Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast

This is the last in our Men in May Series and we are discussing sex and TTC. Which obviously is for men and women. Sex and TTC, a topic not often discussed but often an area that can quickly become stressful and pressure fuelled leading to issues on both sides. So this week I am joined by Andrea Balboni, a sex, love, and relationship coach. We discuss the challenges couples face with their sex lives when trying to conceive. Andrea discusses why this can become problem, why this is common and very normal and what practical steps couples can take. This includes having open and connected conversations about sex, reducing stress and fatigue, and exploring pleasure in different ways. We discuss: How to reduce stress and fatigue by seeking support from community, friends, and family. Exploring pleasure in different ways and creating intentional time for intimacy. Embrace non-penetrative intimacy and acceptance when sex isn't possible. The advantages of not cycle tracking Andrea has an excellent free resource on her website all about How to Talk About Sex 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

Episode 5 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠ Katy and I are talking all about your luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and why it's so important for health and fertility. (I know we say that all the time!) But the luteal phase is when implantation occurs and we need good levels of progesterone to support this. Problems in the luteal phase are common. We discuss what they are and why they might be happening. Takeaways The luteal phase is the second part of the menstrual cycle, crucial for fertility. Progesterone is the dominant hormone in the luteal phase, essential for early pregnancy. A luteal phase shorter than 12 days can hinder implantation and fertility. Spotting before a period may indicate luteal phase issues. PMS symptoms can signal hormonal imbalances, particularly with progesterone. Basal body temperature (BBT) charts can help identify luteal phase problems. Thyroid health is vital for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. High stress levels can negatively impact progesterone production. Cycle monitoring offers a comprehensive view of menstrual health. Progesterone supplementation can be beneficial for women with luteal phase defects. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠

I am joined by Tess, co-founder and CEO of Bea Fertility. We are discussing their innovative at-home intracervical insemination device. Tess shares her personal journey that led to the creation of Bea, the functionality of the device, its target audience, and the support resources available for users. Takeaways Bea Fertility aims to create a fairer path for those struggling with fertility. The device is designed to be less invasive and more user-controlled. It functions similarly to a tampon applicator, delivering semen directly to the cervix. The target audience includes couples facing challenges with penetrative intercourse. Béa is significantly cheaper than traditional IUI treatments. Users receive two insemination devices in a treatment kit for optimal chances of conception. Support includes free fertility coaching sessions and a responsive support team. Béa Fertility is reimagining the fertility treatment journey, eliminating pain and confusion, and restoring control to those starting their families. Our first product brings clinical-grade fertility care into homes worldwide with a groundbreaking iteration of Intracervical Insemination (ICI), an established, evidence-based fertility treatment. 10% off Béa Treatments: Use FertilityPod10 for 10% off our 3-cycle treatments until 15th December 2024. To find out more you can see their website here. .......................................................................................................................................... This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 10 of our Teaching To Conceive Series! This is the last in this series and what a way to end! I am joined by the LEGENDS that are Jane Knight and Toni Belfield. Jane and Toni have written a book on Fertility, What Every Woman Needs To Know About Fertility and they join me to discuss the book and why it is so needed. We explore the need for clear guidance on reproductive health, the role of cervical mucus in conception, and the impact of lifestyle factors on fertility. We discuss: why there is a significant need for clear and accurate fertility information. why many women feel unprepared and uninformed about their reproductive health. how Cervical mucus plays a crucial role in identifying fertile windows. why regular ejaculation is important for optimizing conception chances. How stress and lifestyle factors can significantly impact fertility. Why preconception care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. why IVF is not a guaranteed solution for age-related fertility issues. 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Our Last session will be Tuesday 12th with a live Q & A with me Hannah Pearn. To register to join and get access to all previous classes follow this link. 💛 This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 9 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. This is now week 5 and Carly (Fertility Coach) will be taking How to Look After Your Mental Health when TTC on Wednesday 6th Nov. You can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ to watch live or get the play back. 💛 In this episode Carly and I are discussing all those difficult moments and announcements that can arise when you're trying for a baby. We explore the feelings of guilt and shame that often accompany pregnancy announcements and provide strategies for coping with these difficult emotions. We emphasize the importance of self-compassion, preparation for triggering situations, and the value of community support in navigating the journey of trying to conceive. For more information on working with Carly and access to her free downloadable resources follow this link. This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠⁠⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 8 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. on Tuesday 29th October we will be discussing Testing & Investigations for your Fertility, with Independent Fertility Nurse, Morven. You can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ to watch live or get the play back. 💛 In this episode Morven and I discuss fertility testing and investigations. We cover the importance of understanding fertility, the types of tests available, and the guidelines for when to seek help. Takeaways: why starting with a hormone panel is crucial for women. NICE guidelines recommended for fertility testing. Other hormone tests that can be helpful why men should always be tested for fertility alongside women. How anabolic steroids can negatively impact male fertility. Why cervical smears are essential before trying to conceive. For more information on working with Morven see her website. This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠⁠

Episode 7 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. ⁠Kirsty Harrison (a fertility nutritionist) will be explaining simple and practical nutritional tips for your fertility on Tuesday 22nd Oct. You can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠ to watch live or get the play back. 💛 Today Kirsty and I are discussing the significance of breakfast, particularly in relation to women's health and fertility and why everyone is always banging on about it's importance. We discuss: why breakfast is crucial for stabilising blood sugar levels. How cereal often lacks nutrition and can spike blood sugar. why a good breakfast should focus on protein, ideally 25-30 grams. why fasting may not be beneficial for those with hormonal issues. why caffeine should be consumed after eating breakfast For more information on working with Kirsty and her new affordable nutrition support community see her website. This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at ⁠www.femmehealth.co.uk⁠ and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠

Episode 6 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Katy will be delving more into cycle tracking and how to confidently spot ovulation on Tuesday 15th Oct. You can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠ to watch live or get the play back. 💛 Today we delve into the various methods of cycle tracking, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), basal body temperature (BBT) charting, cervical mucus observation, and cycle tracking apps. We chat about: Why cycle tracking provides valuable insights into menstrual health. How OPKs predict ovulation but do not confirm it. Why BBT charting helps assess luteal phase health. Why we think Cervical mucus is great. Why apps can be misleading if not used correctly. How understanding your cycle can enhance fertility awareness. Why finding the right tracking method is a personal decision and it's good to try different options. This podcast has been sponsored by femme health, a new online department store for fertility and conception. Visit their website at www.femmehealth.co.uk and use code relax15 to receive 15% off site wide. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠⁠

***BONUS EPISODE*** To celebrate the fantastic news that The Worst Girl Gang Ever have achieved charitable status we have Bex and Laura on the show. They share how TWGGE started, what they offer to support baby loss, miscarriage and infertility and why their work resonates and has helped so many people. They have got lots going on for the whole of October as part of Baby Loss Awareness week and the new charitable status. If you'd like to be kept up to date with what is going here is the link for the email list  ******************************************************* 💛 As part of our Teaching To Conceive Series we are running a free fertility masterclasses. These free sessions offer 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.⁠

Episode 2 of our TTC Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠⁠here.⁠💛 Katy and I are talking periods and their link to our health and fertility. We explain that a period is the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle, which marks the start of a new cycle and that a true menstrual period follows ovulation. We also discuss the importance of a good period, (yes the do exist) which should last 3-6 days, have a moderate flow, bright red color, minimal pain, and no excessive spotting. Takeaways A period is the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle, marking the start of a new cycle. A true menstrual period follows ovulation and shedding of the uterine lining. A good period should last 3-6 days, have a moderate flow, bright red color, minimal pain, and no excessive spotting. Heavy periods, light periods, painful periods, premenstrual symptoms, and irregular cycles can indicate underlying issues that may impact fertility. Understanding and tracking your menstrual cycle can provide valuable information about your health and fertility. ACUPUNCTURISTS- you can find out more about the Chinese Medicine Nutrition Diploma at ⁠The Northern College of Acupuncture⁠ by following this link ⁠here.⁠ 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our ⁠website⁠. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Welcome to Series 5 of the Podcast! Episode 1 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 8th Oct and you can register ⁠here.💛 Katy and I are discussing all the basic but so often overlooked fertility information to help you understand how your fertility works and improve your chances of conception. In today's episode we discuss the importance of fertility education and the basics of getting pregnant. We highlight the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and the need for more open conversations about fertility. We also address the misconception that getting pregnant is easy and quick, and remind listeners that it can take time and patience. Takeaways: Comprehensive sex education in schools often lacks important information about fertility and reproductive health. Understanding your menstrual cycle and tracking cervical mucus can help identify the most fertile days for conception. Getting pregnant can take time and patience, and it is important to remember that it is not always as easy as it is portrayed. There is a need to normalize conversations about fertility and reproductive health to reduce stigma and provide support to those trying to conceive. ACUPUNCTURISTS- you can find out more about the Chinese Medicine Nutrition Diploma at The Northern College of Acupuncture by following this link here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our website. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

This month in our community and through the podcast we are focusing in on Men. This is the first episode in our Men in May mini series I am joined by Claire Mooney from Fertility Solutions. Claire is a consultant embryologist with over 24 years experience in assisted conception. She has worked and trained in some of the most successful IVF units in the world. Claire specialises in Male fertility and believes that in an assisted conception industry that focuses heavily on the female partner it is now essential to turn our attention to the male partner. This is Claire's second time on the show (she's that good!) and in this episode we discuss how to have healthy sperm, what lifestyle factors can improve sperm quality and how proper testing is important for everyone who is TTC. We cover: Why male fertility should be considered and tested before assuming infertility is solely a female issue. Comprehensive testing for male fertility, including semen analysis, semen culture, and DNA fragmentation testing. How lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol, and temperature can impact sperm health. How improving sperm quality through lifestyle changes and addressing any issues can increase the chances of successful fertility treatment. How the decline in sexual frequency may be attributed to busy lives and excessive phone use. Why regular intercourse between days 7 and 21 of the menstrual cycle is important for maximizing fertility. Why considering fertility options early on can help individuals make informed choices about their reproductive future. 💛 This is the link for Fertility Solutions. and if you have specific questions for Claire, she will doing a live Q&A in our fertility support group on Friday May 17th at 12 pm. You can join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

In this episode, I am joined by Alejandra, from Fertility Support. Alejandra is an integrative psychotherapist, and we discuss the impact of mental health on fertility. We also look at the differences between counseling, psychotherapy, psychology, and coaching, because quite frankly it's all a bit confusing! Alejandra explains that fertility issues can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Alejandra shares how psychotherapy can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of the fertility journey, providing tools, insight, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. We discuss: Counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, and coaching and how they differ. How fertility struggles can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. The relationship between stress and fertility. It is complex and not fully understood, but it is important to avoid oversimplifying the issue by telling individuals to 'just relax'. How psychotherapy can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of the fertility journey by providing tools, insight, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. How finding a psychotherapist who specializes in fertility can offer additional understanding and knowledge of the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals going through fertility treatments. 💛 For more Fertility Information, Connection and Community,  Join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 Want to track your cycle? Download our Cycle Symptom Tracker and/or BBT chart here.

This is our final episode for this Series, we will be back in September! TRIGGER WARNING: in this episode we discuss miscarriage, IVF failure and pregnancy. We're ending with a positive story, with Charlotte, a lovely patient I have had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. Charlotte shares her journey of trying to conceive and experiencing multiple miscarriages. She shares her emotional toll and the frustration of waiting for appointments and test results and ultimately having to pay for rounds of IVF. I can happily report that Charlotte had her baby boy about a week after recording this episode and both are doing well 💛 Takeaways Trying to conceive can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when experiencing multiple miscarriages. The process of waiting for appointments and test results can be frustrating and isolating. A diagnosis of low AMH and a low egg reserve can significantly impact the success rates of IVF. Support from friends, family, and online communities can be crucial in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of fertility struggles. It's important to find healthcare providers who are honest, supportive, and provide clear communication throughout the process. Early testing and education about fertility can provide valuable information and help make informed decisions. Finding a supportive community and setting boundaries with others can be crucial during the fertility journey. Self-care and taking time for oneself are important for emotional well-being. The IVF process can be emotionally and financially challenging, but success is possible. Miscarriage is common and can be heartbreaking, but it's important to remember that each person's journey is unique. If you're looking for further support for miscarriage and loss then please see The Worst Girl Gang. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Charlotte Faure Green, a nutritionist specializing in anxiety, stress, and sleep, shares her personal journey with sleep issues and how she became interested in the field. She explains the importance of sleep for overall health and fertility, highlighting the impact of sleep on hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Charlotte discusses the circadian rhythm and its role in sleep, as well as the negative effects of poor sleep and shift work on fertility. She provides tips for improving sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed, keeping the bedroom cool, and incorporating calming activities like meditation or breathwork. Takeaways Sleep is crucial for overall health and fertility, as it affects hormone levels and reproductive outcomes. The circadian rhythm, driven by cortisol and melatonin, plays a key role in regulating sleep. Poor sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and shift work can negatively impact fertility. Creating good sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed and keeping the bedroom cool, can improve sleep quality. Activities like meditation and breathwork can help calm the mind and promote better sleep. ........................................................................................................... 😴 For more support on sleep see Katy's (Reflex East) up coming Sleep School............ "Sleep School is our signature DIY reflexology course to help you finally get a good night’s sleep. This year we will have both myself, Katy, and our wonderful reflexologist Marta leading your sessions where we will guide you through reflexology, sleep hygiene practices and acupressure points that will help get the most restful night’s sleep you have had in years!   Join us at 8.45pm Sunday 21st-Thursday 25th to get you through the working week. And it’s totally FREE! If you can join us live each night you really will get the most out of the sessions and help you to form new habits around sleep. But don’t panic! All sessions will be recorded and accessible for everyone who has signed up to Sleep School   And, if you join sleep school, you'll enjoy a discount on seeing Marta and me at our Hackney clinic throughout July and August—newbies get 15% off their first consultation and regulars get 10% off follow-ups All you need to do is follow the link to join: https://mailchi.mp/17244c7c768c/sleep-school-2024 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

Laura Wilkes, a women's health coach and yin yoga teacher, discusses the benefits of Yin yoga for women trying to conceive. Laura will be coming into our community on Wednesday 3rd July at 8 pm to do a free yin yoga class for us. You can join us by registering here. Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that focuses on holding poses for an extended period of time, allowing for deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga also helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Laura emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions, as the TTC journey can be emotionally challenging. She highlights the connection between stress and fertility, and the need to prioritize self-care and stress management in order to support fertility. The conversation explores the relationship between stress and fertility, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and managing stress in the journey to conception. Takeaways Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that promotes deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga works with the meridian channels in the body, supporting the flow of energy and promoting fertility. Yin yoga helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions is important in the TTC journey. Stress management and self-care are crucial for supporting fertility. Stress exists and is a natural part of life, but it is important to acknowledge it without blaming oneself or others. Yin Yoga can be practiced during fertility treatment, as it provides a gentle and healing way to release stress and promote relaxation. You can find out more about working with Laura through her website or Instagram page. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠online ⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

WARNING: this episode discusses miscarriage, baby loss and failed IVF. Hazel Leonard, a fertility educator, registered midwife from The Prepared Pineapple, discusses the challenges and concerns of getting pregnant after fertility struggles and loss. Hazel emphasizes the need for support and education during this journey, as well as the importance of acknowledging and validating the emotions that come with it. We discuss the anxiety and fear that often accompany pregnancy after fertility struggles, as well as the pressure to have a positive experience. We also discusses the impact of hormones, the role of doulas, and the need for mental health support during this time. Takeaways Pregnancy after fertility struggles and loss can be emotionally challenging and triggering. It is important to acknowledge and validate the emotions that come with this journey. Seeking support from professionals, friends, or support groups can be helpful. Accessing alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or counseling, can provide additional support. Finding a doula or midwife who specializes in fertility and pregnancy can offer personalized care and support. Taking care of mental health and prioritizing self-care is crucial during this time. Hazel will be doing a free webinar in our community group on June 26th. It's free to join just register via the link below. You can follow Hazel on Instagram here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠Discovery Call⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠online ⁠and across ⁠four London clinics.⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

This week we are looking at what happens for the man as they go through IVF. I am joined by Kathryn Hawes,  an embryologist at The Lister, to discuss the process of creating embryos and the importance of healthy semen. We look at what healthy semen looks like, the steps involved in creating embryos, the difference between IVF and ICSI, and the use of additional tests and techniques. Kathryn also provides tips for men and couples going through fertility treatment. We discuss: What healthy semen looks like The process of creating embryos involves timing, with the man providing a sperm sample on the day of egg collection, and the sperm and eggs being mixed together for fertilization. What is the difference between IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) Additional tests and techniques, such as DNA fragmentation testing and the use of the Zymot test Lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption, can have a positive impact on sperm quality. Communication and support between partners are important during the fertility treatment process, and it's essential to manage expectations and be kind to each other. 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

This is the third episode in our Men in May Series. I am joined by Shaun Greenaway and Ciaran Hannington, hosts of the Male Fertility Podcast. Shaun Greenaway is a male fertility coach and advocate. Having been diagnosed as infertile in 2018, he experienced the heartache, shame and secrecy attached to being a man with no sperm.  Shaun found himself navigating this trauma alone, with no support networks in place for men at the time.  Now the proud father to twins conceived via the use of donor sperm, Shaun shares his story via Instagram to provide that voice that he so desperately needed when experiencing infertility.  To further expand the help and support he can provide men going through fertility struggles, Shaun trained to become an accredited Transformational Coach. Kieran is The Male Fertility PT and his mission is to work with as many men as possible, supporting and educate men facing the road of infertility on how to enhance and improve their health to optimise their fertility and help achieve their goal of fatherhood. We discuss their personal experiences with fertility issues and the lack of support for men in this space. We discuss: Why we need better education and testing for men at a younger age to help address potential fertility issues. The lack of mental health support and communication from healthcare professionals for men going through fertility issues. Why open communication and seeking support from others who have gone through similar experiences is crucial for couples going through fertility treatment. How much improvements are needed in the healthcare system to provide better support and education for men dealing with fertility issues. 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

In our second episode as part of our Men in May mini series I am joined by friend of the show Kirsty Harrison. Kirsty is a nutritionist who specialises in fertility and supports many men with nutrition advice and information to help improve their sperm health. In this episode we discuss: Processed foods, trans fats, high sugar and caffeine intake, and the lack of essential nutrients can harm male fertility. Why a Mediterranean-style diet with fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and essential fats is recommended for male fertility. The importance of a good breakfast with protein and vegetables is important for overall health and sperm health. Moderation is key when it comes to caffeine and alcohol consumption for male fertility. Staying hydrated and reducing sugar intake are important for sperm health. Alcohol and how non-alcoholic beers may contain high sugar content, which can have a negative effect on sperm health. Vaping, even without nicotine, can have harmful effects on hormone levels and sperm count. A good multivitamin and testing for vitamin D levels are recommended for male fertility. A balanced diet, including foods rich in antioxidants, is important for sperm health. Sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for improving sperm health. PROTEIN POWDERS: Nuzest. The Organic Protein Company. Pink Sun 💛 Kirsty will be doing a live Q&A on Nutrition for Men in our fertility support group on Wednesday 15th May at 7.30 pm. You can join us in (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here