IVF Before and After Podcast

Kay is discussing the importance of having a routine when you have a precious baby in your life.

Establishing a routine can be challenging and everyone’s routines will be different, tailored to the lives they lead but it is invaluable.

As your baby grows and changes your routines must also change and Kay shares the key elements of change and the best ways to achieve the changes in routine you will need, listen in and find out how.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A routine is invaluable but you have to be prepared to change it and not have any unrealistic expectations.
• Many parents find having a routine invaluable especially if you have more than one baby.
• By thinking about your baby’s needs such as feeding, sleeping and play you can find a routine that works.
• Any routine needs to be workable in your household.
• Babies will be more accepting of any activity that is repeated because it is familiar.
• The sleep, awakening and feeding patterns will alter as the baby grows.
• Any household has tasks that are both essential and desirable when your baby is very small concentrate on the essential tasks.
• Getting into a routine has benefits that make it worthwhile.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Many parents find having a routine invaluable especially if you have more than one baby’

‘You will have bad days but you will have many good days’

‘Organise your home so that things can be found quickly’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

IVF Before and After Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

‘Lie down with them and listen to what they tell you about their day and sing them their favourite song as they go to sleep’

In this episode, Kay reflects on the importance and long-term positive impact of a night time routine. Children grow through their lives with great speed and a night time routine is when you can give them what they want and need.

If you put everything else aside and give them your attention and time you will be providing

them with a foundation of security and confidence that will be them as they grow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The night time routine is a key part of any family day.
• Your children always want your time and whatever time you give them they always want more.
• Children are always happy for you to be with them for every single minute of the day.
• When they go to sleep they want you to be there as they fall asleep.
• As parents we don’t want to start a routine that can’t be maintained but what if being there gives them a base of security and confidence in the love that surrounds them?
• When they are little you hold their hand as they go to sleep offering them comfort and security.
• When they are teenagers at that time, when you sit beside them, they will be sharing their worries and concerns because there is a well-established and shared routine.
• The routine will make you a part of their lives as they grow and become part of the wider world.
• You can put everything else aside because it can all wait while you give your child what they want and need.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Lie down with them and listen to what they tell you about their day and sing them their favourite song’

‘Her wee hand comes out and she just taps her hand on the top of her pink duvet as she scoots over so I can be next to her’

‘All my son and daughter want is for me to be there beside them when they go to sleep’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

IVF Before and After Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

‘Help your child grow on the journey they are on towards being an adult’

Kay explores the ways people react to toddlers who are unable to manage their anger and emotions.

The reactions of others can often be harsh and lack compassion but as a parent, you have a key role in helping your child learn how to manage their emotions as part of their journey through childhood and onwards towards being an adult. Listen in and find out how to manage anger in the right way.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Children must have childhood learning; the situation should not be about moving into a reactive state.
• We need to teach our children that having emotions is ok and it’s how you act on them that makes a difference.
• As an adult when your child is angry don’t react take a few deep breathes and help them move out of their heightened state and listen to what they are trying to say.
• Make them feel you understand what they are going through.
• Hold them in your arms and let them feel calm.
• That child will know you have compassion and they can put away their fears and tears.
• When your child is yelling at you, it’s not you, they are angry at.
• Know that a full meltdown needs to run its course and you can only be there to make sure they are safe and secure.
• Once they are calm they can tell you what they need because you have taught them how to manage their emotions.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Your child just wants to be heard’

‘We are all immature in some way’

‘We should help our children to learn how to manage their anger’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

IVF Before and After Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

‘Having something to hold on to can help them to navigate through their lives creating amazing human relationships

Kay looks at the importance of security blankets and why they are so important to young children as they make their first connections and relationships. Listen in and find out how ‘the security blanket’ whether it’s a small toy or a complete duvet plays a crucial role for young children as they make their first steps out into the wider world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As parents, we don’t really understand the value of a security blanket to a child.
• In 1951 they started research into the importance of security blankets and transition objects – any material that an infant attributes special value and helps them make the necessary shift from the earliest oral relationship.
• Security objects are empowering helping the child to make connections and relationships away from their parents.
• Every aspect of the item is part of a unique relationship between the security blanket and the child.
• Parents should seek to support the child with their security blanket
• They are a tool to boost the self-confidence of a child and empower them
• It helps them leave their parents and deal with the situations they meet during a day with others at playgroup or nursery.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s something to hold on to’

