I am a great believer that challenges like infertility can provide enormous opportunities for growth. I have been fortunate enough to witness miracles among my clients who have chosen to transform themselves and their lives as a result of this crisis.

But what do you do when you get an “infertility” diagnosis? How do you move forward from there? In my newest Emotionally Speaking column in Conceive Magazine, “Dealing with the Diagnosis“, I outline some basic steps. Here are a few:

Take a Breath:

With so many treatment options available, you may be tempted to just jump into something to “fix” the problem and make it go away. Don’t! Listen to what your doctor has to say, talk to your husband, but don’t commit to anything right away. Take some space to come to terms with your diagnosis. Let yourself cry, be angry, write in your journal, slam a tennis ball, talk to a trusted friend. For a little while at least, just let yourself be.

Understand Your Connection:
Whenever you feel isolated, remember you are not alone. Infertility affects millions of women world wide, all sharing the pain of this diagnosis.

Break the Guilt/Blame Cycle:

Imagine feeling responsible and guilty for something over which you have no control. Yet, women struggling with infertility do this time and again. But in the same way you would not judge or blame another women for this struggle, it’s important not to blame yourself.

Pay attention to your thinking, and the next time your find yourself putting yourself down, stop! and remind yourself, “I’m doing the best I can.” Remember: you did not cause infertility to happen to you.

To read the complete article, visit your local bookstore for the Summer issue of Conceive Magazine, or go to www.conceivemagazine.com to buy your own subscription.

And to read in-depth answers and solutions, look for I Am More Than My Infertility © 2007 Seeds of Growth, online and in bookstores.