On Wednesday we wore orange to celebrate National Infertility Awareness Week and to bring awareness to 1 in 8 couples who struggle with infertility. In addition to wearing orange, I asked the community what is something you wish others knew about infertility. Below are some of your responses.

Thank you for everyone who participated. This was so much FUN!

🧡 Our Faces, our bodies, our emotions our baby’s memorial behind me….This is the reality of infertility.

🧡 We are not invisible.

🧡 INFERTILITY is an emotional rollarcoaster and you only grow through it when you go through it.

🧡 Just worked out… might not be able to hold a baby but my body does a whole freaking lot!

🧡 Don’t be afraid to stand for something, being “different” is not a shame.

🧡 We might laugh and smile but behind that is more tears.

🧡 With a baby or without, you are valuable, you are whole and you matter!

🧡 Anyone can be affected by infertility.

🧡 Infertility is a very personal thing and no one is obligated to tell you what it looks like for them.

🧡 Even if you don’t want to compromise to be a mother in your desired way, this won’t make you incomplete. You have many roles to play in your life. And your desired roles that you play in your life, make your identity complete!

🧡 Everyone’s experience is different.

🧡 Take your friends lead on how they want to discuss their experience. Acknowledge and validate how they’re feeling and let them know you love and support them unconditionally.

🧡 I’m reminded that no matter my circumstances, I live in a country where there are few consequences to being a woman without children. My wish is that every single person going through these very personal realities will have the support they need, will feel loved and will be able to make their own choices. No

🧡 YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

🧡 Infertility is not a taboo subject.

🧡 Please remember to be kind as so many people are fighting a battle you know nothing about. Many people are fighting in silence and it’s none of your damn business if someone plans to have children or not.

🧡 I wish more people knew how common infertility actually is. 1 in 6 Canadian couples and 1 in 8 couples in the USA are affected by infertility.

🧡 I know you’re scared, but you can handle this because you’re a warrior, beautiful and brave.

🧡 You are not alone. We are not alone.

🧡 Infertility may not affect you personally, but infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. This is someone you know. Be kind. Infertility is a very difficult road to navigate.

🧡 I’m a black woman. I’m a poet. I’m an advocate. I’m 1 in 5,000. I’m 1 in 8.

🧡 Please be thoughtful in your choice of words when you are talking to a friend who is struggling with infertility. You never know what someone may be going through.