I'm Infertile…Now What?

I am excited that I can now say that the official website for my book, Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing, is up and running. You can visit it at www.ldsinfertilitybook.com. While you are there, you can learn all about the book–you can read an excerpt, see what people are saying about it, and find out where to purchase it (if you so desire). I am excited to announce the book’s publication. It will be one of only a couple books about infertility from an LDS (Mormon or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint) perspective, offering couples everywhere hope. Please take a look at the new website when you have a moment or two.

Just over a year ago, the Vatican released an article linking the Pill to male factor infertility. I was instantly intrigued and asked “Why are men taking the Pill?” Come to find out, that is NOT how men are being affected by the hormones in the Pill. It is interesting to read the article and learn more about how the environment plays a role in our ability to conceive. When I think of infertility, I instantly think of physiological limitations which affect fertility, since that is my diagnosis. I forget that the environment can play a factor in many cases of infertility.

Read the article here…I find it very interesting. Let me know what you think…

I have included several links from various sources relating to the story from the Vatican that you might find intriguing:

The Medical News

Reuters

The AFA Blog

I am excited about this month’s Think & Share and I think you will enjoy thinking about it. The topic is “Life in Other Realms” and explores things that can be a part of our lives which have nothing to do with having children. I look forward to seeing what you have to share…

Click here for more information about this month’s Think & Share. The deadline is February 15th…

As in all things…change happens.

I do want to let you know that the San Antonio, TX Forum on January 29th has been changed to a NEW location. Instead of meeting at the church, we will be meeting at the Morris Residence, 8910 Melinda Court, San Antonio, TX. Click here for a map. I am excited about this change as it will allow for a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere for our discussion. Thank you to the Morris Family for hosting for us!!

Please let me know if you have questions.

They are now posted! The responses to this month’s Think & Share are now up for your reading and commenting pleasure. Click here to see what others shared.

It was a tough topic and I am grateful for those who took a stab at it. It sure is easy to come up with a list of things we don’t particularly like hearing, but the trick is to figure out a preferred way of saying the same thing. Or, at least, that was the tricky part for me.

As you read the submissions for this month, if your mind is inspired with something to add, feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

There are a few “new” things at ldsinfertility.org…you won’t want to miss them!

• I posted a new “On My Mind” tonight called “I Have ‘Book’ On My Brain”.

• You’ll notice I have changed the links at the top of the pages a little bit, just to make sure navigating is as easy as possible.

• I’ve added information under the “My Book” link about how you can pre-order the book NOW. Yes, NOW! And, I have noticed some killer deals at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get a jump on it!

And, just two reminders…

1. January’s Think & Share deadline is Friday (January 15th), so make sure you submit your thoughts. For more information, click here.
2. The two January forums are almost here. Don’t forget to sign up if you are interested!!

Our 2010 Infertility Forums are starting THIS month, and I just can’t tell you how excited I am about it! I am excited to get talking about infertility with you, to meet you, and to share stories and thoughts with each other.

Here is what the schedule looks like:

January 20th – Pleasant Grove, UT
January 29th – San Antonio, TX
February 17th – Sandy, UT

There is more information, including times, topics, and locations on ldsInfertility.org. Click here for more information. These forums are open to whomever would like to attend and they are FREE! We all like FREE right? Oh, and another thing we all like…PRIZES. Prizes will definitely be a part of these events!

I’d love for you to attend. Please invite friends and family. If you would like to pass the word along to your other people, including Relief Society presidents, you can download a flyer below.

Pleasant Grove Flyer (PDF)
San Antonio Flyer (PDF)

If you would like to host a forum (at your home or your church), please let me know…it is free!! You can be a powerful instrument in opening dialogue and establishing greater awareness.

2010 Think & Share has officially been launched! As many of you already know, I gave you a chance to wet your palette (so to speak) last month when I couldn’t resist prodding you to share your thoughts on how to Survive and Thrive during Christmastime. I loved what you had to say and want you to share more!!

This month’s topic is “Positive Infertility Language” and I think the topic will cause us all to think in new ways. We all know that it is far from difficult to compose a list of comments and questions we have heard from others. You know what I am talking about…those things that are said by friends and family who are trying to be sensitive and end up hurting instead. I am sure you each have a list tucked away somewhere. BUT, I would dare say that it is not easy to turn those phrases into more positive and compassionate ways to say the same things. Now is your chance to help formulate a list of positive ways to converse about infertility. Now is your chance to help educate and reach out to change the world!

I invite you to check it out…think about it…then share…

Don’t forget–the deadline is January 15th. Happy thinking!!

2010 is going to be the year when I push to reach out to as many people as I can. I want anyone who is dealing with infertility to know about ldsInfertility.org and to know that it is a resource for them. If they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, great! If not…great!

Because I am only one person, I need your help. I would like to post signs and distribute flyers to places that infertile couples frequent…OB/GYN offices, Reproductive Clinics, and LDS Family Service Offices. If you would like to help by being an extra set of legs, I’d love your assistance. Let me know by emailing me: kerstin.daynes@ldsinfertility.org. Include your address and a list of specific places you would like to deliver to (just so we don’t duplicate locations). I will send you a packet with instructions and the flyers/signs.

Thanks for joining the efforts! I appreciate your help!!

The holidays have seemed to have kept parts of my life at a standstill; my web-presence has been suffering due to much needed family and vacation time. I am sure you can relate. Although I LOVE checking my email, writing new things to post on the website, and wandering through Facebook (and maybe even “blogging”), I must admit that a few days without it all as been nice. It has been busy, with each day filled with something new, even a day or two of sleeping in! I have truly enjoyed the Christmas season and soaking in all the good things around me.  Normal life will, however, be a welcomed companion as we return to it in the next couple of days.

I did finally post a new “On My Mind” article, Reflections and A Look Forward, on the website, so make sure you jump on over and read it. I can’t promise that it is anything too life-altering, but it has been on MY mind as of late.

I am looking forward to a Happy New Year!!