A support group will help you feel less isolated, empower you with knowledge and validate your emotional response to the life crisis of infertility. Find a support group near you.
National
IVF Support Group South Africa
This is an online infertility support community dedicated to the care and support of individuals struggling through the trials of not being able to conceive without medical intervention.
Gauteng
Footprints in the sand
wendyvbio@gmail.com
Whats App: 0825767107
This intimate support group is held in a safe and inviting environment in Johannesburg. Meetings take place every 6 weeks, so you can share the highs and lows of the road you’re travelling on. To join, email Wendy at the address above. Keep an eye on our events calendar for the date of the next meeting.
No support group in your area? Why not start one?
Starting a support group might seem daunting, but it needn’t be like the support groups you see in the movies. All it is, is a group of like minded individuals who get together over coffee or lunch and talk about what they have in common – in this case infertility. Some people prefer to remain anonymous, whereas some like to have a face-to-face conversation. Why not start a group of your own by posting about on the support group above, or having us add the event to our calendar? It might start off small but will grow with time. In fact, IFAASA was started by a group of women who met through a support group!
There seem to be very few support groups in South Africa. If you are aware of a support group that we don’t know about, please let us know.
44 years fell pregnant once at age 22 sadly was an ectopic pregnancy after that never conceived again. Married raised 2 gals frim Hubby’s previous relationship. Finding it very difficult to cope with this condition. Hubby not in a condition either suffered head injury 10 years ago and all hopes vanished.
Hi Yoliswa. Sorry about your journey, have you spoken to a therapist or psychologist? Would you like me to refer you to one?
I’m a 43 year old childless woman. I’m struggling to accept that I’m infertile. Any support group around Midrand?
Hi Yoliswa
Have you looked at infertility support groups online at all? There are ones on Facebook. Otherwise there is a group that meets every few months in and around Bryanston, you can what’s app Wendy on 082 576 7107 for more info.
This is very encouraging. My husband and I have been struggling for 5 years. IVF is expensive so we are saving for that. I would love to start a support group in my area, mainly because a lot of couples suffer in silence in our culture, you cannot speak about infertility without being judged. I have been thinking about starting one but I do not know where to start. Any advice would be welcome
Hi Lindelwa. Thank you for your message. Have you looked at the Hannah You Are Not Alone Facebook Page? There is such wonderful support and information on there. Where are you based? We would happily advertise a support group on our social media, all you need is a time, date, venue and be willing to share your story and listen to others…. that is all it takes to start a support group.
I need support
Hi Nanivo
I am sorry to hear that.
Where are you based? Have you looked up Hannah You Are Not Alone on Facebook? They have an online/zoom type support group that they run.
I’m a 40 year old, recently engaged woman who is infertile. I don’t know how to tell my man that I’m infertile and am not certain how he’ll feel about me once he knows how useless I am as a woman. Any pointers? Please help.
Hi Kay
Firstly, you are not useless as a women, infertility is a disease that 1 in 6 couples suffer from, it doesn’t make anyone less of a woman or a man. Your man loves you for you and not for the children you can give him.
Have you been to see a psychologist that specialises in infertility? They would be able to advise you what your best course of action would be but, I do encourage you to have the conversation with him as soon as possible and, together, you can work out what your best plan forward would be. Being infertile does not mean you will never have a baby, there are many pathways to parenthood.
Good day. My name is Nomcebo Mathebula. I was diagnosed with Infertility 3 Years ago. Since then, I have been struggling with mental health issues from being ok to be depressed. Can You please suggest a support group or some form of Help which you can provide for me.
Hi Nomcebo. Where are you situated? There is a support group that meets in Joburg called Footprints in the Sand, otherwise Hannah You Are Not Alone has an online support network.
I am sorry you are struggling but, I am glad you are looking for help.