The decision to start a family can be both a very personal and a very public one. On the one hand, couples who are trying to get pregnant can get weary with the constant questions of “are you pregnant yet?” But on the other hand, many couples are overjoyed to share an image on Facebook or Instagram of baby shoes or a sonogram.
For couples who are looking to assisted reproductive technology to achieve the dream of the pitter patter of little feet, the decision on what to share and when can be even more challenging. Especially with people who will, for better or worse, share their opinions about your very personal decision.
Why share
This can be a very difficult first question to answer. And if your fertility journey includes a partner, that should be the first person you consult with on how much you both want to share on social media.
Before that first Instagram goes out, think about why you want to share this part of your journey. The answer may be to simply communicate your current life events with friends and family. And that’s a wonderful reason. But consider also the possibility of friends and family who might not be as supportive as you hope. Are you prepared to face their criticism? Or would you rather protect the moment?
When to share
Some people will choose to start from the beginning and share the whole journey of looking at reproductive options all the way to labor and delivery. Others will want to wait to make sure the next news isn’t bad news.
When you’re deciding where to start sharing your fertility journey, think about the kind of support your family and friends will offer you if things don’t work out. While some have found great comfort in sharing their journey, others have not. Know your network and use that as a guide for when you share that first bit of news.
A personal journey
At the end of the day, this is a very personal journey with a lot of ups and downs. Depending on your network, you could potentially find great joy and encouragement in sharing your news on social media. Sharing your story should be an intentional decision that maximizes the support you feel from your loved ones.