Your Appointment Today

to Start Your Family Tomorrow

Dear TLC ...

a blog by Infertile Naomi, September 10, 2010

Dear TLC,

I am a big fan of your network and enjoy many of your programs. However, as a woman experiencing infertility, I kindly request that you think about changing some of the names of your shows.

Show Title: Quints By Surprise
A story about Casey and Ethan Jones who wanted to add one more baby to their family and were thrilled with their fertility treatment resulted in quintuplets. I would understand if the couple had not done fertility treatments and — surprise — you have five babies. Now, that’s a surprise. But when you have multiple eggs, sometimes you get multiple children. Where’s the surprise?
Better Title: Surprise! Your Fertility Treatment Actually Worked this Time!

Show Title: 19 Kids and Counting
The story of the Duggar family, who can procreate at the drop of a hat and have named all their kids starting with the letter J. Please stop procreating already. While some of us can’t even seem to have one, you are already blessed with so many children. Perhaps Michelle Duggar can offer to become a surrogate for the rest of us infertile folks? She is a human fertility machine.
Better Title: 19 Kids. Please Stop Procreating

Show Title: I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant
I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant is a series that reveals the astonishing stories of women who conceive and carry their babies all the way to labor and delivery with no idea that they were ever pregnant. Meet Lilah, a 35 year old woman who thought she had gained 30 pounds from too many donuts. Meet Cheryl, a 20 year old, who went to the hospital for a stomach ache and came home with twins. And, 29-year-old April thinks she has food poisoning, but it turns out it wasn’t bad barbecue, it was a baby.
Better Title: I Didn’t Know I Could Be This Dumb

Here are some of my other suggestions for future, more realistic, TLC programming …

Show Title: Why Didn’t IVF Work on the First Attempt?

Show Title: I Am a Fertility Drug Addict
The story of five women getting high on Clomid and fertility injections.

Show Title: I Haven’t Ovulated Since 1980
The story of women dealing with PCOS who haven’t seen their menstrual cycles since the TV show Family Ties went off the air.

And although I do enjoy all your pregnancy and baby-themed programming, I suggest that you think about putting an additional infertility warning before the show. Instead of “This program may contain material unsuitable for children,” change to “This program may cause tears and heartache for any couples dealing with infertility.”

Just a thought.

Thank you for taking some of my suggestions into consideration.

Sincerely,

Infertile Naomi
Blogger of ‘999 Reasons to Laugh at Infertility

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Comments

Love, Love, Love this!!!!

Permalink Submitted by Stephanie B. on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 12:35pm

Love, Love, Love this!!!!

So true! Loved this!

Permalink Submitted by Rebeccagrace11 on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 1:41pm

So true! Loved this!

Totally AWESOME! I agree!!

Permalink Submitted by Laura Upton on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 2:04pm

Totally AWESOME! I agree!! Great ideas.

I think of this same exact

Permalink Submitted by Holly Bishop on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 2:30pm

I think of this same exact thing every day, just about. I really can't stand TLC anymore....

Fantastic! Thank you for

Permalink Submitted by Lisa M on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 3:37pm

Fantastic! Thank you for the Friday afternoon laugh. May I also offer "Jon, Kate and 6, plus those other two who have to be wondering how come they weren't good enough?"

Secondary Infertility is

Permalink Submitted by SIFlady on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 6:03pm

Secondary Infertility is painful, too. I am a sufferer of Secondary Infertility and so I very much understand why Jon and Kate tried again for another child after their twins. It is comments like this that make us with SIF feel like we are not acceptable to the IF world. It's what makes SIF so very, very lonely.

Got to love it! So true!!

Permalink Submitted by Krystal on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 5:08pm

Got to love it! So true!! Maybe Duggar should become a surrogate, how about letting others have a chance using her fertility? Now that would be a show. I'd rather watch a surrogate mother show then her!

Oh fun! How about "While

Permalink Submitted by Belinda on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 5:25pm

Oh fun! How about "While you were Ovulating" :)

You are HILARIOUS!!! I love

Permalink Submitted by BabyMakingMama on Sun, 09/12/2010 - 8:28pm

You are HILARIOUS!!! I love you! Thanks for always making me smile.

LOVE it!! As always,

Permalink Submitted by Cherbear on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 2:20pm

LOVE it!! As always, cracked me up! At first I really thought this was going to be a real letter to TLC! PS I truly think you SHOULD send it ;)

Hi My Lovely Readers, Yes.

