Before we get started today, I want to send a big thank you to Jessi over at Life Abundant Blog for having me guest post during this year’s National Infertility Awareness Week. I’m always so thankful that I can share my crazy story with other women so that they know they are not alone. And, that we can heal together through hope, humor, and faith! Click here to read my post discussing the my life lessons from my journey with infertility and miscarriages! Thanks Jessi!

And, if you are new to Lunchbox Babies, click here to read more about my story. Or, you can click here to listen to my story on the Don’t Mom Alone podcast!

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This year, National Infertility Awareness Week is from April 21st – 29th.
So, happy NIAW!!!

The goal of this week is raise awareness about infertility, to help couples with infertility deal with their situation, and to encourage lawmakers to fight for infertility insurance coverage.

GOAL #1: RAISE AWARENESS

Infertility is often misunderstood. I have been chatting with some women of the Lunchbox Babies community as I prepared posts for this week, and that is the overwhelming response . . . People don’t get it! If you are not walking the road of infertility, then it is very hard to understand! The goal of NIAW, and of this little blog, is to make infertility an issue that people aren’t ashamed to talk about. Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. I guarantee that you ARE someone, or you KNOW someone that has experience with infertility

GOAL #2: ENCOURAGE THOSE DEALING WITH INFERTILITY

Infertility is lonely. Walking this road is like being a part of a sorority that you never wanted to join. National Infertility Awareness Week encourages those couples dealing with infertility to share their stories with friends and family. To open up their hearts and let people in on their journey.

GOAL #3: FIGHT FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE

I have experienced both sides of the insurance issue. When trying to have Harlan, my amazing and LARGE consulting firm offered infertility insurance. I always say that in the year long process of trying to have Harlan, we spent about $50 out of pocket. Not much of an exaggeration!

Now, trying for a couple of years to have Jackson, well . . . I will have to be excused to go be sick if I think about how much we spent. I left my job to be a full time mom to Harlan, and that amazing insurance went away. And, newsflash . . . Infertility treatments are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!

Infertility insurance is only available in 15 states! Increasing the availability of this coverage would be such a blessing to those struggling to start a family. Encourage your lawmakers on this subject!

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During this National Infertility Awareness Week, SHARE your stories. I promise, your story will inspire others. I will start . . .

I have been an Infertility Warrior. I was the 1 in 8.
Tell me your story, and let me pray for you.

Okay . . . your turn! 😉

If you are new to Lunchbox Babies, or if you are new to your walk with infertility, please let me know. I would love to point you in the right direction of resources, support groups, and financial assistance that could help you along your dream to grow your family! XO