In March 2024, we met Katherine, a mother from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Her story, shared with warmth and honesty, sheds light on the complexities of parenthood, fertility challenges, and the role of medication in navigating healthcare systems. Rooted in the values of Inuit culture, Katherine’s experience emphasizes resilience, advocacy, and the many paths for creating a family.
Dreaming of a Family
For Katherine and her husband, the dream of creating a family began long before they were married.
“Even before we got together, we both knew we wanted to adopt. But we also hoped to have biological children,” Katherine shared.
Their journey took an unexpected turn when Katherine was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects ovulation and often requires medical intervention to conceive. For Katherine, the diagnosis was challenging but did not define her path to motherhood:
“It didn’t matter to me if we adopted or had our own because there are so many babies that need homes. A baby that we adopt is our baby”.
So, they adopted their first child three years ago.
Fertility Treatments: Challenges and Choices
While adoption was always part of their family plan, Katherine and her husband pursued medical treatment to try to conceive their second child. The process, however, was far from straightforward, especially in the North.
“The last thing the doctors needed to do before prescribing medication was check if my fallopian tubes were open,” Katherine explained. “There was only a four-day window each month when the test could be done, and everything had to align perfectly—the doctor’s schedule, the availability of the X-ray department, everything.”
Month after month, Katherine made repeated attempts to coordinate the test, but it never worked out. Each failed attempt took an emotional toll.
“After the fifth month, I was crying. I just wanted another baby.”
Ultimately, she and her husband chose to shift their focus back to adoption. “It didn’t matter whether we got pregnant on our own or adopted. So, we decided to adopt again.”
Katherine and her husband embraced adoption wholeheartedly. Today, they are proud parents to two beautiful children – their son, adopted three years ago, and their daughter, who joined their family seven months ago through adoption from Katherine’s cousin.
Their story reflects the beautiful ways Indigenous communities have always understood family – through bonds of love, community, and shared responsibility. “We adopted my son three years ago, and he has two big families that love him. He’ll always know where he comes from,” Katherine says with a smile.
The Importance of Advocacy
Through her experience, Katherine learned the value of advocating for herself in a healthcare system that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for women in remote areas. “You have to really advocate for yourself […] gather information and never hesitate to follow up. It’s your health, and it’s okay to keep pushing for answers” she emphasized.
Her advice is simple yet powerful:
- “Ask a bunch of questions, write everything down, and if you’re in an appointment, consider recording it. Sometimes, you don’t take it all in the first time.”
- “Get all the contact information you can—like the doctor’s secondary number—so you can follow up with questions later.”
This proactive approach helped Katherine navigate the complexities of fertility treatments and make informed decisions for her family. It’s a reminder that being your own advocate is not only empowering but essential when managing your health.
Encouragement for Other Mothers
Katherine’s journey through building family shows that the path to parenthood may have unexpected turns especially when medical conditions like PCOS arise. There are many ways to build a loving family, the important thing is to make an informed decision for yourself. Her story particularly resonates with those in northern and remote communities who face similar challenges accessing medical care.
“It doesn’t matter how your children come into your life,” Katherine reflects. “What matters is the love you give them and the family you build together. Keep asking questions, stay connected to your community, and remember – you’re not alone on this journey.”
For those seeking support with PCOS or fertility treatments, speak with your healthcare provider about available resources and treatment options in your region. Remember that every journey to parenthood is unique, and there are communities of support ready to help along the way.
Are you interested in hearing Katherine’s voice and the emotion behind her words? Listen to this brief clip of her testimony: