The experience of pregnancy and motherhood is something many women have dreamt about since childhood. It is idealized in our society and is something most women expect will come naturally and easily into their lives if and when they decide the time is right. When this turns out not to be the case, it can be devastating. Often the idea of becoming a mother is deeply connected to a woman’s concept of successfulness. As a result, infertility, miscarriage or other types or reproductive trauma can leave a woman questioning her self-worth, doubting her value as a partner and feeling like a failure. After a woman and her partner have been trying on their own for a while, or if their infertility treatments have been unsuccessful, the “Will it happen this month?” rollercoaster often leads to high levels of stress and panic. If it’s been endless months or years of dashed hopes and stolen dreams, the internalization of questions like “How come I’m not good enough to have a baby?” and “Why did my life end up like this?” can turn stress into utter despair.

What You May Also Be Feeling

Guilt, anger, resentment, anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation can seep into the partner relationship on both sides.