--- title: "How to be there for a friend facing infertility challenges: Support systems for women" description: Support a friend facing infertility by being an active listener, offering specific help, and being sensitive to their feelings. Your compassion matters. image: https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-2148393424.jpg --- [![MGB\_Health\_Plan\_horiz\_rgb-1](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/Mass%20General%20Brigham%20Health%20Plan/Logos/MGB_Health_Plan_horiz_rgb-1.svg)](https://www.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/) ![](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-2148393424.jpg) # How to be there for a friend facing infertility challenges: Support systems for women Published by [Jacqueline Ledoux](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/author/jacqueline-ledoux) on October 15, 2026 Infertility can be an isolating experience. Your support matters if someone you love is facing challenges in trying to become a parent. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day allows us to recognize the grief that can accompany infertility and pregnancy loss while reminding those affected that they’re not alone. Though you may not always know what to say or do, showing up with empathy and understanding can help your loved one feel supported during a difficult time. **How to support a friend going through infertility** Every person’s experience with infertility is different, but these tips from [Northwestern Medicine](https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/How-to-Support-Someone-Experiencing-Infertility) can help you offer thoughtful, compassionate support. ### **1. Be an active listener** Infertility is not a struggle you can solve for your loved one. Instead of trying to solve the problem or find a solution, listen actively and validate their emotions. Pause before responding, reflect on what you hear, and be prepared for them to express a range of emotions. Use simple statements such as “That sounds really hard,” and ask open-ended questions that allow them to guide the conversation at their own pace. ### **2. Offer specific help/support** “Let me know if you need anything” is vague and puts the responsibility on your loved one to reach out to you. It’s much more effective to offer something concrete, such as buying them dinner, running an errand, or taking them to lunch. It’s also important to respect their space when offering support. You don’t want them to feel abandoned, but you also don’t want to put them in the position of having to provide you with constant updates. A regular “I’m thinking of you” can go a long way. ### **3. Avoid platitudes and unsolicited advice** Nobody wants to hear platitudes when they’re going through one of the harshest seasons of their life. “It’ll happen when it’s meant to happen,” and other similar sayings are well-meaning but can come across as dismissive and increase feelings of stress and isolation. Likewise, you probably mean well if you want to tell your loved one about a diet you’ve heard about that can improve infertility or a clinic that treats it successfully, but keep it to yourself unless otherwise asked. ### **4. Be thoughtful with pregnancy news** Should you find yourself pregnant amid your loved one’s infertility struggles, it’s okay to be happy and celebrate. However, you should be mindful of how you share the news with that particular person. Share the news with them directly through a text before posting your announcement to social media. Give them space to process the news and try not to take it personally if they react with mixed emotions. Find ways to spend time together that don’t necessarily revolve around kids. For more information about infertility, you can visit [Resolve](https://resolve.org/) or [ReproductiveFacts.org](https://www.reproductivefacts.org/). Supporting someone through infertility doesn’t require having the perfect words. By listening without judgment, respecting their needs, and continuing to show that you care, you can help them feel less alone. If you’re a commercial fully insured individual or employer-sponsored plan member of Mass General Brigham Health Plan and are pregnant, you can access a free subscription to [Poppy Seed Health](https://www.poppyseedhealth.com/massgeneralbrighamhealthplan), an on-demand telehealth service that offers 24/7 text support from doulas, midwives, and nurses for pregnancy and postpartum care. Poppy Seed also offers support for pregnancy loss. [Back to Blog](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org) ## Related articles ## [Everyday eating made easy: Smart choices for better health](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/everyday-eating-made-easy-smart-choices-for-better-health) Food is far more than just fuel—it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for long-term health.... 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