Ever feel like you’re giving it your all on your fertility journey, only to land flat on your face? You’re not alone—and, surprisingly, neither are baby elephants.
Just this week, a heart-melting video surfaced from Kruger National Park: a baby elephant, all enthusiasm and zero experience, bravely charged at a group of tourists—only to tumble over its own giant feet (watch here).
Isn’t that exactly how trying to start (or grow) a family can feel sometimes?
Even the Strongest Take a Tumble
One moment, you’re surging with hope—tracking ovulation, prepping your kitchen for wellness smoothies, researching at-home insemination kits or new clinics. The next, you trip on an unexpected setback. Maybe it’s a negative test. Maybe it's another unexplained delay, an awkward conversation, or an answer you didn’t want.
So what can we learn from our adorable, clumsy friend in the savanna?
The Power of Getting Up Again (and Again)
Let’s be real: falling down hurts, emotionally and physically. But did you notice what the baby elephant did next? After a stumble, there’s a half-second of confusion, a quick regroup, and then—up again, ready to keep exploring.
This is more than cute; it’s biology in action. Elephants, like people, are wired to keep going. Every step they take is practice. Every tumble? A lesson in balance for the next attempt.
If you’re on a fertility journey, this may sound painfully familiar. The rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak can make you question everything. But, just like that persistent calf, every setback is also a step forward—if you let it be.
Why Resilience (Not Perfection) Wins
Want to know a secret the fertility world often skips? It’s not about flawless cycles or perfect timing. It’s about flexibility, openness, and resilience.
Here are three “elephant-inspired” reminders for when you feel like giving up:
Take the next small step. No charge is too small. Whether that means scheduling a doctor’s visit, joining a new support group, or simply being kind to yourself today, it counts.
Embrace the stumbles. Setbacks don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you’re trying. Even the most successful approaches—yes, even cutting-edge at-home insemination kits—come with learning curves and patience (the MakeAMom community offers evidence and real stories to back this up).
Celebrate all efforts. No one else gets to define your progress. Cheer for the courage it takes to keep moving, even (especially!) when things don’t go as planned.
How Tools Can Empower Your Next Move
We’ve all seen the glossy success stories, but actual journeys are messy, vulnerable, and—sometimes—require support. That’s why resources and tools matter. For example, companies like MakeAMom have developed reusable, affordable insemination kits for people who want to take charge, on their own terms. Their kits cater to a variety of needs—whether you’re dealing with low motility, specific sensitivities, or just want privacy and control. The point? Modern paths to conception can be as unique as your fingerprint, and staying informed about your options is a form of self-advocacy.
What If You’re Still Waiting for Your “Up Again” Moment?
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m still flat on the ground, thanks.” That’s OK. Not every day has to be a comeback. Sometimes, the bravest move is to rest and let the world spin for a minute.
But remember what that baby elephant taught all of us in one short clip:
- Try with your heart, even if you’re scared.
- Laugh when you fumble—if you can.
- And when you’re ready, get back up and keep going.
Final Thoughts: The Herd Is With You
Parenthood, like the wild, is unpredictable. You can do everything “right” and still face surprises. But here’s the other lesson from elephants: they’re never truly alone. They rely on their herd for protection, encouragement, and belonging. So should you.
Share your story. Connect with others who understand. And if you fall? Take it from our little hero in Kruger: get up, dust off, and charge on. Your journey—tumbles and all—is worth celebrating.
What’s the one lesson you’ve learned from your own “tumbles”? Drop your stories or thoughts in the comments and keep the herd strong!