Pregnancy is a time of hope, creation, new life, and shared joy, under normal circumstances. When it is not, because the pregnancy poses a great challenge or due to loss through miscarriage or stillbirth, it can be a very isolating experience. One who is experiencing pregnancy as a crisis, will often not share news of the pregnancy with many. And even those ecstatic to be pregnant, may not “announce” pregnancy until after the first trimester, out of fear of loss, and to avoid then having to share bad news.
This results in isolation, at a time when community can be a great support system. While it is a personal decision, I encourage sharing news of a pregnancy, rather than keeping private. Precisely because we have no assurances how long we will be entrusted with each life with which we are gifted, I see value in celebrating it from our first awareness of it, at least with those we are close to. We gain their support, and prayers, and surely if they are important in our lives, we would want them to know this child, even if their time in our care is brief.
Most of us are blessed to have support within our family and friends. I also have seen there be great solace in speaking to someone who has gone through something similar, sometimes even a stranger. Shared experience of loss, can make community out of strangers.
When I am out exhibiting at various venues, I am often privileged to engage in deep and personal conversations about the most intimate aspects of life, with those to whom I am a virtual stranger. In addition to sharing the good news of NFP, as we exhibit around the state, it is this opportunity to share in the journeys of those we encounter that make these outreaches so fulfilling, and important. Those conversations are sometimes the beginning of an ongoing relationship and conversation, other times they are an isolated, but treasured encounter.
We currently are living in times, where most of us are experiencing isolation, and more keenly aware of the importance of community in our lives.
Through CANFP, many of us have found community, sharing our journey using, teaching, or promoting NFP. This can be can be particularly important during this time of physical isolation, providing us with support and resources, as well as someone with whom to share the journey. Teachers and physicians and clergy are making themselves available remotely, to serve those needing information, support, and resources that may have previously been provided in person (see the professional directory at canfp.org). We have made our resources in our online store more accessible, by temporarily reducing prices on many, and instituting free shipping for minimum orders of $25. See the outside of this edition for the online address to view the amazing array of English and Spanish videos we have available for free. And while we are currently constrained from offering a physical presence through our exhibit and seminar outreaches, we continue to serve our community, with the resources on our websites, this quarterly CANFP NEWS and emails to our subscribers, and perhaps most importantly, a supportive ear on the other end of a phone call and email. If you are experiencing challenges navigating your fertility or cycles during this time, or helping others do so, or just craving community, no need to feel isolated or lack resources. Reach out. Your CANFP community is here, thanks to the donors and members whose support makes these CANFP services a reality.