support for friend starting IVF

[Anonymous]

Apologies if this topic has already been discussed (my search didn't yield any relevant results)

A good friend of mine just started IVF and it has been a very physically and emotionally trying 2 years for her (trying to conceive, having a miscarriage, starting IVF). I was wondering about how to provide support.

We don't live in the same area, so I can't be there in person to support her, but does anyone have suggestions about what is helpful/comforting/supportive during this time?

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

I know I found it helpful when my friends called regularly and really listened to our daily updates. I know the size of my follicles weren't the most exciting topic of conversation and I really appreciated them caring!

[Anonymous]

On the flip side, she may not want to talk about it (esp since she may not want to have to update you right away to let you know if IVF worked). Of course, she may want to talk about the process. I would recommend just letting her know that you are up for as many or as few updates as she wants to provide. When I first told a friend I was going through IF treatments, she said 'You can talk to me about this anytime, but I'll never ask you for updates since I know you may not always want to share depending on where you are in the process". That was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm sure you'll do the right thing, since you obviously are very sensitive about this or you wouldn't be posting here.

[Anonymous]

This was posted below in another thread about supporting someone dealing with infertility.

http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_ffaf_ie


I think it's a fantastic read regardless of what type of treatment the friend is doing.