Mental Wellness & Family Building FAQ

Family building is an emotional and physical journey, filled with ups and downs that can impact your mental health. At Boston IVF, we understand the unique challenges that come with fertility treatments. Our dedicated team at the Boston IVF Wellness Center in Waltham, MA offers a comprehensive approach to support mental well-being during this time. Here, our social workers, Dylan Everett, LICSW, and Stephanie Rodrigues, LICSW, answer some of the most frequently asked questions about managing mental health while undergoing fertility treatment.

1. Why is mental health support important during fertility treatments?
Fertility treatments can be an inherently stressful process that affects multiple areas of life—emotionally, physically, and financially. Mental health support is crucial because it helps individuals and couples navigate complex emotions like grief, loss, anxiety, and depression that can arise. For those who may already have a history of mental health challenges, the stress of treatments can exacerbate symptoms, making it even more important to seek support.

2. What types of mental health services does Boston IVF offer?
The Boston IVF Wellness Center provides a range of mental health support services, including:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed social workers who specialize in fertility-related stressors.
• Couples Therapy: Support for partners navigating fertility treatments together, focusing on communication, coping strategies, and strengthening relationships.
• Complementary Services: Such as acupuncture and nutrition counseling, available to support overall wellness during treatments.

Our social workers are trained in understanding the medical and emotional aspects of fertility care, making them uniquely positioned to provide holistic support.

3. How does Boston IVF’s counseling differ from traditional therapy?
Our team specializes in the unique stressors and challenges of the fertility journey. We understand the medical language, protocols, and complexities of IVF and other reproductive technologies, eliminating the need for patients to explain or educate their therapist about the process. This allows us to focus more on emotional processing and tailored coping strategies specific to the fertility experience.

4. How do I talk to family and friends about undergoing fertility treatments?
It’s important to identify your “safe people” and share information with those who support you the most. Establish boundaries about what you feel comfortable sharing and when. It's okay to let people know that you're not ready to answer certain questions or provide updates. Use phrases like:

• “I appreciate your concern, but I’d prefer to share updates when I’m ready.”
• “We’re taking it one step at a time and will keep you posted when we have more to share.”

If you encounter pushback or unwanted advice, it’s okay to assertively but kindly explain that you’re managing things in a way that feels right for you and ask for their understanding.

5. How can I manage the stress and anxiety associated with IVF?
Healthy coping strategies include:

• Positive Distractions: Engage in hobbies, social activities, or exercise to keep your mind occupied.
• Support Systems: Lean on friends, family, or a professional therapist.
• Mindfulness Practices: Consider relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Limit Social Media Exposure: Social media can often be filled with pregnancy announcements or family photos that can be triggering. Take breaks as needed.

6. How do I handle setbacks, such as a failed IVF cycle?
It’s normal to experience grief and loss after a failed cycle. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions. Consider taking a short break between cycles to process your feelings, and reach out to your support network. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve—what matters is finding ways to honor your emotions and care for yourself during this time.

7. What if I feel overwhelmed by the constant medical appointments and treatments?
Fertility treatments can feel all-consuming. To prevent burnout:

• Create a schedule: Incorporate time for self-care, such as a walk, a favorite hobby, or spending time with loved ones.
• Set Boundaries: Choose specific times to talk or think about fertility-related issues and limit discussions outside of those times.
• Take Breaks: It’s okay to pause and take a break from treatment if it feels right for you. This can help you regain emotional and physical balance before continuing.

8. How do I maintain my relationship with my partner during treatments?
Open communication is key. Share your feelings and listen to your partner’s perspectives. Consider seeing a therapist together to discuss how fertility treatments are impacting your relationship. Schedule “non-fertility” time where you engage in activities that don’t involve talking about treatments, like date nights or weekend getaways.

9. How do I cope with seeing friends and family getting pregnant while I’m still trying?
This can be one of the most difficult aspects of the fertility journey. It’s okay to set boundaries and limit your exposure to certain events or conversations. Be honest with yourself and others about what you can handle. Consider unfollowing or muting social media accounts temporarily if it helps protect your mental space.

If you’re comfortable, it might also help to let close friends or family know how to share their news with you—maybe via text or a private message rather than in a group setting.

10. What are the next steps to accessing mental health support at Boston IVF?
At Boston IVF, we are committed to providing a comprehensive support system throughout your family-building journey. Massachusetts-based patients can schedule individual sessions with our Wellness Center team to explore coping strategies tailored to your needs. Patients receiving care at Boston IVF centers outside of Massachusetts are encouraged to speak with their care team to receive more information about local and national fertility wellness resources. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, our team is here to listen, offer guidance, and help you develop a plan to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Your family-building journey is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way.