Past FCI Patient Guest Blog: Rachael Kobleske & Family

Former patient, Rachael Kobleske, wrote in her own words about her journey to motherhood with Fertility Centers of Illinois. She wanted to share her experiences so that they could help anyone who might be going through the same struggles, pain and worry. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.

FCI Gave Me Hope - by Rachael Kobleske

Jon, Rachael, Sophia (left) & Chloe (right)

Seven years ago my husband and I decided we wanted to have children. Me being the naive person I was back then just thought that we would actually "try" to get pregnant now, instead of preventing it, and things would work out right away. After all, my mother told me over and over that unprotected sex leads to unexpected pregnancy! I had NO clue what sort of journey I was in for.

After a year of trying to conceive without success and then a miscarriage I started to worry that I would never get pregnant and kept wondering "What is wrong with me???".

Advice from Two Pros: How to Navigate the Holidays With An Infertility Diagnosis

Time-tested techniques and advice from two infertility counseling experts at Fertility Centers of Illinois

The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone. Our culture promotes an ideal of the perfect holiday season with unrealistic expectations, and when that experience inevitably falls short, it can lead to disappointment. For those coping with infertility, the joy of the holidays can seem even harder to attain.   

The holidays are focused on family, with children at the epicenter. Those who long for the child that has not yet come can feel isolated, sad, and discouraged.

"The holidays tend to remind those dealing with infertility that family building has not gone the way they imagined," says Dr. Ariadna Cymet Lanski, a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois. "Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don't have, and that's not easy."

Dr. Marie Davidson, who is also a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, agrees. "For couples experiencing infertility, there can be deep sense of alienation from the spirit of celebration. As a result, you may not want to participate in the usual family rituals, and you may search for ways to protect yourself from the distresses of social comparison."

Yet the holidays and family gatherings can still be meaningful and enjoyable. Drs. Davidson and Cymet Lanski offer advice and techniques on how to navigate the emotions that surround the holidays.