Supporting Sister – Going through IVF

Hey everyone. I was not sure where to post. I have 2 kids but my sister has been trying for 3 years now. She is about to go through IVF. I was wondering if people had any advice on how I can give her support. I want to be there for her but don’t want any strange feelings as I have had kids and she has been trying so hard. We have never had any problems in the past but I want to be extra sensitive as this is really the biggest step she has taken in her fertility journey. Thanks for listening. Jen ‹ IVF – Nervous about the shots Confused! Pregnancy with IVF after two tube removal? ›

Submitted by Wan2BAHPYParent on Sun, 09/21/2008 – 01:39.

I am sure your sister will not hold it against you that you have kids, but rather will lover your support and help.

Submitted by EliezerBenDovid on Mon, 09/22/2008 – 00:32.

I know it was a big help having my family around when my wife was going through the same procedure and this was the despite the fact they have 9 kids. —

Submitted by birdie on Fri, 10/03/2008 – 14:30.

Hello Jen, I think it is really great that you are reaching out before hand to make sure that you do the right thing because as so many of us know it is very difficult when you are trying to conceive and are unsuccessful. Your support and love will be so great and your sister is so lucky to have you in her life. Take care. –Birdie —

Supporting Sister – going through IVF

Submitted by JennLB125 on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 10:35.

Hello Jen. My name is Jen as well. I am 34. I have been TTC (trying to conceive) for 11 years. However, my little sister (who is 30), just had a baby 5 months ago. Being on the other side of things. I know what your sister is going through as me and my husband are trying IVF as we speak. I was devastated when I first heard that my little sis was PG. But once I got past my “emotional baggage” I was able to be supportive of her and even be happy for her. The best thing you can do is let her know that you are there for her to vent to, have a shoulder to cry on (there’s a lot of crying), and to just plain be there to LISTEN. You don’t always have to have something to say. Sometimes we just need someone to listen as we vent, cry, rant, rave, etc. Here’s a video to help families and friends of people having trouble TTC, it kind of helps you know how your sister is feeling at the moment. http://www.tearsandhope.com/emptyarms_video.html Hope this helps. —

 Submitted by jensays on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 12:50.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I really love her so much and want to make sure I do everything I can to be there but not overstep my bounds. Jen, Thanks for sharing the video as well. It really put me were they are. I know I will never know how difficult things are for my sister but i will always be there by her side no matter what and at any time. –Jen

Submitted by Wan2BAHPYParent on Sun, 10/12/2008 – 12:23.

Now I know you’ll do a great job!

Submitted by SusieM on Sun, 10/26/2008 – 00:15.

I am sure your sister will be grateful for your support. I know I would be.