Infertility and IVF: an Interview with Julie McCorkle
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Julie McCorkle
How can you support a woman who is going through IVF? IVF and infertility treatments are expensive, time-consuming, and physically demanding. In this episode of Handle with Care, Julie McCorkle tells about the long, circuitous path that led her to her son, Declan. She shares about regular blood draws, stress, vulnerability, and the importance of support networks.
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Three take-aways emerged from my conversation with Julie
Julie spoke about how important it was to have individuals in her life that pushed her to “take her space”, to acknowledge the pain and stress of this season. Like the boss that encouraged her to take time away from DC. Julie became that person when she encouraged her coworker to go home after the baby shower debacle. When people are going through stress, they are oftentimes consumed with the needs of the moment. Perhaps you can be that friend or manager that encourages a friend dealing with infertility to take some necessary space and time; it can mean a lot.
Julie was able to be open about her treatments and receive the help and advice of her managers and coworkers because there was a robust culture of trust and respect that was already present in her workplace. Is this the sort of truly supportive workplace that you are a part of? If not, what are some proactive steps that you can take to build trust BEFORE hard times come?
IVF and infertility treatments can be tremendously taxing on both a physical and emotional level. As you can, give flexibility and understanding to the women in your organization going through IVF. They are managing tremendous stress in their bodies as well as their schedules in addition to doing their daily work for the organization.
Julie and Declan