Fertility and Work-Life Balance: Strategies for Career Women
Undergoing fertility treatment can be extremely demanding and emotionally draining for women, especially if one is a working woman. This is because a fertility treatment journey involves numerous consultations, tests, examinations, procedures, etc – which requires a huge investment of time and energy.
The process of undergoing fertility treatment includes many different procedures, including hormone injections, monitoring sessions, egg harvesting, and embryo transfer. Because the demands and requirements for the treatment change quickly, the entire process might feel like a part-time job that requires full-time dedication and effort.
However, gone are the days when women were to choose between being a mother or a career woman. Now, they play both roles, but with the increasing stress, balancing work and life can be tough. Hence, we have created a list of helpful tips to maintain a healthy work-life balance during fertility treatment.
7 Tips to Balance Work and Life During Fertility Treatment
Here are 7 useful tips for balancing work and life during fertility treatment –
- Choose the Right Fertility Clinic
It is advisable to choose a fertility clinic that is close to home. Take time to explore the best fertility treatment center around your locality to ensure you do not spend much time traveling to the treatment facility. Then, visit the fertility clinic to talk to the doctors and then evaluate which one you want to work with. Once you and your partner have figured out what you want – you can simply go ahead and start your fertility treatment.
- Join a Fertility Group
Many hospitals have a fertility group where working women and other people come together to share their journey. The idea of doing it all alone can never be the right one. Join a fertility group and share your journey with others – share what you feel and how you feel, and spill out the negative and positive feelings.
If you do not have time to visit somewhere physically, there are many online support groups ready to listen to your story. Work-life balance becomes more challenging without any emotional support. Talking and listening to others’ stories and journeys gives you a feeling of strength, and some stories are really encouraging, helping you keep going through the tough times.
- Prioritize Self Care
Fertility treatments can be emotionally and physically draining, and it is important to value self-care. Take time to relax, meditate, and exercise. In addition, you can also indulge yourself in a nighttime skincare routine – it helps make you feel good about it and also enhances the chance of fertility. There are many yogas and breathing exercises that you can do for better mental health during fertility treatment.
- Create a Realistic Schedule
Avoid overloading your work desk with extended commitments. Only do what you can. It helps in reducing stress and work anxiety – which can negatively affect your fertility treatment and job performance. It is okay to take time off from work and be easy on yourself.
If necessary, talk to your employer about the situation. It helps in building transparency between the employer and you. You can talk to them about if you can work remotely – most employers understand and allow you to do the same.
- Plan Your Appointments Properly
While you are working a full-time job, it is essential to understand that your appointments should be flexible. This means trying to get appointments on weekends or during non-peak work hours. This minimizes the work disruption while providing you plenty of time to rest after the appointments and be involved in the activities that bring you joy.
- Financial Planning
Fertility treatment can be expensive. Hence, you need to plan your finances accordingly. You can either open a new savings account – which is easier these days, and you do not have to make a run to the bank for each procedure. In addition, you can check out some of the insurance plans that offer fertility treatment coverage. Moreover, you can talk to your healthcare provider about paying in installments.
- Plan for Comfort
Ovarian hyperstimulation can be some fertility medication to cause your stomach to bloat in addition to abdominal tenderness. This means your business apparel won’t fit as it used to. So, say no to the tight-fitted pants and blouse and go for something flowy, loose, and comfortable.
- Be Kind to Yourself
Always remember to be kind to yourself – it is one of the most important things to do while going through the process. You must understand that it is okay to have a moment of vulnerability – you are managing work and the treatment process. It would be easier to just take a time out and do nothing or indulge yourself in a moment of happiness and joy.
- Stay Informed and Educated
You can better arrange your work responsibilities if you are aware of the specifics of your reproductive treatments. Attend workshops and instructional events to comprehend the procedure and any possible adverse effects – this helps you keep things planned and have a realistic outcome expectation. Don’t assume things – discuss any query or confusion with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
With the advancement in societal understanding, there is nothing a woman cannot do. Climbing the fertility treatment hill might seem edge or rough at times, but keeping a positive environment, a strong will, and being positive can help you in the long run.
Talk to someone if you feel so, take breaks if you want, and the most important thing is to take everything at ease in addition to staying away from things that stress you out. This is because the journey itself is too daunting, and taking extreme pressure or overthinking about the outcome might have an adverse effect on your fertility treatment.