Over the next 3 months we will be looking at the complex and emotional topic of miscarriage.

In this episode I am joined by Morven, an Independent Fertility Nurse and resident Fertility Nurse in our Don't Tell Me to RELAX community.

We discuss the various types of miscarriage, symptoms, and management options.

Plus:

• How miscarriage is a common yet heartbreaking experience.

• What are different types of miscarriages with varying symptoms.

• How statistics on miscarriage are often based on estimations.

• How symptoms of miscarriage can vary widely.

• How expectant management allows the body to pass naturally.

• How medical management involves medication to assist in the process.

• How the emotional recovery from miscarriage can take longer than physical recovery.

For further support we will be running two events in our community as part of this series. To access them follow this link to join our community.

💛 Miscarriage Support & Care in Tea & Chat with Carly Garret our Fertility Coach on June 18th at 8 pm

❤️ What Now? A Practical Guide After Pregnancy Loss with me Hannah Pearn June 15th at 7pm

For further miscarriage support see:

Worst Girl Gang Ever

Tommys

Miscarriage Association

Held in Our Hearts

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

❤️ Join our Don't Tell Me to RELAX fertility support community ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💛 See ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hannah Pearn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode I am speaking with Emma Menzies, a Fertility at Work coach and consultant, about the intersection of fertility challenges and workplace dynamics.

Emma shares her personal journey through fertility struggles while working as an employment lawyer, highlighting the stigma surrounding discussions of fertility in the workplace.

We discuss:

• How Emma's personal experience with fertility struggles inspired her coaching work.

• Why there is a significant stigma around discussing fertility in the workplace.

• How legal protections for infertility are currently minimal.

• How open communication with employers can provide necessary support.

• Whether workplaces are beginning to change policies regarding fertility and employee well-being.

• How finding the right support in the workplace is crucial for those undergoing fertility treatment.

• And how coaching can help individuals navigate their unique situations and decisions.

Emma will be running a webinar in our Don't Tell Me To RELAX community on Tuesday 27th May at 8pm. To join follow this link.

Supporting Yourself through Fertility Challenges at Work.

If you’re struggling to manage your fertility journey in harmony with your career then this webinar is for you. Emma will share some of the ways fertility issues commonly impact working life and some tips for supporting yourself through these challenges.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

❤️ Join our Don't Tell Me to RELAX fertility support community ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💛 See ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hannah Pearn⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have got an extra episode on the podcast this week as we are celebrating the launch of the new fertility support charity- Fertility Action Network.

I am joined by Katie Rollings, founder of the Fertility Action Network, about her personal journey through infertility and the establishment of this charity aimed at improving access to fertility treatments and mental health support.

We discuss

• Katie's personal experience with infertility and IVF.

• How The Fertility Action Network aims to improve access to fertility treatments.

• Why there is a significant disparity in fertility treatment access based on location.

• Why mental health support is crucial for those undergoing fertility treatments.

• How male fertility issues are often overlooked in the fertility conversation.

• How education and resources for patients are lacking in the current system.

• The importance of community support for those struggling with fertility.

• How the campaign seeks to address inequalities in fertility treatment access.

• How Therapy played a vital role in Katie's recovery and advocacy work.

• Why engaging with MPs and raising awareness is essential for change.

For more information on Fertility Action Network check out their website and Instagram account.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

❤️ Join our Don't Tell Me to RELAX fertility support community ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠

💛 See ⁠⁠⁠Hannah Pearn⁠⁠⁠ for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr Tet Yap, a consultant andrological surgeon, joins me this week to talk about male fertility, the role of andrology, and the challenges faced by men in accessing fertility care.

We discuss the differences between andrologists and urologists, the increasing awareness of male fertility issues, common causes of male infertility, and the implications of Klinefelter syndrome.

We discuss:

• How Andrology is a subspecialty of urology focused on male reproductive health.

• Why there is a significant shortage of andrologists compared to gynecologists.

• How male fertility issues are often overlooked in fertility discussions.

• How ICSI can treat infertility but does not address underlying male health issues.

• How Klinefelter syndrome is a common genetic cause of male infertility.

• Why many men with fertility issues have not seen an andrologist before seeking treatment.

• How awareness of male fertility testing is increasing, but access remains a challenge.

• Why proper diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes for male fertility.

• Why patients often experience delays in receiving appropriate care for male fertility issues.

• How online consultations can help connect patients with andrology specialists.

You can find more information on Tet here. And more information on Klinefelter syndrome here.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

❤️ Join our Don't Tell Me to RELAX fertility support community ⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

💛 See ⁠⁠Hannah Pearn⁠⁠ for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

This episode is all about progesterone, what it is, why it's important for fertility, how to test it and how best to support it.

I am joined by Dr. Amy Beckley a PhD Scientist who faced fertility and miscarriage issues of her own due to low progesterone. She founded Proov to fill the gap in testing and support for people with progesterone problems.

In this episode we discuss:

• ​How low progesterone can lead to implantation issues and early pregnancy loss.
• ​Why so many women are unaware of the importance of progesterone in fertility.
• ​Why Day 21 progesterone tests may not accurately reflect hormone levels.
• ​What common signs of low progesterone include short luteal phases and spotting.
• ​How Proov measures progesterone levels through urine testing, providing a more accurate picture.
• ​What lifestyle changes, such as diet and sleep, can significantly impact progesterone levels.
• ​How access to progesterone support varies by healthcare provider and location.
• ​Why education and awareness about hormonal health are crucial for women.

