IVF info needed to support friend

[bluejeans]

My friend is in the middle of her first IVF attempt and I've realised I really don't know much at all about what is involved - I know the sciency bit but can someone explain what she goes through in more human terms, what's the worst bit, how she will be feeling, what I should say or not say and anything I can do to help?

Thanks a million

What a lovely friend you are

I would talk to your friend and tell her what you wrote here. i.e. That you want to 'be there' for her but are unsure what she needs and see what she says.

Thanks Babieseverywhere

My friend is quite private and only recently mentioned IVF - I think it was hard for her to talk about it and I feel a bit intrusive questioning her too much - not sure if she'd prefer me to provide distractions/try to keep her sane etc.

I'd second Babieseverywhere.

This is a lovely thing to post.

I'm in the early days of my first round of IVF/ICSI (just did my first stim injection today!) and my friends are being great. None have kids but they're willing to listen when I want to talk about it but also willing to talk about nonsense when I don't. I'm not sure yet where I'll need most support...probably on the TWW (and definitely if it doesn't work...).

I'd say just let your friend know you're here for her and are willing to support her through all the ups and downs.

It is a hard thing to talk about - I had to get over my own grief at not being able to have conceive naturally before I could talk about it with anyone other than DH (used to just cry whenever I talked about it, even in our first IVF consultation ).

If your friend is quite private then may be best to not push it too much, but just let her know you're happy to listen if she does want to talk.

Thanks Caitni, yes I think she does find it difficult to discuss you're probably right that I shouldn't push her