‘He’s on to the next adventure of his life’

‘My son has found the biggest security blanket ever’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

IVF Before and After Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

This is when it’s all down to nature, God and fate, we are all in the hands of that little dish’ 

In this informative episode, Kay shares an overview and concise guide to the IVF process. 

She also explains how every clinic and every cycle is different. IVF isn’t straight forward, there are always a multitude of questions which need answers. 

Every IVF cycle is an incredible opportunity but also a gamble as there are no guarantees. Listen in to find out what going through the process is really like. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

A typical cycle; 

• The female takes a drug to switch off her cycle of ovulation. 
• She then takes drugs to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. 
• 10 -12 days later the female takes a trigger drug to stimulate the eggs and  36 hours later her eggs are removed under general anaesthetic. 
• The male then provides a sperm sample and the eggs and sperm are mixed together. 
• You will then be informed as to how many are fertilised. 

• Ideally, the clinic should wait until day 5 to undertake the implantation of the fertilised embryos. 
• Any remaining embryos are frozen for possible future use if this is what you request. 
• You return home and continue to take progesterone for a set period of time, usually the 12-week milestone. 
• You wait for 2 weeks then take a pregnancy test either at home or  a blood test at the clinic. 
• If you are successful you have another scan at 7-9 weeks. 

• You are then in the NHS system and will have a scan at 12 weeks 
• There is no guarantee even if everything goes well it’s a rather large gamble. 
• Everything is a risk but when you want to be a mother or father it’s a risk you may want to take. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘Sleep a lot because you’ll need it when the baby arrives’ 

‘They are left overnight to go ‘jiggy jiggy’ and see what happens’ 

‘The best embryos are put back and in the UK the maximum number is 2 unless you are over forty’ 

 VALUABLE RESOURCES 

IVF Before and After Podcast 

ABOUT THE HOST 

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey. 

CONTACT METHOD 

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ 

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER 

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After 

‘You need to learn what your toddler is trying to communicate through a tantrum’ 

It may feel completely overwhelming when your toddler is having a meltdown but remember to always be there for that child and not think about what others think. 

Kay talks candidly about her recent challenges with her toddler whilst on holiday and explores the reasons why toddlers have tantrums and the importance of listening to what they are trying to say. 

When your child is having that meltdown put your arms out and hug them because that’s what they need. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Toddlers are brilliant, innocent and live in the moment. 

• Toddlers have a tool case that they don’t know how to use as they go through rapid brain development they have to learn by their mistakes. 
• Positive parenting encourages a healthy brain. 
• As a species, we are unfinished at birth and children build a brain best suited to the environment they are in. 
• The answer lies in  the interplay of genetics and environmental factors. 
• Toddlers build up their stress hormone as they deal with the challenges of each day and they express it verbally releasing  their feelings. 

• Toddlers don’t intentionally throw a tantrum. 
• Tantrums are an opportunity to learn as a parent. 
• You are there to nurture them and you need to learn what your toddler is trying to communicate through a tantrum. 
• Remember the tantrum is not a reflection on you or your parenting. 
• You are your child’s navigator you must hold your child close and give them words they understand reassuring them you are there for them. 

• In responding in this way you are increasing your child’s belief in you, that you are there for them at all times. 
• Children who have had a passionate response and positive parenting will be able to deal with their emotions most of the time because they will feel secure and able to connect with other people’s emotions. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘You need compassion and empathy to help your toddler’ 

‘The child doesn’t want to be unheard, abandoned, unloved’ 

‘ It is only when they are calm that you can begin problem-solving’ 

 VALUABLE RESOURCES 

IVF Before and After Podcast 

ABOUT THE HOST 

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey. 

