Here Ms. Shields shares her personal struggle with infertility, including advice for others who may find themselves in a similar situation.
Q: What has your experience been with facing infertility and trying to get pregnant?
SHIELDS: When my husband and I decided to start a family, we never imagined we would have to go through any of this. The idea that I would have any sort of problem getting pregnant was a shock-I just assumed everything would go as planned.
Q: How many years did you try to conceive?
SHIELDS: Prior to starting the fertility treatments, there was about a year and a half where we tried on our own. When I finally recognized there was a problem, it took about two years of fertility treatments to have a successful pregnancy.
Q: Where would you recommend that a woman go for help and support?
SHIELDS: It's important for women not to wait too long before talking to their doctor, and it's always good for women to reach out to those closest to them. In addition, Fertility LifeLines (1-866-LETS-TRY) is a great free resource that can help women understand their options for having a family. It can also help women find a fertility specialist near them.
Q: How can Fertility LifeLines help a caller?
SHIELDS: Fertility LifeLines offers access to both information and support. I definitely needed support, but I also needed practical information from someone that had gone through infertility or had helped others through the journey.
Q: What advice would you give to a woman who's having trouble getting pregnant right now?
SHIELDS: Don't wait another minute! Get information, get educated, and take action! Talk to your doctor, call Fertility LifeLines and find out the best way to start the process based on your situation.
Fertility LifeLines is a free and confidential educational service offering information and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff including fertility nurses are on call to help answer questions and provide emotional support through compassionate listening.