Permalink Submitted by Infertile Naomi on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 6:03pm

Hi My Lovely Readers, Yes. I did send it to TLC and they responded saying they are passing it along to someone else. I have also been in email contact with Ethan (the dad from Quints by Surprise) who agreed that the name of the show wasn't his choice. They actually seem like a great family so I will probably watch the show :) -Naomi xoxo

Love it! I think they

Permalink Submitted by Teresa on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 7:12pm

Love it! I think they should do a show following infertile couples through IVF.....'Hijacked Hormones' or something like that. I was a hot mess during my ivf cycle. I'm sure a lot of people laughed at me ;)

I'd like to.see a show

Permalink Submitted by gemmabean on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 7:25pm

I'd like to.see a show called "infertile house" where several coupled cohabitate during various IF treatments, sharps containers evetywhere, the shot cam, etc. Keep up the good work my infertile friend. Gemmabean

HA!!! they would have to

Permalink Submitted by libby @ ninesan... on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 11:41am

HA!!! they would have to have security guards all over....could you imagine a house full of women going through fertility treatments and injections all at the same time??? our poor husbands would all be hiding under the beds and we'd all be ready to kill whoever looked at us wrong :-) but i still love the idea gemmabean!!!!!!

Naomi you are the best!!!!

Permalink Submitted by NinaWhittaker on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 8:40am

Naomi you are the best!!!! You can always make me laugh with your 999 blog. This is great I hope TLC listens!

Thank you :) This is sooo

Permalink Submitted by Broken on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 9:52am

Thank you :) This is sooo true!! I cannot watch TLC anymore just for the pure fact that they are throwing around people having babies like its in the water or something.

Though I understand your

Permalink Submitted by someone who has... on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 10:14am

Though I understand your pain and anguish, but some of what you are spouting is anger, bitterness, and unforgivness, they may listen to your pleas if they weren't laced with this. I will be praying for you.

Gotta love "holier than

Permalink Submitted by Guesswho! on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 11:55am

Gotta love "holier than thou" Christians who obviously do not understand what going through infertility is like.

Wow...why do some people

Permalink Submitted by Belinda on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:15pm

Wow...why do some people have to be so hateful when we're just trying to find humor in such a hurtful part of our lives.

I think it is terrible that

Permalink Submitted by Cee on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 9:40pm

I think it is terrible that you are saying that Christians don't understand what infertility is like. You think that every Christian can get pregnant on command or something? Um, I am a Christian and an infertile. My husband and I have been struggling to get pregnant for over 5 years. You should not attack other peoples' faith. Especially when you have no idea if the person you are attacking is or isn't a Christian.

I am a Christian and I

Permalink Submitted by ~Anon on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 6:33am

I am a Christian and I think you need to reread that message, <"holier than thou" Christian> was the reference made not all in general. Those that label themselves as Christian but follow none of the ideals. Those that judge and hedge their nasty comments with "I will pray for you"

I actually felt there was

Permalink Submitted by smbaker79 on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 7:11am

I actually felt there was extreme bitterness and anger in the blog post as well. As an infertile myself for the last several years I totally felt where you were coming from in writing the blog, but sending it to TLC without editing out the anger and sarcasm is not likely to make any changes. But who knows, they may add a good infertility show for us to watch. I sure hope so!

Do you really understand

Permalink Submitted by Beth on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 12:49pm

Do you really understand infertility? Of course, we are angry and bitter but we also still have humor. Naomi's post is awesome, sarcastic and still able to laugh. I will pray for you, lady.

To this person above who

Permalink Submitted by IVFnumber1 on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 12:53pm

To this person above who wrote this--- "Though I understand your pain and anguish, but some of what you are spouting is anger, bitterness, and unforgivness, they may listen to your pleas if they weren't laced with this. I will be praying for you." I strongly disagree with your comments. Haven't you read all the other posts that actually agree with Naomi's blog? I don't think you know what it's like to experience IF because if you did, you would agree with her. I would assume you want a baby considering you are visiting this website so why wouldn't you get it? Her post was not 'laced with anger," it's laced with sarcasm and humor. Try it sometime.

Why is there always someone

Permalink Submitted by Krystal on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 1:52pm

Why is there always someone who decides to do this? Are you infertile? Are you just stopping by to show how inconsiderate you are of other people's feelings? I will pray for YOU. Because infertiles have their right to feel that way... you think we want to see a show about a 40+ year old who has been knocked and have had 19 children? I think there should be more infertility awareness.. shows about adoption, surrogacy, the pain of IUI and IVF, the heart aches and everything in between. If you're IF and saying this, I'll pray for you harder. Infertiles aren't always bitter, but we deserve a chance to have a family too. The end.