CONTACT METHOD 

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ 

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER 

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After 

When did you last invite your friends over for a dinner party or did a shopping spree? How did it go? When you become a mum, it’s difficult to allot your free time to other activities. Out of nowhere, your leisure for yourself became a luxury—which you don’t mind.

In this episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast, Kay opens up about the unacceptable judgment that’s being received by moms. Do people really have to go that far and classify each whether they’re a good mum or a bad mum? A mum’s decision is something people should trust, especially when it comes to nurturing her kids. It’s rooted from her love, compassion, and care for her kid. We should stop questioning and judging every mum’s actions.

Hear more about this when you tune in.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Some prefer natural childbirth, some prefer caesarean delivery, some prefer to adopt, and some prefer in vitro fertilisation. They have their own choice, and you don’t get to voice out your opinion about it if you’re not being asked.
• Single mums are equally loving just like married mums. There’s no need for people to compare; there’s no truth that a child’s future will be better than the other.
  • And to add, it doesn’t matter if a mum is a stay-at-home or a careerwoman. A family’s way on resolving financial matters is a private matter.
• How you raise your child should not be based on what others people dictate unto you. Choose what works for you and your child. As long as you giving your child a healthy and nurturing environment, then why bother with what people say?

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

• instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/
• https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER
• facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

This episode brings us the ‘After’ in the IVFBAA  podcast series as Kay shares a candid account of what it is really like getting twins ready to go out. 

A family day out involves many things coming together so that everyone can leave the house at the same time, Kay reflects on the dynamics of her family and questions her routine in an episode that will resonant with anyone who has young children and provides an insightful view of what is to come for those on the path to parenthood. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

What is it really like getting 2 kids out of the house at the same time? 

• I’m multitasking as soon as my feet hit the ground. 

• When I finally get my first speed wee of the day, they are standing at the bottom of the stairs screaming and daddy is sitting in the armchair watching TV, why don’t they ask him? 
• He does often say ‘ I could have done that’ and I think …then why didn’t you get off your great fat lazy arse and do it! 
• I'm in the shower with 2 kids who are dumping all the clean organised clothes on the floor. 
• Back downstairs and Daddy is letting them out in the garden in their Sunday best and they are slipping and sliding and already covered in mud. 
• ………….and he says they were having fun… 

• No time for breakfast for me, the first opportunity I’ll get to eat something will probably be lunchtime 
• Then I look at my daughter who has her shorts on back to front, with both her legs down one leg of the shorts how can her Daddy not notice that ……. 
• ………….and he says he thought it was a skirt….. but who puts a short skirt like that 
• on a 2year old! 
• He announces he’s going to ‘pop to the shop’ and I’m on my own again with 2 kids and 2 dogs. 

• Here I am trying to put my make up on and the kids are squirting it everywhere. 
• I'm absolutely knackered, and we haven’t even left the house. 
• We have everything in the car but nothing that they want. 
• They are speaking as twins do without words, hatching a plan to bolt as soon as they are out of the car. 
• All I can think about is ………did I turn off the tumble dryer?......... 

• Its finally silent but I’m hoping they’ve not gone to sleep; I need them to sleep tonight at home. 
• This is after IVF, what it’s really like having twins, having kids, its hard work but 

we wouldn’t change it because we wanted our miracles. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘It’s lovely being a mother but sometimes you want a wee bit of time and everything to run smoothly’ 

‘I can’t remember the last time I just had time to be me’ 

‘No time for breakfast, for me the first opportunity I’ll get to eat something will probably be lunchtime’ 

‘It’s usually ‘how long will you be?’ as I finally get to go up the stairs to get ready’ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES 

IVF Before and After Podcast 

ABOUT THE HOST 

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey. 

