How to deal with the fears we have about becoming parents
Covid-19 and fertility treatments
We appreciate given the current crisis you may well be worrying about what covid-19 means for your fertility treatments, and therefore at the beginning of this episode, we give you an update on the current advice.
At the moment, there is limited guidance out there, however, this will likely change in the coming days/weeks. Currently, the HFEA recommends that you contact your clinic for advice as each clinic will likely have contingency plans in place. We plan to chat with experts this coming week and will, of course, keep you informed of any developments that relate to fertility treatments.
If you are required to self-isolate over the coming weeks, then you can be reassured that The Fertility Podcast will be keeping you entertained. So, make sure you subscribe so as not to miss an episode!
Parenthood in Mind
Next up, Natalie and Kate talk to Julianne Boutaleb, a peri-natal psychologist, Clinical Director, and Founder of the Parenthood in Mind practice. Julianne works with women and couples who have experienced trauma in relation to birth and miscarriage but also with women who suffer from fertility trauma.
- Typical patients that Julianne works with are couples who have concerns with regard to known genetic issues, couples who are facing assisted conception, couples who have had failed cycles or reproductive injuries, and those contemplating donor conception, surrogacy, or adoption to create or complete their family.
- Many couples who have previously experienced miscarriage come to Julianne as they have a fear – either physically or emotionally of a miscarriage reoccurring.
Tokophobia
- Tokophobia is the fear of being pregnant or giving birth. Tokophobia may occur in women who have never given birth to a child, but it may also affect women who have had prior traumatic pregnancies or birth experiences.
Protecting your relationship
- Couples who don’t conceive are 3 times more likely to separate or divorce than couples who do conceive.
- Clinics are starting to support couples more with regard to the emotional impact
- Often reaching menopause can be a trigger for women who haven’t been successful in conceiving through assisted conception.
- Julianne helps couples rewrite their ‘happy ever after’ story without children.
Fertility Trauma*
- The term Fertility Trauma helps to highlight that struggling to conceive is a real trauma and this also includes ‘perceived’ trauma.
- Fertility trauma is not just depression, anxiety, or stress but is your brain going into ‘fight and flight’ mode.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Unfortunately, since recording this episode, Jessica’s Pond to Peak Challenge and her ascent of Everest has been canceled due to Covid-19 but she will hopefully be making this journey next year!
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Fertility Trauma explanation
The term ‘reproductive trauma’ was first coined by perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Janet Jaffe...
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