Struggling with infertility is one of the hardest experiences many women face–because it illustrates how we are not always in control of our bodies, despite what we want or how hard we work to achieve our dreams and goals. Macy Rodeffer understands this too well, which is why she decided to announce her pregnancy with a photo that pays homage to her long journey with IVF.
The expectant mom recently posted an Instagram photo of her IVF medication in a heart shape around her ultrasound photo with a onesie that says, “Worth the Wait and Wait and Wait.” She explains why she chose to do this, stating in The Huffington Post:
“I knew that my announcement would hurt women still waiting for their baby, because I’ve been there before myself. It was important to me that my announcement not only convey my joy, but also share my struggle and encourage women not to give up.
While I don’t expect everyone to share their infertility struggle (as it’s a deeply private thing), I felt passionate about being an advocate for women with infertility and pregnancy loss.”
Rodeffer and her husband Tyler spent four years trying to become pregnant–during that time, they experienced three miscarriages, a diagnosis of male factor infertility, and severe endometriosis. She also had to have surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. She’s definitely endured a lot, to say the least.
After a IVF cycle this past January, Rodeffer learned she was pregnant with a boy due in October. For her, her pregnancy announcement is not just a “I FINALLY GOT THIS” moment, but a way to inspire hope in others, while also raising awareness about how much infertility can hurt:
“It is my hope that men and women find encouragement to never give up on their dreams. There are those who do understand exactly what they are going through. And we’re here to support them through their journey. To rejoice with them when it’s successful, and cry with them when it’s not.To give those who haven’t struggled a glimpse into what it takes just to have hope again, and to encourage them to ask questions about how it works and what it’s like to go through.”
Inspiring hope in others is one of the most selfless things we can do–and also one of the most necessary, because every day, we may be feel a bit discouraged, but positive change can and does come.
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