’s heavy-handed expectations. She walks with her clients to heal their past, reframe their present, and carve out a new path forward.

Learn more about Casey at:https://www.caseyjourdan.com/links

Takeaways

• Many people underestimate the low success rates of IVF.
• Infertility treatments can lead to prolonged emotional struggles.
• The decision to pursue IVF often comes after significant personal reflection.
• Grief is a common experience in the journey of infertility.
• Acceptance of a child-free life can be a complex process.
• Identity shifts occur when transitioning from wanting children to not having them.
• Financial considerations heavily impact decisions in fertility treatments.
• Support systems, including therapy, are crucial during this journey.
• Finding joy in life without children is possible and valid.
• The experience of infertility can lead to a deeper understanding of personal identity.
• Societal expectations can create pressure on individuals regarding motherhood.
• Adoption is a separate journey and not a solution to infertility.
• The 'never give up' mentality can be harmful and lead to guilt.
• It's important to trust your own feelings and decisions in the infertility journey.
• Open conversations about difficult topics can alleviate emotional burdens.
• Women often lack the language to articulate their feelings about infertility.
• Having hard conversations early can prepare couples for potential outcomes.
• You can lead a fulfilling life even if parenthood doesn't happen.

Topics

infertility, IVF, identity shift, parenting, grief, fertility treatments, adoption, societal expectations, mental health, emotional support, motherhood