In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re joined by Liz Bancroft—Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, IVF veteran, and founder of the Hope Affirm Thrive program.

Fertility treatment is often described as a medical journey, but for neurodivergent women, it’s also a sensory, emotional, and psychological battleground—one that standard fertility care is rarely designed to accommodate. From overstimulating clinic environments to invasive procedures that trigger trauma responses, Liz unpacks the hidden stressors that make IVF uniquely challenging for differently wired minds.

But this conversation goes deeper than just managing sensory overwhelm—it’s about healing the nervous system to create the best possible conditions for both emotional and reproductive resilience. Liz breaks down the science behind chronic stress, trauma, and fertility outcomes, revealing why trauma work isn’t just about mental well-being—it’s a critical factor in the IVF process itself.

Beyond the unhelpful “just relax” advice, Liz shares evidence-based strategies for trauma integration, nervous system regulation, and self-advocacy, giving all women the tools to reclaim control, reduce emotional burnout, and navigate IVF in a way that actually works for their brains.

Whether you’re just starting treatment or deep in the trenches, this episode is an essential listen for anyone who feels unseen, overstimulated, or emotionally exhausted by the fertility system—because your mental health matters just as much as your hormone levels.

Resources

www.hopeaffirmthrive.com.au

www.bancroftpsychology.com 

https://emdraa.org/find-a-therapist/ 

In this moving episode, Georgia Prentice shares her challenging fertility journey complicated by a balanced translocation diagnosis, which led her through multiple IVF cycles and clinic changes before finally achieving success with her third egg collection.

Running parallel to her fertility struggles was a heartbreaking countdown—Georgia's father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given just 18 months to live. As she navigated the emotional rollercoaster of failed cycles and new hope, Georgia felt the pressure of time slipping away. Though her father passed less than two weeks before her daughter was born, Georgia finds peace in knowing he left this world aware that his legacy would continue, creating a bittersweet ending to her long-awaited path to motherhood.

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes into the fascinating world of fertility science with Natalie Moska, Laboratory Manager at Genea Fertility Perth. With over 16 years of experience across WA and the UK, Natalie shares her wealth of knowledge on the cutting-edge therapies helping patients on their fertility journey.  

We break down key adjuvant treatments like:  
PICSI – what is it, and who benefits?  
Zymot– how does it work for sperm selection?  
Calcium Ionophore Activation – the role it plays in fertilisation.  

Plus, Natalie opens up about her passion for embryology, her favourite part of the job, and what keeps her inspired in the lab. Whether you’re deep in treatment or simply curious, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the science behind fertility.  

Proudly supported by Genea Fertility

This week, we’re diving into all your fertility questions—yes, even the quirky or embarrassing ones! Joining us is the incredible Dr. Chandrika Parmar, a renowned gynaecologist, fertility specialist, and Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City. With her compassionate, patient-centred approach, Dr. Parmar has helped countless families on their fertility journeys. So, whether you’re curious, confused, or just looking for a little guidance, this episode has you covered. Tune in for expert insights, a few laughs, and plenty of reassurance. 
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility. 

In this episode, Anna Hitch shares her incredible fertility journey, from facing unexplained infertility and a heartbreaking miscarriage to navigating IVF and welcoming her miracle baby, River. Along the way, Anna and her husband battled more than fertility challenges, with his testicular cancer diagnosis during her pregnancy adding another layer of resilience to their story. Anna opens up about what she’s learned, the gratitude she feels for her little boy, and what’s next for their family as they prepare for future IVF.

This week’s episode with Gemma Clark, shines a light on CAPA-IVM (in-vitro maturation), an emerging technology in fertility treatment that offers hope to patients with PCOS and other conditions. A classic PCOS case with no ovulation, Gemma’s fertility journey has been anything but typical. From discovering she has two uteruses, two cervixes, and a tiny second vagina during pre-treatment screening, to a miraculous natural conception of her first child, her story is a testament to resilience. Now, Gemma is embarking on CAPA-IVM with PGT testing. This innovative approach matures eggs outside the body, offering a lower-stimulation alternative to traditional IVF—an especially exciting development for women with PCOS. Tune in to hear Gemma’s honest account of the challenges and possibilities of fertility treatment, and what CAPA-IVM could mean for the future of reproductive medicine.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at two critical advancements in fertility treatment—Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and Carrier Screening. These tools are transforming the IVF journey, giving hopeful families more control and confidence when it comes to their future children’s health. I’m joined by two Genea Fertility Melbourne City experts, Sandra Holden, a highly skilled Clinical Embryologist and Lab Manager with over 30 years of experience, and Claire Trumble, an Associate Genetic Counsellor who specialises in reproductive genetics. Together, Sandra and Claire break down the importance of PGT and Carrier Screening, discussing how these powerful tools can assist in creating healthy families and why they’re vital in modern fertility treatment. Whether you're considering IVF or curious about genetic testing, this episode offers invaluable insights from two leading experts in their fields.

This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with the incredibly brave Lisa Choney, who opens up about her journey through unimaginable challenges and triumphs. After battling an eating disorder herself, Lisa faced another unexpected hurdle — her husband's diagnosis of azoospermia, or male infertility. With their dreams of having a biological child hanging in the balance, they embarked on an emotional path through ICSI, three egg retrievals, a TESA procedure, a TESE surgery, multiple specialists, and four transfers. Their resilience was rewarded with the arrival of their miracle daughter. Lisa's story is not just one of perseverance through infertility but also a reflection on body image, self-worth, and the values she'll instill in her daughter. This episode is a testament to hope, love, and the power of never giving up.

In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that affects many women but isn’t often talked about—vaginismus. This debilitating condition can cause intense discomfort, making intimacy and everyday life challenging. Joining us is Dr. Chandrika Parmar, a renowned gynaecologist, fertility specialist and Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City. Dr. Parmar’s compassionate, patient-centred approach has helped countless women navigate their reproductive health, and today she brings her expertise to this important conversation. Together, we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for vaginismus, offering hope and support to those affected.

This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into Chelaine’s journey through the highs and lows of infertility as a FIFO couple navigating the complex world of fertility treatments. For the past two years, Chelaine and her husband have been balancing life with a "two weeks away, one week home" roster while managing full-time work, countless doctor visits, miscarriage and emotional challenges. In this episode, Chelaine sheds light on the resilience and courage needed to face ongoing testing, treatment changes, and the pursuit of parenthood. If you or someone you know is navigating infertility, this episode offers companionship, insights, and a reminder that you are not alone.