Going through pregnancy or experiencing the loss of a child are two very different things, but they’re also two of the most emotionally-trying things you can go through in your relationship. Whether you’re expecting and your relationship is struggling, or it seems that you and your partner are completely disconnected after the loss of your infant, it’s important to know that your relationship isn’t doomed.

Infertility can change the way you look at sex. When you’re trying to conceive and having trouble, sex can feel more like a chore, or even a source of anxiety. Instead of treating it as a deep connection with your partner or something you both can enjoy, it becomes something that makes you miserable, knowing the slim likelihood of getting pregnant.

When you already have children, telling them you’re pregnant is an exciting and joyful experience. Most kids will be over the moon about the idea of becoming a big brother or big sister. But, what do you do when your pregnancy doesn’t work out as planned? Or, what if you lose your child as an infant?

Infertility can be one of the most difficult, draining things a couple can go through. If you desperately want children but you’re struggling to conceive, it can take a toll on your personal well-being, as well as your relationship. Research has shown that infertility can be a very lonely experience. Even if you’re going through it with your partner, it doesn’t mean you’re always on the same page with your feeling.

Grief is an intensely personal and often profoundly painful experience, one that transcends gender boundaries. When miscarriage occurs, the impact is keenly felt not only by the person who was carrying the pregnancy but also by their partner.

When you’re in a committed relationship or marriage, it’s normal to eventually want to grow your family. For many people, that means making the commitment to have children. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. But, not being able to have children (or not wanting to do it on your own) doesn’t mean you can’t build your family.

Holidays are the hardest time of the year for many grieving parents. As memories of what has been and thoughts of what could’ve been come flooding back, it’s easy to fall into a depressive and hopeless state. Though the world felt like it stopped turning the second you lost your baby, the holidays have continued to come around. Whether it is your first holiday without them or your fiftieth, it doesn’t get easier. But there are things that you can do to take care of yourself and push forward.