Fertility, Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD Fertility, Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD

Supporting Loved Ones Through Father’s Day When They Want But Don’t Have Children Yet

Father’s Day like many holidays can be a stinging reminder of what some people desire most but do not have yet. Whether it’s years of infertility, a recent miscarriage, a failed adoption attempt – any holiday celebrating family can make those that want it most feel down. Learn how you can help.

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Fertility, Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD Fertility, Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD

Supporting Loved Ones with Infertility on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the mothers but this holiday can be a painful trigger for many struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. The get togethers, cards, flowers, social media posts can be reminders of what they have lost or desire to be. If you know someone grieving this Mother’s Day, keep reading to learn how you can support your loved ones.

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Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD

Thanksgiving Infertility Survival Tips: How to Cope in 2020

Thanksgiving can be a joyful time for gathering with family and friends, but it can be full of triggers when you’re dealing with infertility and miscarriage. Thanksgiving in the midst of a 2020 global pandemic will definitely be different but connecting with family and friends either in small in person gatherings or over phone, FaceTime, or a Zoom-enabled dinner can still provide the stinging reminder of the frustrations of family building. Keep reading to learn coping skills for navigating the minefield of questions and suggestions that come with all the holidays.

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Miscarriage, Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD Miscarriage, Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD

Holiday Survival Guide with Infertility and Miscarriage

Holidays are tough when you do not have the family of your dreams yet. If you or someone you love is struggling with infertility or miscarriage this holiday season, this post is for you. Read here about tips and reassuring suggestions for navigating the holidays while you are trying to conceive.

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Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD Fertility, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD

Does Stress Cause Infertility? Answers From A Fertility Specialist

As a fertility specialist, one of the most common questions I get from my patients every day is "Does stress cause infertility?" Some studies suggest a mind/body connection between stress and health issues and infertility is one of the most stressful challenges someone can face. What does the evidence show? How do I answer this question?

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Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD

Reproduction Is NOT Small Talk: Think Before You Ask

Why are people’s reproductive choices or family situations considered open game for small talk? As a fertility doctor, patients talk to me about this all the time: While they are struggling to complete their family with fertility treatments, they are bombarded with questions from family, friends, and even strangers about their reproductive plans and choices. As a woman, I have been asked inappropriate questions from well-meaning strangers (assume best intentions!) ― but enough!

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Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD Emotional Wellness, Miscarriage Lora Shahine, MD

Not Broken: The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Dealing with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss have been compared to dealing with chronic disease and even cancer. Similar feelings of frustration, isolation, and questions like ‘Why me?’ surround these conditions, but the reactions from friends and the support provided can be different. As a society, we know what to do when someone gets cancer – we have meals to organize and flowers to send – but people suffering with recurrent pregnancy loss often suffer in silence. Most miscarriages are in the first trimester, before people are physically showing pregnancy and before they announce it publicly.

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Miscarriage, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD Miscarriage, Emotional Wellness Lora Shahine, MD

5 Ways to Support a Friend After Miscarriage

As a recurrent pregnancy loss specialist, part of my job is to talk with my patients about their emotional as well as their physical well-being. Having a miscarriage can be an isolating and devastating experience, and when many of my patients come in, they are in the middle of grieving a recent loss. They describe the strain this can place on relationships with friends and family—people can unintentionally be hurtful when trying to be supportive. Many of my patients start to feel isolated from their family and friends, which is unfortunate, because going through a miscarriage is one of those times when people need support more than ever.

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