Being unable to conceive a child you want is a devastating emotional experience. We all grow up assuming that, when the time is right, we will be able to have the children we want. When that doesn’t happen, it can feel like the bottom has dropped out of your life.

In fact, studies have shown that the effects of prolonged infertility are comparable to the levels of stress experienced by terminally ill patients.

Unfortunately, high levels of stress, anxiety and depression have also been shown to be linked to lowered fertility rates. Mind/Body techniques—which I have been practicing and teaching for many years—can help. These techniques include meditation, yoga, and cognitive re-structuring (which involves identifying and changing negative self-talk).

The advances in the field of reproductive medicine over the past several decades have been truly mind-boggling. New options—such as pre-genetic testing (PGD) of fertilized embryos– are being made available at an amazing pace. The good news is that you can choose to use such methods of conception such as Donor Insemination, IVF with Donor Egg or
Donor Egg with a gestational carrier to have a child. The bad news is that these alternative methods of reproduction are often quite costly, they don’t always work, and there are long term emotional consequences of using these methods for you, your partner, and your children.

Deciding how to proceed, especially if you and your partner disagree, is far from or a member of a gay or lesbian couple,you may be worried about how using a donor will impact your child It can be helpful to talk to someone who knows exactly what you are talking about, and help you make the best decision for your circumstances.

Sometimes that decision involves moving away from high tech reproductive procedures and pursuing adoption. Sometimes it involves embracing life without children.I work with both individuals and couples to help you find the path that is best for you.