| There is plenty of evidence out there that | | | | use a combination of these techniques. This |
| infertility groups can help relieve some of the | | | | advertisement doesn't need to include days, |
| stress associated with dealing with infertility, | | | | times, and exact purposes, but it should let people |
| which, in turn, can help couples restore their | | | | know that you are interested in creating a |
| fertility. If you are interested in being part of a | | | | support group for individuals and couples struggling |
| group like this but can't find one in your area, it's | | | | with infertility, and it should include several ways |
| time to take the initiative and start your own. | | | | to contact you. |
| This isn't as intimidating as it sounds, and with a | | | | Gather information |
| few simple steps you will find yourself giving and | | | | As people begin to contact you about the group, |
| receiving support in a group of like-minded | | | | start writing down information. You'll need their |
| individuals and couples. | | | | basic contact details, but you may also want to |
| Get the word out | | | | dig a little deeper. Ask why they are interested in |
| You may already have some idea of what type | | | | the group, and find out what days and times |
| of support group you would like to form, but | | | | work best for them. As more people contact you |
| keep your mind open. There are many different | | | | - which they certainly will if you get the word out |
| ways the group can be structured. Some infertility | | | | - you'll be able to form a picture of what the |
| support groups focus mainly on conversation and | | | | group might look like and when it might meet. |
| expressing emotions. Other groups may include | | | | Set a date and some goals |
| activities as part of their format such as the | | | | Realize that you probably won't be able to find a |
| practice of stress-relief techniques like yoga and | | | | time and date on which everyone who called you |
| meditation in a comfortable setting. One group | | | | can meet, but try to schedule something that will |
| created by two Vanderbilt Medical Center nurses | | | | work for most people. Be sure to contact |
| combines all of these options into one | | | | everyone who called a week or so before that |
| twelve-week group. Their support groups practice | | | | date so that they can get it onto their calendars. |
| yoga, learn relaxation and visualization techniques, | | | | It is up to you to decide if you would rather have |
| and support members through conversation and | | | | the meetings in someone's home or choose a |
| lectures. | | | | neutral location like a library, a church meeting |
| If you have a strong preference and a person | | | | room or a coffee shop. |
| who will be leading the group, you may wish to | | | | Keep it going |
| set up the group with the intention of having a | | | | One of the toughest parts of forming an infertility |
| specific structure. Or, if you want to allow the | | | | support group is keeping it rolling. Ask that if the |
| group to form more organically, you can first get | | | | members of the group decide to join that they |
| the group together and then allow the group | | | | make a complete commitment. People who are |
| members to collaborate on a format that would | | | | constantly popping in and out of meetings might |
| best meet the needs of most of the participants. | | | | cause a disruption to relationships forming as well |
| To start having people contact you about the | | | | as they otherwise might. In order to successfully |
| group, put together an advertisement. This can be | | | | keep your support group going, stick with the |
| as simple as a poster that you put up in local | | | | same day and time as much as possible, and |
| grocery stores, an announcement on social | | | | keep encouraging people to bring new ideas to |
| networking sites, or an advertisement in the | | | | the table that all the members can try together. |
| newspaper. You will get the most coverage if you | | | | |