Tough Talk: Living Without Children After Infertility
Infertile folk will never quite measure up on the yardstick of life used by "fertile" folk — what with such things as pregnancies, baby firsts, kid kibbitzing, and parental back slaps among the many markings. So what's an infertile to do? Get a new measurement system! Get comfy. Grab a cup of coffee or better yet, a glass of wine — chances are pretty good if you're reading my blog you won't be supervising homework tonight! Addressed in the hour-long segment: When should you stop infertility treatment. At what point do you decide to simply stop trying for the miracle? What are the life long ramifications with making the decision to live childfree?
Joining me on the show, hosted by Dawn Davenport of Creating a Family.org, was Stephanie Baffone, a therapist who made the decision to live child free after years in infertility treatment and has counseled with many others facing this decision.
Posted by Pamela Tsigdinos at 10/7/2009 12:30 PM 
Categories: Signs of Progress,Reconciling My Fate
Tags: childfree involuntarily childless
Categories: Signs of Progress,Reconciling My Fate
Tags: childfree involuntarily childless
This was brilliant, Pamela -- you & Stephanie covered so much territory & made such excellent points. Bravo! And thanks to Dawn for having you on her show!
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Thanks so much for this. I just listened to the full interview while cooking alone in my kitchen and felt like I was spending the time with a few people who understood.
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Bravo indeed.
Once again you are making this world a little more understanding for those who are walking the road behind you. I can't say thank you enough. I might send the link to some family members.
And nice to hear the sound of your voice.
B
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This was lovely!
wishtobeamommy.com
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Pamela -- I listened to this last night and will listen to it again. It's a wonderful, intelligent interview all around, and it should be used as a sort of "audition piece" -- so we can get this discussion on NPR, the Today Show etc.
With someone asking intelligent questions for once, you proved that you can carry a clear yet nuanced discussion for a full hour. I hope this is a springboard to getting our situation across to the wider world.
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Am bookmarking this so I can listen in the morning.
Can't wait to hear your voice again!
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Just finished listening to it. Well done to both you and Stephanie.
Like Christina said, I can easily see you on programs with bigger and bigger audiences. You are so well-spoken.
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PJ:
Finally got some peace and quiet to listen to the radio segment. (I listened to the lifebook one and yours) Very well done!
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Thanks for the suggestions
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Nice interview - just listened. One thing got me toward the end - the bit where doctors say people don't want to hear that treatment doesn't work for everyone. I have to say, I wasn't that patient at all, and I had to argue hard through many consults to get the "straight talk". It doesn't have to be pessimistic - it's very possible to give an optimistic impression (as applicable) without promising the impossible. I believe there are doctors out there who have mastered it... but the trick needs to be more widely learned.
But overall, great interview.
Bea
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