Brooke Shields has teamed up with Fertility LifeLines, a free and confidential educational service for people who are worried about their fertility, to raise awareness about infertility and encourage women who are having trouble getting pregnant to know their options and act quickly.
Here, Ms. Shields talks about her own struggle with infertility and gives advice to other people who may be going through the same thing.
Q: What has it been like for you to try to get pregnant and not be able to?
SHIELDS: When my husband and I decided to start a family, we never thought we'd have to go through any of this. I was shocked to hear that I might have trouble getting pregnant. I thought everything would go as planned.
How long did you try to have a child?
SHIELDS: We tried on our own for about a year and a half before we started fertility treatments. When I finally realised there was a problem, it took about two years of fertility treatments for me to get pregnant.
Where do you think a woman should go to get help and support?
SHIELDS: Women shouldn't wait too long to talk to their doctor, and it's always a good idea for them to reach out to the people closest to them. Also, Fertility LifeLines (1-866-LETS-TRY) is a great free resource that can help women understand their options for starting a family. It can also help women in their area find a fertility specialist.
How can a caller get help from Fertility LifeLines?
SHIELDS: Having children Both information and help are available through LifeLines. I needed support, but I also needed information from someone who had been through infertility or helped others through it.
A woman is having trouble getting pregnant. What advice would you give her?
SHIELDS: Don't put it off any longer! Get information, educate yourself, and do something! Talk to your doctor or call Fertility LifeLines to figure out how to start the process that will work best for you.
Fertility LifeLines is a free and private educational service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It gives information and support. Fertility nurses and other trained staff are available to answer questions and help people feel better by listening with compassion.
