Letting Go of Perfect: The Impact of Infertility on Pregnancy and Postpartum

If you have ever tried to get pregnant, you have likely been inundated with advice from friends, family, and (unfortunately) the internet. If this process took longer than you expected, you have likely been given specific advice to help increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You cut out gluten, alcohol, or caffeine while trying to conceive. You were instructed to relax, go on vacation, or try holding your legs up the wall. You definitely were told that it will happen when you stop thinking about it.

While navigating the uncertain world of infertility, this advice can become overwhelming. There is an expectation that you need to be perfect in order to conceive. You cannot waver in the recommended lifestyle changes, as doing so will hinder your (potentially already small) chances of conceiving. Anecdotes from those with success can become well-intentioned superstitions or misleading directives. There seems to be a line between enjoying a good luck McDonald’s french fry or bowl of pineapple and feeling all-consumed by the need to be perfect.

Read more at Postpartum Support International