Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast

Happy New Year and welcome to a brand new series of Don't Tell Me To RELAX!We're kicking off 2026 with some sound advice from our very own a team of fertility acupuncturists. Having around 80 years of experience between them the team share their top tips for supporting individuals struggling to conceive. We disucssHow to think of food as your first medicine, supplements second.Why eating a balanced diet is crucial for fertility.The benefits of warmth to alleviate menstrual pain and improve fertility.How sleep affects hormone production and overall health.Why open communication with partners is essential during fertility challenges.How online support groups can provide community and understanding.Why digestion is so important and where to go for support.For more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

***BONUS CHRISTMAS EPISODE***We are releasing this in the middle of Christmas in case anyone is looking for some extra emotional support during this time.I am with one of our affiliate acupuncturists, Danielle Croft from Banbury, to discuss the emotional challenges faced during fertility journeys and how Chinese medicine can provide support. We discussHow fertility journeys can evoke a range of difficult emotions.Why anger is a natural response to fertility challenges and should be expressed.How finding joy is crucial for mental well-being during fertility struggles.How worry and overthinking can be managed by setting boundaries and focusing on self-care.Why grief is a valid emotion in the context of fertility and should be acknowledged.The ways connecting with something greater can help cope with grief.How movement and exercise can help release pent-up emotions like fear and anger.You can download Danielle's resources here.For more fertility support, we have so much to offer — both online and in person:💛 ⁠Join our Don’t Tell Me To RELAX! fertility community⁠ for ongoing support, webinars, and a space where people understand.❤️ ⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠for fertility tips & support.🧡 ⁠Book a Discovery Call⁠ to explore how we can support you 1:1 and answer any questions about working together.💛 ⁠Work with us 1:1 ⁠in one of our clinics across the UK for personalised, evidence-informed fertility care.

I am with Fertility Nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during the festive season, when you are trying to conceive. We chat about societal pressures surrounding drinking at Christmas, the impact of alcohol on fertility, and provide practical advice for making informed choices. We discussWhy the festive season can be sp emotionally charged How the research indicates that alcohol can negatively impact fertility outcomes.Moderation is key; under four drinks a week is advisable for those trying to conceive.How it's important for both partners to be on the same page regarding alcohol consumption.Why enjoying a drink without guilt can have positive emotional benefits.Why maintaining healthy habits during the holiday season can support fertility efforts.How research and evidence can help couples make informed decisions about drinking.Here is a link to one of the research papers referred to.For more fertility support, we have so much to offer — both online and in person:💛 Join our Don’t Tell Me To RELAX! fertility community for ongoing support, webinars, and a space where people understand.❤️ Follow us on Instagram for fertility tips & support.🧡 Book a Discovery Call to explore how we can support you 1:1 and answer any questions about working together.💛 Work with us 1:1 in one of our clinics across the UK for personalised, evidence-informed fertility care.

If your IVF has not gone how you hoped this episode is for you.I am with Dr. Shabana Bora from Alma Fertility to discuss the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with IVF failure. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind unsuccessful cycles, the necessity of further testing, and the value of recovery time before attempting another cycle. We discussHow IVF failure can be emotionally devastating, but it's important to understand that it can happen due to various reasons, often beyond one's control.What the common reasons for IVF failure include issues with egg quality, sperm quality, and the unpredictability of each cycle.What further testing is recommended.Why taking a break after a failed cycle allows for emotional and physical recovery, which can be beneficial for future attempts.How lifestyle changes, including nutrition and stress management, can positively impact IVF outcomes and should be considered before the next cycle.The importance of seeking a second opinion or changing clinics if you feel their needs are not being met.How different IVF protocols may yield different results, and it's essential to find a clinic that can tailor treatment to individual needs.For more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

I am joined by Tim Royle this week. Tim shares his deeply personal journey through IVF alongside his wife, Hannah .Tim discusses how going through so much treatment led to him making a short film about his experience "Its The Hope That Kills You"We discuss the emotional toll of fertility treatments, the male perspective on the experience, and the importance of communication and support. Tim reflects on the loneliness often felt during the IVF process and the challenges faced with medical care. He emphasizes the significance of hope and the small actions that helped them cope. Tim's short film, 'It's the Hope That Kills You,' which aims to shed light on the struggles of fertility is out on 30th Nov and will be available on YouTube. You can also follow on Instagram @itsthehopethatkillsyoufilmFor more male support you can see-Fertility SolutionsTestHimFertility ActionFor more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK