Secondary
Infertility

Family size is personal. Only you will know when your family is complete.  Having difficulties conceiving a second child can be a major shock to the ego, leading to feelings of grief, anger, shame or guilt. Women often report secrecy and isolation and no longer belonging to a peer group. Many feel misunderstood and express being viewed as ungrateful since they already have one child, causing them to withdraw from others as their feelings are often dismissed. Maternal identity concerns arise as women question who they are as a mother since having one child may not mean their family is complete.

The emotional toll of secondary infertility affects couple relationships and intimacy. This can be heightened when partners have different limits around when to stop trying, or different ideas about family building options or family size.

Experiencing secondary infertility may impact the relationship with your current child. Being present with your child can feel conflicting at times; you love your child and are thrilled to be a mom, but they can remind you of possibilities of siblings and adding to your family size. It can be helpful to consciously separate the two parts, and to schedule specific times to focus on fertility considerations when your child is not around.

Many complex issues come up during fertility treatment. Besides the physical and emotional toll of treatment on women, the child may notice if there are suddenly more doctor visits or medicines for mom. Special considerations arise when the decision is made to use assistance from third-party donors after having one biological child. Decisions around what and how to share with others, including the current child (depending on the child’s age), can increase stress.

Resolution takes time and involves grieving losses, and acceptance of the current family size or growing your family in a non-traditional way. It is essential to be able to move forward feeling grounded in your family identity, however that may evolve. Reading  current research on having an only child, or learning about other's experiences  with being a family of three, or building their family through donor egg, sperm or embryo may help with decision-making.

I was interviewed for a Huffington Post article on coping with secondary infertility. This beautiful piece brings awareness to this issue and discusses the emotional journey of secondary infertility. If you are experiencing secondary infertility, reach out for support. Find someone who can hold what you are going through and focus on your emotional health.

Resources

Books:

Making Meant to Be: One Woman's Journey with Secondary Infertility, (2012) Tracy McKay
Wanting Another Child: Coping with Secondary Infertility, (2007) Harriet Fishman Simons
More Love to Give, (2014) Helen Davies
One and Only, (2014) Lauren Sandler
Mixed Blessings: Building a Family with and without Donor Help, Donor Conception Network

Articles/blogs:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/secondary-infertility_n_4255273.html
https://www.thebump.com/a/secondary-infertility
http://www.scarymommy.com/secondary-infertility/