In this final episode of the first season, we revisit the moments that resonated most with listeners. The thoughtful reflections from Julia, a donor-egg mum, were a big hit. Deeper emotions were explored by Gemma, a positive psychology coach who highlighted our natural abilities to survive infertility. Many were moved by our own story, and we recall the kindness of Sheila, our local taxi driver, when things got tough. Everyone’s favourite ‘tech’ episode featured sonographer Kate, who talked about the importance of warmth and sympathy. And actor Simon Taylor returns to read The Solitary Reaper – a moving poem about loss that hints at better times ahead. To lighten the tone, we end with Ben’s Michael Caine impression, but the less said about that the better. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

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Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look back in time with feminist scholar Dr. Kate Angell, who guides us through infertility in history and literature. Accompanied by readings from Simon Taylor, Kate presents an alternative framework of love and creativity from key writers, musicians and political thinkers. From Greek goddesses to medieval composers, Romantic poetry to 20th-century novelists, this is a fascinating discussion about female success, sacrifice and solidarity. We hope this 'alternative abundance of life' will inspire women struggling with infertility and childlessness. These voices offer us comfort and strength – real women who lived fulfilling and remarkable lives in the face of convention, tragedy and loss. 

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Extract from O Viridissima Virga by Hildegard of Bingen, performed by Grace Davidson (soprano). From the album Sacred Chants. Label: Signum Classics. Used with permission.            

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

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Does your vaginal microbiome help or hinder your reproductive health? We talk to Milena Mastroianni, a leading nutritionist with a keen interest in microbiome and optimising our bodies in the pre-conception period. Holistic therapies for infertility have, until recently, been limited to treatments like yoga, acupuncture and reflexology. But, as Milena explains, supporting the ‘good’ and treating the ‘bad’ in our vaginas is a sensible thing to do. What’s more, microbiome is not limited to the vagina or gut: it’s present in sperm, too. A fascinating discussion on a new and intriguing science – and the research behind it.  

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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https://www.habitude.co.uk/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you optimise your chances of a successful embryo transfer? What can you really do in the run-up to this critical moment - and afterwards? In this episode, we share key tips that may just lead to a successful pregnancy. Your clinic will know some of them, but others are down to you. From embryo quantity to the ERA test, acupuncture to alcohol reduction, we explore ways you can improve the odds of a successful embryo transfer as a fertility patient. One thing's for sure: a proactive approach to your mental and physical health, as we found out, makes a big difference.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're talking today about ultrasound scans, and we're joined by leading IVF sonographer Kate Richardson. Every fertility patient has them, but scans are more than routine assessments. The relationship with your sonographer is special: they're often the first and last person you see on your fertility journey. Emotional understanding and technical excellence are crucial. Fertility patients see their wombs, and their embryos, sooner and more often than women who conceive naturally. As Kate points out, the role of sonography in some ways frames and defines the fertility treatment process. The technology helped IVF develop – and every pregnancy is unique. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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https://www.thebirthcompany.co.uk/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk to Mike and Jess, a wonderful couple who bravely opted for donor-embryo treatment. After years of trying naturally, unsuccessful IVF cycles, and a devastating ectopic pregnancy, they chose a fertility solution that gave them the highest possible chance of success: embryo adoption. Both talk passionately about that decision and the emotional aspects of using donated eggs and sperm. Embryo adoption was unusual even a decade ago. Today, it's an increasingly popular choice for single women, same-sex and heterosexual couples. The icing on the cake? Listen out for the surprise that made their family even more unique.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we really survive infertility? We discuss coping strategies with Gemma Duffy, a positive psychology coach with a keen interest in IVF. Gemma explains how the capacity for resilience, strength and hope runs deeper in our characters than we think. Alongside traditional counselling, positive psychology coaching can help us to draw on these resources. We talk about our own childhoods, and how our contrasting experiences sowed the seeds of resilience for our challenging fertility journey. And we reflect on how humour helped – a powerful and uniting force for both of us. So how can we find that resilience? If we look within ourselves, it’s there for us.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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https://www.gemmaduffycoaching.com/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do male partners cope with IVF treatment? Meet John and Tim, two very different characters united by their experience as fertility patients. For John, a cancer diagnosis led to urgent IVF intervention. For Tim, successful treatment was followed by three years of frustrating twists and turns. Both talk honestly about the challenges they and their partners faced and the support they gave and received. What really mattered on their contrasting journeys? For both, managing unpredictable life events meant loyalty to their partners, a sense of shared love and loss, and a realisation that emotions are best out in the open.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you really improve the odds of embryo implantation? In this episode, we share hints and tips of how you and your clinic can maximise your implantation chances during fertility treatment. We look at diet and nutrition, asking if certain foods really help. We chat about taking time off before and after your treatment, and if it makes any difference. And we discuss the role of add-on treatments – endometrial scratching, steroids, blood thinners and uterine biopsies – in the complicated implantation process. Transferring one or two embryos, medication alternatives, genetic testing – there’s no magic solution. But lifestyle choices can help, and a clinic with a strong understanding of your medical options is key.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

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Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined today by Julia, a donor-egg mum looking back at her long journey to motherhood. After numerous treatments, Julia and her partner Ollie travelled to Spain for donor-egg IVF. Their daughter, Eve, was welcomed into the world nine months later. Julia talks emotionally and humorously about the highs and lows of treatment, the deep bond with her longed-for daughter, and the hurdles and worries she and her partner overcame. From tearful pizzas to bumpy trains, egg sharing to epigenetics, this is a courageous and intelligent story from a mother deeply grateful for the medical advances that came to her aid.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.