I’m starting an infertility support group here in southwest Virginia for those dealing with primary infertility.
I don’t know how I’m going to find the girls who need help and support, but I’m going to try. Even if the information about the group finds them, will they come? I know that this is a very private thing and that people may be scared to come and meet people face to face. I know it will seem scary, but I hope they will come. I find that so many women are isolated on their own little island of fear and shame and I really want to connect them to others who will really understand their struggle.
I know that, for me, finding and connecting with others has been crucial to my well-being in dealing with this life crisis. I can’t imagine doing it alone.
So, please help me out. If you know of anyone who might be interested in attending, please personally invite them by sharing this information with them.
DATE: Second Tuesday of every month (See group page here)
WHERE: South Country Library (6303 Merriman Rd., Roanoke) – Private Room near Mill Mountain Coffee inside library
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
If any of the following statements apply to you or someone you know, you may want to consider attending.
- I’m feeling lonely and isolated.
- I have very few people to talk with about infertility. No one understands.
- Everyone I know is pregnant or has children.
- Infertility is affecting my work and career.
- I feel that my life plan is out of control.
- I’m having trouble navigating through medical treatment options.
- Holidays and coping with family and friends are becoming more difficult.
There’s no agenda. You don’t have to talk. The group is to help you feel less isolated, empower you with knowledge and validate your emotional response to the life crisis of infertility.
16 Comments
Wish I was in SW Virginia! 🙁 I would love to attend a group like this. Sharing on FB.
I wish you were here, too!
I’m in the process of moving to Roanoke from Richmond the first week of November, and this is exactly what I was Googling around for. I don’t know what my hours at my new job will be, but I hope I’m able to attend.
Hayley, I hope you can come. I would love to meet you.
Have you thought about putting up a flyer in Dr Slackman’s office?
Yep, I’m definitely doing that, but haven’t made it there yet. Thanks!
Yes, I am planning to do that, but just haven’t gotten there yet. 🙂
Also, the New River Current (Roanoke Times) runs a listing of support groups occasionally.
Good idea! Thanks!
I would love to attend (I need this!) but I live in Bristol, VA. I’m over 2 hours away. 🙁
I’m sorry, Rachelle. I wish you were closer. Feel free to contact me any time if you just need someone to chat with.
I am going to have to attend…I live in Roanoke. Last feb 2012 I realized that we have an issue when we went to see dr. Slackman. Haven’t been the same since…it will be 4 years this year on even trying….I feel left in the dust and Facebook makes me so mad with people.
Does anyone know of a support group near Chesapeake VA? My sister and her husband live in VA and she moved from OH to there a few years ago and doesn’t have a lot of family around and her friends aren’t very understanding or supportive of her during her struggles with infertility. I am looking to find her some sort of support group, or even just someone she can email and share ideas, struggles, etc. with. I try to be supportive as I can but it is hard with me being so far away. She is getting so depressed not having anyone who understands and can’t afford all the tests and treatments her doctor suggests. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated!!
How sweet of you to be looking out for your sister. There is one in VA Beach. Here is the info:
Virginia Beach, VA General Infertility Peer-led Support Group
Hosts: Jennifer Redden and Barbie Summers
Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM.
Please contact Jennifer at completejenn@yahoo.com or Barbie at barbie@thesummershome.com before attending your first meeting to get location information.
Are there any support groups you know of for secondary infertility?
Not that I know of. But, you can check RESOLVE’s website also.