Mother's Day can be a sensitive time of year for those facing fertility issues.
A Fertility Specialist's Perspective on the Meaning of Mother's Day
Sponsored by Fertility Specialists of Texas
Written by Dr. Rebecca Chilvers
As we approach this Mother's Day, we should reflect upon the sacrifices our own moms made in bringing us into the world and in raising us and appreciate the work that moms do on a daily basis to raise the next generation of people who will shape our world. As a new mother and as a physician at Fertility Specialists of Texas, I have a unique perspective on this occasion. First, I am reminded of the goal I have for my patients every day — to help them become mothers. In addition, I am aware of the angst many feel on this day who have been unable to conceive in the past. And last, the birth of my daughter this past year has given me firsthand knowledge of the joys (and challenges) of having a baby.
Daily, I am inspired by the women I meet in my medical practice who are striving to become mothers. These diligent and dedicated individuals sacrifice their time as well as their emotional and physical energy to improve their chances of pregnancy. From inseminations to in vitro fertilization, and all of the studies, medications, and visits often required, they are a testament to a mother's love for the child she has envisioned in her heart but is yet unseen. Providing medical care to these women is an honor and privilege to me. I, along with the staff at Fertility Specialists of Texas, have the opportunity to make the medical process less arduous and stressful and for it to instead, be as pleasant as possible with a calm environment and ready support.
For patients struggling with infertility, Mother's Day can be a reminder of what has not yet occurred, a goal that has not been reached. For those patients I would say take a few moments to pamper themselves around this time. Try to stay appreciative in terms of your own mother and the other women friends in your life and avoid giving way to any jealousy or bitterness by remembering your day to be a mother CAN come to pass. Realize there is hope, and see a fertility specialist if you have not yet seen one. Modern technology provides many avenues to motherhood; just some patient’s roads take more turns than others, as sometimes more complex solutions are necessary.
If you have completed your family but know others who are trying to conceive, be patient with them if they do not seem to be in a celebratory mood and be supportive of their feelings. Taking time to listen to what they are going through will make it easier to empathize. And at the right time do let them know solutions are out there now, as we at Fertility Specialists of Texas are here to help and are armed with the latest in medical advances to help each patient with a uniquely tailored treatment plan.
And finally, I have had my own transformative experience with the birth of my daughter this past year. Even though she is a great responsibility requiring sacrifices of my time and energy, she brings me great pleasure with her innocence, joy, and affection. My life will never be the same – she relies on me completely, affecting my perspectives and priorities. I now more fully understand the God-given love that a mother has for her child and the close bond that is stronger than I anticipated. I definitely believe the blessing is greater than the cost as a parent. Knowing what my daughter means to me, it is even more rewarding as a physician to help bring new life and love into patients' lives after coming along side them through the treatment process. I truly enjoy my job and am grateful I can share in the process of helping women expand their families.
If you or someone you know desires to conceive and needs assistance, please call and set up an appointment at one of our offices today. We have offices conveniently located in Grapevine, Frisco, and Dallas.
Recognized for pregnancy rates among the highest in the nation, the team at Fertility Specialists of Texas shares a passion for helping create families. Dr. Jerald Goldstein established the practice in 2005 with the goal of providing world-class treatments and highly individualized patient care. Dr. Dorette Noorhasan and Dr. Rebecca Chilvers, both fellowship trained in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, joined the team of specialists in 2012. The practice areas of expertise include in vitro fertilization, recurrent pregnancy loss, polycystic ovarian syndrome, donor egg, fertility preservation and male factor infertility issues.
The physicians at Fertility Specialists of Texas specialize in providing patient care utilizing state of the art technologies. The Grapevine office offers patients access to Fertilty Specialists of Texas world-class embryology lab and high pregnancy rates while providing care closer to home. Drs. Goldstein and Chilvers started seeing Southlake area patients at their new location in Grapevine in January 2013.