Show Notes
Holding Onto Hope These are our new podcast episodes where members of our community share their personal fertility stories. These episodes offer a different perspective on fertility — not just the clinical facts or expert advice, but the lived experience behind the statistics. Whether you’re in the middle of your own journey or supporting someone who is, these conversations are here to help you feel less alone, more informed, and gently reminded that hope can exist even in the hardest seasons.
In this conversation, Archie shares her journey as a solo parent navigating through five rounds of IVF to conceive her daughter, Aria. She discusses her early desires for motherhood, the decision to pursue solo parenting, the challenges of selecting a sperm donor, and the emotional rollercoaster of the IVF process. Archie emphasizes the importance of support networks and looking after your mental health to keep on going. Her story is one of resilience and hope.
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More from Don't Tell Me To RELAX- Your Fertility Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Divpreet Sacha shares her personal and professional insights on fertility testing, the gaps in current medical practice, and how individuals can advocate for their reproductive health. Discover practical advice on when and how to investigate fertility and the importance of holistic approaches.
In this episode I am joined by Rowena Paling from SANDS to discuss the complex emotional landscape of pregnancy and baby loss, offering insights into grief, support strategies, and societal changes. This conversation is essential for anyone seeking understanding or support after pregnancy loss.
As you may know, Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) begins today Friday, 9 October. So I am joined by Carly, a fertility coach, our community leader and certified grief coach, about what it feels like when everyone else has moved on but you are still living with loss. We explore baby loss, pregnancy loss, the grief that comes in waves, and practical ways to stay connected while also making room for hope. We discuss: what grief coaching is & her training why loss is loss, whether it was a chemical pregnancy, an unsuccessful transfer, or another form of baby loss. the importance of continuing bonds, including ways to keep a connection through names, rituals, special places, jewellery, scan boxes, or planting something meaningful. how grief can come back suddenly through anniversaries, scans, songs, places, or body memories, and that this does not mean anything is wrong. how there is tension between grief and hope, and how two emotions can exist at the same time without one cancelling the other.
I am wrapping up our series on PMOS with a deep dive into how Chinese medicine can offer support. In this final episode, I speak with Lily Lai, experienced practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the field.
I am with lovely Jodie Relph, a registered dietitian specializing in PMOS. Jodie shares her personal journey and expert insights on managing PMOS through diet, lifestyle, and medical options. We explore the recent renaming of PCOS to PMOS, holistic management strategies, and practical advice for those trying to conceive.