crowne-pointeWhen I learnt that I had fertility problems I was devastated. Now, I have learnt several things that have helped me to deal with this problem. Inshaa’ Allah (Allah willing), by sharing some of the things that have helped me, you too will find something that will work for you in coping with this fact of life.

Education

One of the most important things that I have found that worked for me is learning about my condition, as well as my options. This started with reading a lot and visiting the library often. There are many books on infertility in general as well as one that maybe more in line with your condition. Search the web, it is a great source of information that will make you better informed to your treatment options, your condition, as well as what to expect.

Networking

Even if it may seem that the last thing you want to do is talk to other people about your problems. It helps to communicate with other women who may be going through the same issues as you are. While the Muslim community in general lacks any formal groups, we can take it upon ourselves to find other Muslim women that are in the same situation as we are in. We can also find non-Muslim women who are dealing with fertility issues like we are, while many times the "spiritual" communication is not there, networking with non-Muslim women can lead you to information that you didn't know of. The best doctors, where to get your subscription filled cheaper, more group sessions, books to buy that will be of help and many other positive aspects of such networking, not to mention the opportunity for Da’wah (calling people to Islaam)!

Talk to Your Spouse

While this may appear as being "common-sense" sometimes it is not easy to open up to your spouse and tell them how you are really feeling. We may have the tendency to keep everything inside, and want to deal with the problem on our own...perhaps not wanting to burden your spouse. However this can be very harmful for our health and our relationships in the long run. Infertility has many emotional side effects, we go through bouts of depression, feeling of helplessness, blaming ourselves etc, etc. Opening up to our partners will help us realize that we are not in it alone, and that he maybe feeling the same things that we are.

As Allah (the Mighty) says, "garments for each other" this means we are to find protection, comfort, warmth, and security with each other. We must keep this in mind while we do battle with infertility.

Don't Blame Yourself

While this may appear easier said than done, it is a very important issue. Self blame is not uncommon, and something that most couples facing infertility go through. We must come to terms that this is all Qadr (the decree) of Allaah, and while we may not understand the reasons behind it all, this is a test, and after hardships comes ease. Although not everyone will be blessed with children, we as Muslims must learn to come to terms with what Allah has decreed for us -vs.- what we want for ourselves.

Learning to Say No to Baby Related Events

We may feel obligated to go to our friends baby shower, or walk down the baby isle of a store, to goo and ahh over the little newborn clothes. This may not be the best things for us to do at this time. We have to learn that saying no to social events is not always wrong, depending on how you feel. If you notice that you have hard feelings when going to a baby shower then do not go. If you notice going towards a section of a store brings you to tears and bouts of sadness in the baby section, stay clear of that part of the store or ask your spouse to get what you need.

It is important to consistently ask for strength from Allah (the Mighty and Glorious) in order to face these times. We must learn that there are times when we are not strong enough and in order to protect ourselves during this time, it is o.k. to avoid such places.

Redirecting Frustrations

We are human and there will be days that we want to totally vent all of our feelings. This is not a bad thing; however, we should be careful of how we release these frustrations. While some of us may be talkers, easy to get it all out, some of us tend to be more physical. Perhaps a good work out will help, hitting the pillow a few dozen times, or using things such as a darn-it doll. Whatever works for you, do it, as long as it does not hurt others and isn't harmful to your own soul.

Prayer

AND LOTS OF IT!! This is the most important point. As believers we must learn to rely on Allah to support us, guide us, and help us through the hard times. Make Wudhoo’ and pray two units of prayer, glorify Allah (the All-Hearing) through these hard times. Submit yourself to him through these tests and pray that Allah (ta'aalaa) gives you what is best for you.

And remember my dear Sister, nothing happens but by Allah's (the All-Mighty) will.