Thanks everyone who was brave enough to share their experiences here, I've been quite moved. I’m so sorry to those who have found themselves on maternity wards when losing babies or requiring gynae treatment, that just isn’t acceptable. I underwent pretty gruelling fertility treatment to have my son four years ago (problems with ovulation etc rightly highlighted on this thread) and will never cease to be humbled by the strength of the women and men who I met at the clinic and who were not as lucky as I eventually was.
I totally understand what people are saying about the pressure of other people’s expectations, I remember the people at the clinic talking of how hard it was to be asked 'when are you going to make us grandparents' etc, especially when you might not want to let people in on the fact you were undergoing fertility treatment, both to avoid a whole host of other questions, or to have to then deal with other people's disappoint when/if that treatment failed. Although as someone with a same-sex partner, I faced an opposite problem with many people stunned that I wanted to become a mother so badly. (It always surprises me that people see non-heterosexuality and baby hunger as mutually exclusive, I suppose it is a bit counter-intuitive, as the relationship you’re in isn’t going to produce a child naturally, but I’ve known I wanted to be a Mum longer than I’ve known about my sexuality - and that I’ve known about since I was five.) My desperation for my baby turned me into someone I didn’t recognise –bitter and jealous - and so I’m incredibly impressed with the generosity of spirit shown by those who have posted on this thread their good wishes to those who have managed to have the family that has eluded them. I’m in your awe, and really hope I would have been able to be as big-hearted if it hadn’t worked out for me.
My very best friend is facing the realisation that she’ll never become a mother at the moment. She is currently on to cat number two, they are her babies, and at times I think they cost her as much money and cause her about as much worry – as well as bringing her as much joy - as my son does for me
Whatever the case for Jill, I hope she’s happy with her life in this regard :nod:
Apols for long post, this stuff is just very close to my heart :blush:
i shouldnt have made stupid comments about feeling sick. i know baby/gynaecology stuff is a very emotive subject and not to be made fun of so i'm sorry if anyone was offended :O(
BurlZ as far as I’m concerned there was no need for this - your posts amused me no-end - but your apology was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a while, and much appreciated :star: