I Was Supposed to Have a Baby (IWSTHAB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that utilizes social media (mainly Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy) to provide support, education, and advocacy for Jewish individuals and couples (of all denominations) struggling to have a baby. This includes those dealing with infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, surrogacy, and adoption. The need: 1 in 8 couples in the U.S. struggle to conceive naturally, and about 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The challenges of having a child are extremely prevalent, but stigma around fertility remains in the Jewish community. Countless IWSTHAB followers have reported feeling alone in their struggles and lost as to where to turn for answers. In addition, this isolation further alienates them from the Jewish community at large; so many of our holidays and practices are child-centered. There are many wonderful Jewish organizations that address infertility and/or pregnancy/infant loss, but most are either affiliated with a particular stream of Judaism, or they are geared toward one aspect of this journey (primary or secondary infertility, baby loss, surrogacy, or adoption). Until IWSTHAB was founded, there wasn’t another organization that encompassed all streams of Judaism and all aspects of fertility under one roof. Consequently, so many felt alone and unsure as to where to start or to turn to for help. IWSTHAB offers something no other organization does — a community that is open and supportive to men and women from all denominations who might be dealing with any and all issues related to infertility and pregnancy/infant loss. IWSTHAB provides a platform for people to share their pain and their stories, as well as their questions and their pleas for help. It’s a place where anyone having trouble with these issues can go to hear from experts as well as others like them. And it’s a place that offers practical support by directing people to the help they need.
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