You can find out more information about Proov test kits here.

For more information join our Ways to Support Your Progesterone webinar on May 13th at 7. You can register for a place here.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

❤️ Join our Don't Tell Me to RELAX fertility support community here.⁠⁠

💛 See ⁠Hannah Pearn⁠ for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

I am joined this week by some of our lovely team to tell you about our new Don't Tell Me To RELAX community. We are moving it and we' love for you to come with us!

We are still called Don't Tell Me To RELAX and you'll find all the usual features and access to our fertility team of experts but it is better and much easier to use than before.

Our new community is designed for better navigation and support. You'll find all our previous webinars in one handy place and our signature Teaching To Conceive is there for everyone to access.

By moving away from Facebook we are reducing exposure to overwhelming content, the algorithm and having to be on it.

In our new community you'll find:

• our monthly drop in support group Tea and Chat- with fertility coach Carly Garrett
• a monthly Q&A with Fertility Nurse Morven
• regular webinars with Fertility Nutritionist Kirsty Harrison
• regular Fertility Awareness webinars with Katy aka Reflex East
• access to all our fertility acupuncturists
• chat and message forums
• invites to all our events

And we are keeping it all FREE! As a team we are committed to providing great fertility information and support for all.

If you want to come and join us follow this link to register.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠⁠Acupips,⁠⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

💛 See Hannah Pearn for more information on where we work.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

This is the final episode in this series Katy and I are discussing all those unhelpful nuggets of useless and often hurtful advice/ comments that people throw out when you're trying to conceive.

We discuss:

• How unsolicited advice can be triggering and unhelpful.

• Why stress's impact on fertility is often misunderstood.

• How many misconceptions exist about trying to conceive.

• How IVF is not a guaranteed solution for all fertility issues.

• Why relaxation techniques are not a cure for infertility.

• Why education on sex and conception is crucial.

• How hope is important, but it doesn't guarantee pregnancy.

• How people often oversimplify the journey to conception.

• Why support and understanding are vital for those struggling with fertility.

• Why the conversation around fertility needs to evolve and be more compassionate.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by ⁠Acupips,⁠ quote RELAX for 20% discount.

💛 Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't Tell Me To RELAX Fertility Support Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for monthly webinars, a team of fertility experts and a lovely group of supportive people who understand where you're at.

🤩 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

In the last couple of weeks there have been a lot of reports across the media about IVF Add Ons and there being no benefit to them.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has issued a warning to those undergoing IVF about “unproven extras” (Add Ons) to increase their chances of having a baby. 

These included acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, PGTA testing, microbiome tests, Time Lapse and Immunology amongst others.

I am joined by the brilliant Emma Whitney to discuss the findings, how it has been reported in the media and unpick the details behind some of the headlines.

We discuss:

• The role of the HFEA - a legally regulated entity that supports fertility clinics.

• How the media often misrepresents the findings of patient surveys.

• How Add-ons can vary significantly in their benefits and applications.

• How the language used in media can create confusion and fear among patients.

• Why Time-lapse technology provides valuable insights into embryo development.

• Why patient context is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of add-ons.

• How a lack of scientific evidence is different unproven

• The problem of scientific studies in the complexities of fertility

• How the majority of clinics and practitioners are primarily focused on helping patients build families.

For more information from Emma see her ⁠Instagram⁠ account and ⁠Website⁠

For more information on scientific studies on acupuncture see The British Acupuncture Council Factsheet.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by Acupips, quote RELAX for 20% discount.

💛 Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fertility Support Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for access to Teaching To Conceive, (our fertility education course), our monthly webinars and lovely group of supportive people who understand where you're at.

Don't Tell Me To RELAX! is sponsored by Acupips use code RELAX for 20% discount.

🤩 Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

Katy & I delve into the world of FemTech, discussing various technologies designed to help track menstrual cycles and fertility. We look at the pros and cons of different devices, including Temp Drop, Apple Watch, Aura Ring, and newer pee-on-stick technologies like PROOV and MIRA.

We discuss:

• How FemTech encompasses various technologies for tracking menstrual cycles.

• Temp Drop - a wearable device that tracks basal body temperature.

• Apple Watch and Aura Ring

• How wearable tech can confirm ovulation but not predict it.

• How Pee-on-stick technologies like PROOV and MIRA offer hormone tracking.

• How understanding your cycle can be done with both high-tech and low-tech methods.

💛 Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fertility Support Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for access to Teaching To Conceive, (our fertility education course), our monthly webinars and lovely group of supportive people who understand where you're at.

🤩 Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.

Myself and Fertility Coach, Carly Garrett discuss the emotional challenges surrounding Mother's Day for those in the fertility community. Carly also provides practical tips and ideas to help and shares a couple of events she has running for anyone looking for extra support.

We discuss:

• How Mother's Day can be particularly triggering for those in the fertility community.

• Why it's important to acknowledge the emotional weight of the day.

• How planning ahead can help mitigate feelings of grief and loss.

• How reframing negative thoughts can lead to a calmer emotional response.

• Why having a toolbox of coping strategies is essential.

• Some self-care practices can help reduce stress leading up to Mother's Day.

• How communication with partners and friends is crucial during this time.

• Why finding a supportive community can provide comfort and understanding.

Sending love and support to those struggling during this time.

💛 Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fertility Support Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for access to Tea & Chat and a lovely group of supportive people who understand where you're at.

❤️ To join Carly's group for support on Mothers Day follow this link.

🤩 Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

☎️ Book a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.