Remembering Childless Women on Mother's Day

_{Photo above by the author, sockii.}

Anna Jarvis is credited with founding Mother's Day in the United States in tribute to her own mother. The day was nationally recognized in 1914, yet by the 1920s Anna had already grown critical of the way the holiday was being commercialized and lacking in personal honest sentiment. She and her sister Ellsinore would die in poverty after spending the last of their money in protest of the holiday they had once worked to establish.

Greeting card available at CafePress

This card is a perfect, thoughtful message to send to a friend you know who might be struggling with infertility. The message inside says "I know this day can be hard for you/I just wanted to remind you I'm here for you."

For something really unique and thoughtful, check Ebay where you can find lots of jewelry (and other items) that convey so much more thought and creativity than something mass-produced in a chain store. There are items themed for those trying to conceive, items for those facing infant loss and those praying for divine assistance. Any of these would be a wonderful gift for a woman who truly wants to be a mother and would let them know you are thinking of them on Mother's Day.

There are many books about the struggles of infertility and childlessness, which could make for a great gift for a non-mom on Mother's Day. From hanging in tough while pursuing family-building options to learning to love life without children, these books provide messages of hope, support, love and comfort.

I'll let you in on a not-so-small secret: some of us with infertility issues really, really hate those cutesy "Stick Figure" family decals that parents seem to love to put on their cars to show off their family. (Here's a great blog post that puts it so well: "Sticking it to infertiles with stick family stickers".) If you know someone who shares that sentiment, there are some great "gag"/parody stickers that would make for a funny gift idea - whether or not the recipient would be brave enough to put it on their car or not!

Another idea for a gift is to make a donation to one of the organizations listed below, related to infertility support, research and general women's health advocacy. It's a way to show not just that you care but that you are willing to join the fight.

• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association allows you to honor a specific individual with your donation. RESOLVE works hard to provide support for those coping with infertility as well as to push for legal action to make it easier and more affordable for individuals to seek fertility treatment.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can often lead to fertility difficulties in women. PCOSupport is a grass-roots volunteer association dedicated to helping those affected by PCOS and their families - a good choice for a donation if you know someone affected by this medical condition.
• Planned Parenthood also allows you to make an Honorary Gift in someone's name or memory. Although some may think of Planned Parenthood as being more involved in preventing unwanted pregnancy and abortion services, PP provides affordable women's health care to many women from routine exams to referrals for infertility testing and screening. They are also strong advocates for women's health and providing affordable health insurance for everyone. Their work is more important than ever in today's political climate!
• The National Organization for Women works to promote equality and justice for all women, from health issues to economic justice in the workplace.