Infertility's Common Thread

Please notice the addition to the right sidebar of my blog.

The Infertility's Common Thread is a piece of pomegranate colored thread that women can wear on their right wrist during and after a battle with infertility as a silent sign of support to others who are struggling. It has always been really important to me to never forget the pains that have come with this struggle. (Of course, that was easier to say when i thought the struggle was over two years ago.) As I have explained before, infertility is by its very nature lonely, sad, confusing and painful, and I have brainstormed for months a way to feel more connected to people who understand. Anyway, I found Infertility's Common Thread, and I intend to be a big supporter. It was started on one woman's blog at http://stirrup-queens.blogspot.com/2006/09/history-of-infertilitys-common-thread.html

This is the mission statement:

Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.

In addition, the seeds represent the multitude of ways one can build their family: natural conception, treatments, adoption, third-party reproduction, or even choosing to live child-free.

The pomegranate thread holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware.

Join us in starting this conversation about infertility by purchasing this pomegranate-coloured thread (#814 by DMC) at any craft, knitting, or variety store such as Walmart or Target. Tie it on your right wrist. Notice it on others.