CONTACT METHOD 

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ 

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER 

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After 

‘Eating fertility foods in preparation for your pregnancy and to boost fertility is one of the most powerful health changes you can make for yourself’ 

Kay looks at the research studies on how the food we eat can make a positive impact on fertility. She takes us through the different food groups and the role they play in preparing the body for reproduction. Listen in now for practical advice and tips on how to positively prepare to be a parent. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Numerous studies have shown that  specific changes to food  intake can improve  fertility, prevent miscarriages and support a healthy pregnancy. 
• A healthy body requires hormones and the building blocks for hormones are found in the foods we eat. 

What is fertility food? 

• It’s a way of eating that supports your body in its reproductive efforts and includes foods that are dense in the specific nutrients that are needed for hormonal function and production, foetal development along with egg and sperm health. 
• It is food designed to achieve balance and build up the nutritional building blocks that will give your child the best start in life. 
• We all eat so why not eat in a way that supports fertility. Eating organic, grass fed, whole fat, raw diary is the best choice. 
• Meat should be grass fed and organic as it is a good source of essential fatty acids, low saturated fat and protein. 
• Eat only greens in their natural form as fibre is important for the body in getting rid of  excess hormones. 

• Eating cold water fish is recommended as it’s a great source of protein. 
• White and processed foods should be avoided and replaced by whole wheat alternatives 
• There are also fertility superfoods such as Maca and Royal Jelly. 
• Preparing for pregnancy by changing to foods for fertility is a powerful step anyone can take in the journey to parenthood. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘Did you know the food you eat today impacts on your eggs and sperm 90 days from now?’ 

‘The number 1 cause of infertility, lack of egg production, can often be remedied by changes to the food we eat’ 

‘There are some chemicals added to foods that can be harmful to your health and your fertility’ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES 

IVF Before and After Podcast 

ABOUT THE HOST 

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey. 

CONTACT METHOD 

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ 

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER 

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After 

‘Your body needs vitamin D so finding out what your levels are could be life changing for you’

Not all clinics test for vitamin D and in this episode Kay investigates the importance of this vitamin in fertility and a healthy pregnancy. Not everybody is aware of the role vitamin D plays and Kay explains how our bodies process Vitamin D and its importance for those trying to conceive, listen in now to find out more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• From late March to September most individuals are able to get the vitamin D they need from being outside in direct sunlight.
• From October to March a supplement can be necessary to ensure you have enough Vitamin D.
• The number of foods which are a source of vitamin D are limited but include oily fish, liver, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods.

How much vitamin D do you actually need?

• Babies up to 1 year - 8.5 to 10 micrograms a day
• 1 year upwards and adults -  10 micrograms a day
• Infant formula is fortified so these babies do not require a supplement until the amount formula is decreased.
• It’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D through the foods they eat during Autumn and Winter.
• Those who do not get any or enough exposure from sunlight should take a supplement daily throughout the year.
• Taking too much can lead to calcium build up, resulting in hypoglycaemia which can weaken the heart and bones.

How is vitamin D linked to fertility?

• Studies have shown that vitamin D levels can have an impact on fertility and healthy pregnancies.
• Some research indicates that those with normal vitamin D levels are 4 times more likely to conceive through IVF.
• Some clinics screen for vitamin D and if the level is low will follow protocol to bring up the level of vitamin D.
• Currently, the exact threshold level at which vitamin D has an impact on fertility is not known.
• There have been studies that have indicated taking a supplement throughout pregnancy is good for both the baby and the mother.
• Taking a vitamin D supplement is low risk, low cost and can have a positive effect on fertility and pregnancy.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We should always aim to have women vitamin D replete when entering any treatment cycle’

‘It’s important to understand what happens if you take too much over a long period of time’

‘A person’s vitamin D status can affect their fertility’

‘Some research has shown that vitamin D levels have an impact on fertility and healthy pregnancies’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

IVF Before and After Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

IVF Before and After was founded by Kay Dempsey. She created IVF Before and After, after many years spent researching and practising every possible way to conceive with IVF. Kay has created a global community with the use of podcasts she will share the stepping stones to empower your mindset, fuel your body organically and support you along your fertility journey.

CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/

https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

https://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After