That person seems so bitter

Permalink Submitted by jilli on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:07pm

That person seems so bitter and angry!!!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank

Permalink Submitted by Carrie B on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:14pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love the TLC shows but usually end up incredulous or bawling my eyes out at some point. What I wouldn't give to see a couple of shows on Infertility. Maybe some people would be more understanding if they saw the day to day of what we will put ourselves through to have a slim chance for a child and the heartbreak we suffer along that road. As private as I try to keep my struggles, I'd offer in a heartbeat if it meant more/better understanding from others

Wow, how about that person

Permalink Submitted by MitM on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:19pm

Wow, how about that person up above who made the uncalled for comment show a little compassion for those going through something so horrible and trying to make light of a bad situation. It's so sad that people can't be understanding nowadays. Praying for more empathy and compassion in this world. I hope you never have to go through infertility, you wouldn't be able to handle it.

I love it...Im sharing your

Permalink Submitted by Stephanie on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:27pm

I love it...Im sharing your blog with my mom...I find it therapeutic to laugh and be sarcastic about it...I also wonder why people that haven't been through IF feel they need to point out how wrong we are for feeling the way we do... Im more then willing to share my story of IF with anyone that will listen...Anyway, Thank you for the laugh

naomi's blog gives us one

Permalink Submitted by spliz on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 5:42pm

naomi's blog gives us one of few places where we can let all of our frustration, anger, sadness, etc. all hang out, in the form of sarcasm, satire, poking fun, etc. while women with children can spend all day at the office or over lunch talking about what little johnny ate yesterday, or what the consistancy of his latest poopy diaper was, or how sore her boobs are from breastfeeding, etc...we typically can't just drop random comments in most social circles about the hot flashes we are getting from clomid, or the bazillion-th semen sample hubby is providing today for the bazillion-th test, etc. this is our community to share openly and have a "sisterhood" of sorts with women who know all too well our secret lives behind the brave, fake smiles. no one is forced to be a part of this blog following. if you don't like it, go find a forum that is more in check with your opinions. every hear the phrase "live and let live....??" try it.

As someone who struggled

Permalink Submitted by Someone Who's B... on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 6:00pm

As someone who struggled with infertility and was finally blessed with twins, I have to say this: Naomi, keep up the great work! Your blog hits very close to home, but never fails to crack me up. I hope TLC listens to you and does a show that will show all of the clueless, fertile people out there what we go though!

YES!!!! You said it girl!

Permalink Submitted by BBCOLT 78 on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 6:04pm

YES!!!! You said it girl! The best part is that your suggestions for shows would actually be better than these dumb shows that TLC focuses on. Love your PCOS and IVF suggestion. Althought, getting high on fertility drugs is awesome too! The best laugh I've had in weeks!

LOVE THIS!!!! I think MTV's

Permalink Submitted by Heidi on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 6:04pm

LOVE THIS!!!! I think MTV's Teen Mom should be renamed also.... I'm open for suggestions on this =)

I just think there ought to

Permalink Submitted by Amelia on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 7:00am

I just think there ought to be a sister show to Teen Mom for infertiles titled "I Wish I Got Knocked Up at 16."

You keep me sane Naomi. I

Permalink Submitted by Leese77 on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 6:34pm

You keep me sane Naomi. I love your site:) Keep up the great work.

I love this letter. I loved

Permalink Submitted by Brittia24 on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 7:01pm

I love this letter. I loved TLC, but now the babies are overwhelming. I'm thinking we should all send our own letters to TLC for such IF shows. And as for that one post about being bitter. I appreciate all the prayers I can get. Even if I am angery, bitter, and unforgiving- I still try to keep hope. But if she wants to give us her prayers, let's take them! Maybe that's what we're missing in this whole TTC journey. Instead of baby dust we are needing a stranger's prayers. Can't hurt at least, right?

This. 100%.

Permalink Submitted by Rebecca on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 7:32pm

This. 100%.

This is coming from a woman

Permalink Submitted by Teresa on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 7:59pm

This is coming from a woman who dealt with infertility, had 2 miscarriages and finally made the most heart-breaking, devastating decision to give up. Number one...I totally get everything Naomi is saying and find her very funny. Number two...I believe in the saying "you don't know a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes" and if someone hasn't been in my shoes, I can't expect them to understand my pain and suffering, therefore I try to be forgiving of that. Number three...I totally agree with everyone in that the pain of infertility needs to be talked about, because then MAYBE fertile people will at least have a glimmer of understanding of what we are going through.

You should send this to

Permalink Submitted by Anne TTC on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 8:03am

You should send this to TLC. They really should create a show on infertility. There are so many shows on pregnancy - even TEEN pregnancy, who's bright idea was that! - so there should be a show on the other end of the spectrum. I would LOVE to document the troubles I've had TTC AND Adopt. Maybe things will change a little bit if it gets publicity. SEND THIS TO TLC! Let's unite!

