My husband, Colby, and I received our infertility diagnosis 6 years ago, in April of 2012. As most couples who have been diagnosed with infertility would understand and agree, we were completely caught off guard. You get married and you have kids, right? Well for 1 in 8 couples this is not the case and we happen to fall into that statistic. This diagnosis came quickly and although we were so thankful to find out what we were up against sooner, rather than later, it was still devastating. What we thought was just routine tests before we started our family, turned out to be much different as we were diagnosed with both female and male fertility.
What we found out in those first few months of trying to start our family was that I had lots of irregular hormones and a tumor on my pituitary gland and Colby was diagnosed with azoospermia, which is the fancy word for no sperm. Despite the diagnosis given, our journey has been different from many in that we have decided not to pursue medical intervention, but take a more natural route. Even though doctors told us the only chance we have to get pregnant is by in vitro fertilization, we are still on the path for believing for a supernatural miracle. We have received a lot of push back for this decision, but are thankful for the peace and freedom along the way. We have used our time of waiting to focus on our marriage and enjoy the things we love to do, like travel all over the world, spend time with our nieces and nephews and compete in triathlons and 5K's. Even though infertility brings many apart, for us and our journey, it has brought us closer together. We decided from the beginning that it was no ones fault; not my husbands and not mine, but that we are in this together. We are very open with each other about our journey and we agree that there is no one to blame. We truly view our wait as a learning experience and we are grateful for everything we have learned along the way.
In addition to the blessings that have come from our wait in our marriage, there have been so many other blessings as well. A year into our diagnosis I started a support group for women desiring to be mothers called Moms in the Making. It's been such an honor to serve and celebrate others as we wait for our own miracle. I'm so thankful to connect with women from all over the world through the online community, in-person support groups, an annual conference and a virtual group.
I want to encourage you that no matter what route you choose, whether it's to pursue medical intervention or to choose a more natural route, make sure to keep your marriage a priority. Advocate for you and your husband and do what is best for the two of you, not what is best for the doctors or those around you. I also encourage you to share your story or find an online or local support group. Whatever your story looks like or how long you have been waiting, know that there is every reason to have hope! Know that you are not alone! Know that there are other couples all over the world who understand the struggle and who are willing to join you in cheering you along in the pain.
Caroline Harries has a heart for those who are waiting on breakthrough from the Lord. Her unwavering faith is evident as she believes for her own miracle of children. She delights in encouraging women through her internationally followed blog and book, In Due Time, as well as her ministry to those desiring to become mothers, Moms in the Making. Caroline loves traveling the world with her husband and stays active by competing in triathlons. She holds a degree in finance and marketing from Baylor University in Texas, where she and her husband live. {Let's Connect} Facebook • Instagram • Bloglovin • Pinterest •Google + • Twitter
Caroline Harries has a heart for those who are waiting on breakthrough from the Lord. Her unwavering faith is evident as she believes for her own miracle of children. She delights in encouraging women through her internationally followed blog and book, In Due Time, as well as her ministry to those desiring to become mothers, Moms in the Making. Caroline loves traveling the world with her husband and stays active by competing in triathlons. She holds a degree in finance and marketing from Baylor University in Texas, where she and her husband live. {Let's Connect} Facebook • Instagram • Bloglovin • Pinterest •Google + • Twitter