Imagine nine months of paid parental leave. Sounds unreal, right? But for Monica Virga Alborno, an American raising her children in Norway, this is her reality. In a recent Business Insider article, Monica shares how she benefits from nine months of parental leave, her husband’s four months, and affordable childcare—only $420 for two kids monthly—with an additional $350 stipend to support her family. These policies offer more than just financial relief; they provide emotional space and peace of mind during one of life’s most transformative phases.

Reading Monica’s story made me pause and reflect on how our own approach to family planning and fertility journeys could be revolutionized if we embraced such supportive systems. Fertility challenges can be isolating and emotionally draining, and the stress often compounds when financial and workplace pressures loom. What if we had the time, resources, and emotional support to focus entirely on our paths to parenthood without feeling stretched thin?

The emotional toll of fertility struggles is real. It can create a rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, and anxiety. But what if right after conception—or even during the trying-to-conceive phase—you had a safety net that allowed you to breathe?

Here’s where I think organizations like MakeAMom come in. They are pioneering a new way to support people trying to conceive: at-home insemination kits that accommodate unique fertility needs.

• The CryoBaby kit helps those working with frozen or low-volume sperm.
• The Impregnator kit is designed for low motility sperm.
• The BabyMaker kit caters to women with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus.

And guess what? These kits are reusable and affordable — a game-changer for many who want a comfortable, private, and cost-effective alternative to traditional clinical insemination.

What’s the connection to Norway’s approach? It’s all about reducing barriers and stress, whether through social policy or innovative products. Norway’s family-friendly policies give parents the freedom to focus on their growing family without financial strain. Similarly, MakeAMom’s solutions remove clinical and cost barriers, allowing people to take control of their fertility journey in the comfort of their own home.

I want to challenge a common belief: that fertility support must be clinical and costly to be effective. Why can’t the process be as emotionally supportive as possible? Why can’t we normalize and ease the journey, whether through longer parental leave or more accessible fertility options?

And here’s something surprising—MakeAMom reports an average success rate of 67% among users, which is a hopeful number for those who often hear discouraging statistics. The idea that you can create your own supportive environment, designed around your body’s needs and emotional wellbeing, is empowering.

So, how can we bring some of these lessons home?

• Advocate for better workplace policies that support parental leave and fertility-related absences.
• Explore at-home options for insemination that respect your unique health conditions and sensitivities.
• Prioritize mental and emotional wellness throughout your fertility journey—because it’s just as important as the physical aspects.
• Lean into community stories like Monica’s to see what’s possible when support systems work better.

In a world where fertility struggles can feel like a lonely battle, stories like Monica’s and solutions like MakeAMom’s kits provide hope and inspiration. It’s about building ecosystems—both social and product-based—that honor your journey, your wellbeing, and your family’s future.

What if we could all have access to that kind of support? Would your fertility journey feel different?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation about making fertility support kinder, easier, and more accessible.

For more information on at-home insemination options tailored to unique needs, check out these thoughtful solutions designed to help you on your path: Explore MakeAMom’s range of kits.

To read more about Monica’s inspiring story and Norway’s family policies, check out the full article here: I'm an American raising my kids in Norway. Full-time childcare costs $420 for two kids, and I get a $350 a month stipend.