In the whirlwind of career demands and personal aspirations, women professionals often find themselves juggling multiple roles.
While the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities are frequently highlighted, the silent struggle of women facing infertility often goes unnoticed.
These women navigate the demanding journey of trying to conceive, all while maintaining their professional responsibilities and keeping up appearances.
Campus Head at IIE Rosebank College Nelson Mandela Bay and the author of “The Quest for a Child: A Story of Hardship, Resilience and Faith”, Alucia Mabunda shared: “Infertility is a deeply personal struggle that many individuals face, often silently.
“When this battle intertwines with professional responsibilities, it can create unique challenges that significantly impact one's productivity and emotional well-being at work.”
In her book, Mabunda shared her own heartfelt journey, offering a glimpse into the emotional and physical challenges of infertility.
Her story is a testament to the resilience and faith that can arise from adversity, reminding us of the strength that lies within those quietly facing these struggles.
For those battling infertility, work often became more than just a list of tasks; it was a way to cope and maintain a sense of control amidst personal turmoil. Yet, casual office chatter about family life could be especially painful for those experiencing this struggle.
“In the struggle against infertility, every day can feel like a battle against both physical and emotional adversity,” said Mabunda.
She recounted a time when she collapsed during a meeting due to the intense effects of fertility medications and the stress of infertility. Her body simply couldn't take it — waking up early for IVF appointments, enduring the side effects, and dealing with the disappointment and despair of unfulfilled hopes.
Mabunda’s journey spanned seven years, marked by diagnoses such as PCOS, hyperactive thyroid, insulin resistance, antiphospholipid syndrome, and bilateral tubal occlusion, along with the heartbreak of four miscarriages.
The financial strain of treatments and the emotional toll of repeated setbacks added to her challenges.
“Despite these challenges, I was able to continue fulfilling my responsibilities at work, and in the process, I gained insights that may be helpful to other women facing a similar life challenge — often silently.
Additionally, colleagues may find value in understanding how to best support their work friend experiencing this trauma,” Mabunda shared, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace.
Infertility is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse” and it affects 8 to 14 % of couples, or 48 million couples worldwide.
The average fertility rate in South Africa is declining in line with global trends and up to 20% of couples face a battle with infertility, while infertility is a major reproductive health problem in Africa with a prevalence of 30-40%, due to various factors including poor healthcare, infection control and lack of access to fertility treatments.
The impact of a struggle with infertility can range from negative thoughts and feelings such as denial, guilt, anger, grief and isolation, which can lead to actual withdrawal from usually enjoyable activities, especially those involving families and children – through to formal diagnosis of mental health disorders
According to Mabunda, co-workers and corporate leadership must comprehend infertility and provide support to those navigating it while still expecting them to fulfil their professional obligations.
Ways to do this include:
Minimising personal questions: Unless initiated by the employee, avoid asking personal questions about family and children to respect everyone’s privacy and avoid unintentional discomfort.
Creating a supportive environment: Having an understanding supervisor can be crucial. Mabunda recalls how her supervisor accommodated her IVF cycles by allowing flexible morning schedules and understanding delays due to hospital visits.
Implementing wellness initiatives: Participating in wellness days and workplace social events can provide much-needed relief and support, making it easier to manage stress and navigate difficult emotions. These events offer a necessary break for individuals, including those who use work as a coping strategy amid infertility challenges.
Acknowledging different paths: Recognise that not everyone may have children or pursue parenthood. Respect individual choices and provide support to colleagues facing infertility challenges.
Women going through this challenging season in their lives can do the following:
Prioritising self-care: Prioritise self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or taking breaks when needed to maintain emotional and physical well-being.
Educating colleagues: Foster understanding among colleagues by sharing information about infertility and its impact. Encouraging sensitivity in conversations and avoiding assumptions about family planning can create a more supportive environment.
“The more people discuss infertility in social spaces, the more it will naturally infiltrate the workspace, raising awareness and understanding.
“By fostering a culture of understanding and support, workplaces can become more inclusive and nurturing spaces for everyone, regardless of their personal challenges.
“This includes sensitively navigating conversations around family and children, and ensuring that individuals experiencing infertility do not feel pressured or excluded. Such initiatives contribute to a supportive environment where all employees feel valued and respected.”