I am the one who wrote the

Permalink Submitted by someone who has... on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 10:18am

I am the one who wrote the comment everyone is attaching and for your information my intention was not to be rude or holier than thou. To those of you who thought that this was the case, PLEASE, do NOT automatically go to the negative, especially when its a Christian posting it. I really meant it, I know what its like to not be able to concieve, I also know what its like to lose 4, yes read it again FOUR of my children. May be TLC would benefit from shows from the other side, I know I would watch them. I didn't see any humor in what she was saying, all I saw was a broken heart and I felt for her.

Of course there's

Permalink Submitted by Erica Douglas on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 11:27am

Of course there's bitterness and rage in this post - there's bitterness and rage in infertility! I am Christian and infertile; I'm not angry at God but I am angry. I get jealous when I see pregnant women or babies. I'm working on it. It honestly helps me to know that I'm not alone, that other women get bitter and angry and jealous too. We're human, we're not perfect, regardless of our religious faith or lack thereof. I genuinely appreciate Naomi's honesty in sharing her struggles. God wants us to empathize with each other and bear one another's burdens. Thank you, Naomi, for sharing so honestly with us. You're a gem. And I'd subscribe to cable just to watch a TLC show about infertility!

Ah Naomi, I think the TLC

Permalink Submitted by Kath on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 3:59pm

Ah Naomi, I think the TLC show should be called Journey to the Center if the Uterus...but then, I'm biased... I've often told people that if we don't laugh then we'll cry and there's nothing better than a dose of irreverent humor to go along with infertility. Pay no attention to the naysayers! Laugh and laugh often!

Naomi, you are my new found

Permalink Submitted by BAMS on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 7:24am

Naomi, you are my new found hero! I say exactly what you've said in this every time I come across these shows!

Great post as always.

Permalink Submitted by Keya on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 10:27am

Great post as always. Though I have to say, I like the show "I didn't know I was pregnant" because it gives me hope that maybe, just maybe I am currently pregnant, its just that I don't know about it. I do wish there was more discussion on IF - on tv and in the real world.

Great email Naomi! I love

Permalink Submitted by Kim on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 2:10pm

Great email Naomi! I love how you can make such a painful subject humourous, and it's all so true! I cringe every time I see that "19 kids and counting" show... Stop with the kids and the counting! The last premie should have been a sign to stop... and I've also wondered if she'd have one for me!! I haven't seen the surprise quints show, but seriously, if you use fertility drugs, there shouldn't be a surprise! I had my 3rd IVF retrieval this week in hopes of someday having a child of our own and my friends find the whole process very interesting... They are always asking "what next"?! I've had so many tests, needles, retrievals, transfers, drugs etc. that I would think that a show about what I (and many others like me!!!) have been through would be more interesting than "I'm so fat I had no idea I was carrying twins"... It's very personal so I don't know if I'd like a camera following me around for all of the world (including my co-workers who I've managed to keep all of this a secret from) to see.... but I'm getting more open about it all. Thanks for sharing your email and I LOVE your website! :D

I say bitter and angry

Permalink Submitted by No name on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 10:01am

I say bitter and angry post. Infertility is not a funny subject.

Of course there's humor in

Permalink Submitted by ivf babies on Fri, 11/19/2010 - 2:14pm

Of course there's humor in infertility! I joke that my husband is developing a pavlov's reaction to big needles. He thought for the longest time he was 'King of the mountain' because my rear end was propped so high on pillows. He probably looks for girlie magazines anytime he goes into a restroom now. I'm sure he will innocently ask the wrong person for a cup when he's going to the restroom....

Thank you Naomi for that

Permalink Submitted by Daisy Mae on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 10:09am

Thank you Naomi for that halarious post! I totally agree that we laugh to keep ourselves from crying. Infertility has been the most frustating and painful thing I have ever gone through. I just finished my first cycle of IUI and am praying that it worked and I just get so sick of hearing about people like "octomom" and "19 kids and counting". I too am a christian and that doesn't mean that we don't feel anger or hurt. I loved that one of our pastors said "God never promised our comfort". SO true! But I think that's why we have humor and others to go through it with.

I love it! TLC makes me

Permalink Submitted by The Suburban Pr... on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 10:48am

I love it! TLC makes me want to barf sometimes. And "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant"... they should change that to "I Should Have Known I Was in Denial." lol.

Then just don't watch TLC.

Permalink Submitted by POdBySpam on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 12:40pm

Then just don't watch TLC. *Problem solved* BTW, stop spamming message boards. It's rude to just drop by and post your link in a community you are not a part of.