5 things to look for in a fertility therapist. My top tips for finding the right Fertility Specialist for you are primarily coming from a Mind-Body perspective on Fertility. My specialist area covers Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT in particular, and since I’m a passionate ‘NON-Jack of All Trades’ advocate, but I have a big passion for the fact that different methods … Read More
Save the midwife
#savethemidwife campaign. Disappointed that we need it… but so lovely seeing all of the wonderful pregnancy and birth pictures supporting it. To very briefly explain my personal story for the backing of it, here are the two pictures I’ve posted so far, and the words that I shared on my Facebook page. “Having one to one care with an Independent … Read More
Surrogacy. A gift worth celebrating.
3 years ago my life was totally engulfed in surrogacy. I was midway through a labour that resulted in my friends meeting their baby for the first time. Once the baby was born I wanted the world to know that “this is a thing”, a thing people can do. That I had just experienced a life-changing year, and I was … Read More
Different routes to becoming a mum
There are many different routes to becoming a mum. Today has been a breath of fresh air, and a deep debrief, all at the at the same time. It’s been such a busy few weeks and I’ve barely had time to stop and think, or do anything but work-home-parent. Today I had to fit in yet another thing, but this time … Read More
‘Think yourself fertile’ versus ‘TTC’
Think yourself fertile Vs TTC – the power of mind-body medicine Are the three little letters TTC all consuming? Whether you are hoping to conceive naturally, or are having assisted conception, Hypnosis and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can really help support you. For someone who is going through the stresses of IVF, Hypnotherapy can be the saving grace when it … Read More
I used to be a Birth Doula…
Almost a year ago I wrote a blog on “Why I used to be a doula”, as I was struggling with being bartered down, and the role devalued. The blog still stands, but being a Doula, I just can’t help myself when asked again if I’ll support a woman. I said “I used to be a Birth Doula. It was … Read More
What is ‘hypnobirthing’ and will it help?
What is ‘hypnobirthing’ and will it help? Hypnobirthing has become a massive business in the last few years. I love the positive birth focus, but I don’t much like the hypnobirthing hype. No technique should take credit for a woman’s birthing ability. No one should go into birth believing that they need to do this particular technique in this particular … Read More
Guided meditation for Fear releasing
Guided meditation for Fear Releasing. For some women, pregnancy brings excitement and giddy anticipation. For others, it can bring fear, anxieties, vulnerabilities… and endless “what if’s”. Before I go any further and paint a picture of pregnancy being doom and gloom, I want to tell you what I think pregnancy should feel like: Special, precious, invigorating, wondrous, amazing, exciting, blossoming … Read More
2 week wait & 1st trimester exhaustion
The 2ww – Mindful ways to help Implantation So once the miracle of conception has happened, whether through natural methods or assisted, the next physiological stage is implantation. Sticky vibes from well meaning friends is one thing, but what can you do to possibly help yourself during the 2 week wait? In no particular order, here are some bite-size ideas. … Read More
How sperm works
This subject is an entire breezeblock of book, not just a few paragraphs, but I thought a brief overview is worthwhile. So we know that we need millions of sperm, all strong swimmers, with stamina and all swimming in the correct direction. The millions and millions of sperm need to be deposited in a potentially hostile environment, cover a relatively … Read More
How to support your partner through IVF
How to support your partner through IVF Coping with fertility challenges together – Some info and tips to help you support your partner through IVF. Always keep in mind that no one causes this on purpose. With such a high number of people working through infertility, you’re not journeying this alone. This article is written with both men and women … Read More
7 ways to improve male fertility
Male Fertility. 7 ways to safeguard your seeds. You may have heard the terms ‘low sperm count’ ‘poor motility’ ‘poor morphology’ being mentioned. You may have only heard your head sprouting out some not so nice thoughts. Terms related to ‘firing blanks’ was used as an insult to men at one point. I certainly hope it isn’t any more, and … Read More
Unravelling assisted conception options
IVF, ICSI, ED, TTC, 2WW… could go on forever with acronyms. If you are new to looking at choices regarding infertility then it may be rather daunting right now. If you’ve been here a while, you probably know as much as me, plus much more. Much more relevant to your individual journey. Sometimes we still need a little help unravelling … Read More
Fear releasing “what ifs….” etc.
The yearning for a baby is such a strong thing, and the fear of it never working out can be huge. I want to refer you to the ebook that I created called The Little Book of Hope here, because I want you to keep the hope alive. Recently I was talking of doom and gloom about a political issue … Read More
Surrogacy
Surrogacy: The art form and the miracle of growing a baby in another woman’s womb. I’ll clear up a bit of the terminology first of all. Types of surrogacy include straight surrogacy and host surrogacy. Host is when you use a embryo that has a different woman’s egg, not the egg of the surrogate mother. The egg can be that … Read More
Relaxing stress responses throughout IVF
Relaxing stress responses throughout IVF. IVF can be a long drawn out and potentially stressful time. Endless appointments, hospital car parks, clinic waiting rooms, injections and timescales, and a body going through a synthetic hormonal rollercoaster. Using a self hypnosis and EFT program to help you keep calm, emotionally and physically, through the journey will no doubt have an effect … Read More
Ways to keep calm in pregnancy
You can never have enough support. And there’s a wealth of it out there. Netmums, Facebook groups, NCT classes, friends, I could go on… My most favourite support group in recent times is the Positive Birth Movement. A non-judgmental grassroots movement. The group aim is to enable free to access to support. An organisation aiming for all women to have … Read More
Overcoming blockages whilst deciding how to deal with fertility issues
Overcoming blockages whilst deciding how to deal with fertility issues. It can feel like such an overwhelming time when deciding what to do. Heart and head may have different thoughts. Too many pros and cons in all different directions. The impacts of decisions can feel too heavy to even think about. Your potential choices are obviously going to depend on … Read More
Happy womb, happy woman.
Happy womb, happy woman. How to have a happy womb? Have you ever talked to your womb? Think I’m bonkers for asking. No problem!! But have you?! How I think you have a happier womb: I suggest doing some womb meditations and some hands-on healing for a happy and balanced womb, and there are some incredible clean and accessible foods … Read More
Hormones get a bad rap… unfairly.
Hormones get such a bad rap. Unfairly, I may add. I tend to think of hormones as the musical notes that create a song to dance to. When they are in balance, the dance is beautiful, but when they are all over the place, at best it becomes comical, and at worst it’s just not funny, downright irritable, and a … Read More
Pregnancy care
Even if you don’t plan a birth to whale music, it doesn’t mean that hypnosis isn’t for you. Hypnotherapy and EFT can help you manage fears and feelings. Letting go of fears, that frequently aren’t even your own, they were Great Auntie Joyce’s fear that has been passed on through fear based stories, even though they meant well. Loads of … Read More
Childbirth Without Fear
All too often I hear stories from mothers old and new about how traumatic and difficult giving birth is… so even though I can empathise, I feel frustrated and saddened at why so many women are repeatedly experiencing these difficult and horrid births. Then, just the other day, I heard a fascinating story/viewpoint from a […]