Nutmeg “Nuggets”


Still Trying? The Importance of Emotional Support During Fertility Challenges


H


ow many times have you heard the words, “Don’t think about it and it will happen!” or “Just relax, when you least expect it, it’ll happen!”? These words often inadvertently feel like blame; as


if to infer a woman is doing something wrong, or she has not yet tried hard enough to conceive.


Whether a couple is facing another disappointing negative test result or enduring a new and perhaps more extensive test, the journey of fertility struggles is highly stressful and can be traumatic at times. The sexual relationship once shared between two is now a roundtable discussion at medical appointments. For some this is embarrassing or intellectualizes intimacy leading to a lack of excitement or passion. The need to engage in intercourse on a schedule can make either partner feel self-conscious, discouraged, or even resentful. Communi- cation between partners and an ability to share each partner’s unique experience at this time is critical. Both partners can benefi t from out- side support and validation of the relationship strain that accompanies infertility.


At a time when everyone and their sister seems to get pregnant


when their partner just looks at them the right way, women trying to conceive are often inadvertently left feeling isolated. Rarely does a woman advertise openly that yet another month has gone by with- out successful conception. When a woman who has struggled with fertility eventually conceives, she may feel reluctant or afraid to share her news due to real or imagined fear of a miscarriage. Women may grieve the loss of the long-anticipated joy of sharing with others if they fi nd themselves afraid to speak of the pregnancy. For some, this feel- ing may dissipate after the fi rst ultrasound, or once through the fi rst trimester when miscarriage risk is thought to decrease. For others, lack of attachment may be a shameful feeling they hide from others for weeks or even months after the arrival of a healthy baby.


Whether a woman is struggling with trying to get pregnant,


navigating fertility treatment, staying pregnant, or unhappy with her attachment during and after pregnancy, psychotherapy is comple- mentary to conventional medical care, reproductive endocrinology, nutritional counseling, chiropractic care and acupuncture. Women and couples need to know they are not alone, and they can overcome these challenges with emotional wellness and support.


Catharine McDonald, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Growing Well Counseling. She specializes in motherhood transitions, perinatal emotional complications and wellness. Her private practice is located at 131 New London Turnpike, Suite 323 in Glaston- bury, CT and insurances are accepted. For a free consultation please call (860) 837-0204, or visit www.growingwellcounseling.com for more information. See ad below.


You are not alone. Motherhood is challenging. www.growingwellcounseling.com


Catharine McDonald, MS, LPC 131 New London Tpke, Ste 323 Glastonbury, CT 06033 tel (860) 837-0204


caregiving wasn’t a job, or a way to simply help out a family mem- ber, it was their passion. Once I immigrated to the United States, I naturally took along this same passion for bringing people together and began connecting caregivers who had just immigrated here with job opportunities and a place to live. My reason for bringing such people together was simple: to bring sunshine to someone’s day.


W


Finding a Qualifi ed Caregiver There are many risks that families may overlook when looking for


a caregiver for the fi rst time. Although a caregiver may use registries and agencies to fi nd work, they also work independently and organize their schedules on their own. But think about this. Who will check their criminal background? What if the caregiver you choose gets sick, needs time off, gets hurt on the job, or has trouble connecting with your loved one? This is one of the most important reasons why consult- ing with an agency can signifi cantly improve the way your loved one will receive the care, enrichment and support they deserve.


Everyone needs a support team, whether it’s their family,


friends and even coworkers. Look for a care team made up of experienced geriatric social workers, care coordinators and geron- tologists. They represent the clients and caregivers as well, and offer them the guidance and legal advice they may need to handle their scheduling and steer them clear of any obstacles down the road. Caregiving is a rewarding yet very immersive career that can take a toll on the physical and emotional needs of an individual.


Putting the “Care” Back in Homecare By taking the time to profi le and learn about what makes


a caregiver tick, a company can match individuals with someone who, like a soulmate, will bring purpose back to their life. We don’t believe in labeling anyone as a “senior,” because there is truly no expiration date for living a fulfi lling life. We want to rekindle the value they can still bring to their families’ lives, whether it’s being the best grandparent in the world, the best husband, the funniest friend, the best mentor, or the life of the party.


I would love to change the way the industry provides care more


than anything because what we do here is not just about homecare. We are about bringing meaning back to the lives of our clients. My goal is to make sure that the families we work with are aware of their options, help them fi nd their unique solution, and guide them through every step of the process. There is a uniqueness in everyone, and our goal is to fi nd these qualities in both our clients and caregivers.


Specializing in Perinatalmental health &well couple & parenting transitions-birth traum fertility -loss


offering individual & couples counseling Specializing in Perinatal mental health & wellness couple & parenting transitions-birth trauma - fertility -loss


offering individual & couples counseling


insurance accepted - call for a free 10-minute consultation 8 Natural Nutmeg - January/February 2017


Maggie Drag is the founder and owner of Euro-American Connections & Homecare, a homecare agency that provides hourly and live-in services throughout Connecticut, located in Berlin, with over 27 years of experience in the homecare industry. Maggie has witnessed the industry slowly transition into becoming a commodity, rather than an industry of service and care. She decided to fi ght against this trend and stay committed to her family of clients and caregivers. Her focus on their wellbeing in and outside of work has always been a priority, and has become her purpose. She espe- cially fosters the unique culture of Eastern European Care that sets her company and caregivers apart from other agencies. Visit homecare4u.com to learn more about Maggie and her team, or call for a consultation at (860) 829-0208. See ad on page 3.


Bringing Meaning Back to the Homecare Industry


hen I was growing up in a small town in Poland, I took a look at the many elders in my family and community, and the families and people that cared for them. For them,


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