IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

Emma Haslam
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  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Trying to conceive (TTC) and navigating fertility testing and treatment like IVF can be a long complicated conception rollercoaster - especially when navigating infertility challenges like high BMI, Low AMH, PCOS, Endometriosis, secondary infertility,  Unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarrage, baby loss, or being part of the LGBTQI+ community. Struggling with infertility and access to fertility treatment in your home country? Feeling frustrated by the lack of options, long waiting lists, NHS/state funded constraints, BMI restrictions, not getting answers, multiple failed IVF cycles, the high cost of private fertility treatment and at best average customer service?  My friend, you're not alone.   But what if there is another way?  Welcome to IVF abroad, the podcast designed to support, inform, and empower you on your journey to parenthood - wherever that path may lead.  I'm Emma Haslam, Founder of Your IVF abroad - the UK’s only independent reproductive agency. I am a  fellow fertility warrior and now Mama of one thanks to fertility treatment abroad. With my experience of helping hundreds of people worldwide since 2019 I will help you to understand and explore fertility options abroad in mainland Europe, like IVF, IUI, egg freezing, egg donation, sperm donation and double donation - making fertility treatment abroad safe, ethical, more affordable, accessible and a stress-reduced experience. Each week, I'll share expert insights, guest interviews, personal stories, and practical tips on topics like: Pros and cons of conceiving abroad IVF and other fertility treatments - what you need to knowNavigating donor conception with confidence How to save money on fertility treatments (and beyond!) Real-life experiences from others who've successfully conceived abroadExpert tips and guidance from professionals in the industryHonest conversations about the realities of infertilityTips, guidance, and real talk about all things related to infertility and trying to conceiveConsidering having fertility treatment like IVF,  donation, or advanced testing abroad in mainland Europe?  Or are you curious about how things work abroad and want to learn more? Either way, if you're looking for options on your fertility journey that are faster, more affordable, accessible and on your terms and timescales, then you are in the right place.  Here you will get honest advice from someone who TRULY gets it and learn how to get over the obstacles you are currently facing such as overwhelming high costs, the pressure of the ticking clock and being stuck in limbo. You want options, answers and you know that you deserve better. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode and I'll show everything I know about making your dream of parenthood a reality -  without the barriers and on your terms, timescales and without regrets! Love Emma x Emma Haslam is a fertility warrior, speaker, writer, campaigner, and resident fertility treatment abroad expert who has been featured in books, fertility apps, the press, radio, and podcasts. Her mission? To make fertility treatment more affordable, accessible, transparent, and supported for everyone. For more free resources, expert guidance and ways to work with Emma be sure to check out the show notes!

  1. 5d ago

    From Fertility Patient to Fertility Expert: 12 years later, my next chapter

    From Fertility Patient to Fertility Expert: 12 Years Later, My Next Chapter Twelve years ago, my husband and I started trying to have a baby. Eleven years ago, we began our IVF journey, and ten years ago, we started exploring IVF treatment abroad. I had no idea then how much that experience would shape my life - not just personally, but professionally. Today, I'm seven years into working in the fertility industry, having supported hundreds of people navigating their own fertility journeys. What began with my own lived experience has evolved into a career built on professional expertise, independent fertility guidance and helping people work out the right path for them. In this episode, I'm sharing how my work has evolved, why finding a clinic isn't always the first step, and why I'm entering a new chapter as Emma Haslam, Independent Fertility Strategist. In this episode, I talk about: My personal fertility journey and how it led me to establish Your IVF abroad.What seven years of working in the fertility sector has taught me.Why finding the right clinic isn't always the first step.How to identify potential gaps, ask better questions and explore your fertility options.Finding the right clinics and specialists in the UK or abroad.Why independent guidance matters when you're trying to work out who to trust.How I help people turn a clearer plan into practical next steps.Why I'm broadening my professional focus and the podcast's direction.Whether you're dealing with unexplained infertility, repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles, recurrent miscarriage, or simply don't know what to do next, you don't have to work everything out alone. My role is to help you make sense of your options, find the right people to support you and navigate your next steps with greater clarity and confidence — whether treatment at home or abroad is right for you. Want to find out how I can help? Visit yourivfabroad.co.uk to learn more about working with me. You don't need to know whether you want treatment in the UK or abroad before getting in touch. Connect with me on Instagram: @YourIVFAbroad Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  2. Sep 29

    Do I need IVF?

    Do I Actually Need IVF? 3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Fertility Clinic If you've reached the point where IVF feels like your inevitable next step, stop before you start choosing a clinic. Before you spend thousands of pounds on fertility treatment, it's worth stepping back and asking whether you actually understand why IVF has been recommended, what you're hoping it will solve, and whether you've explored the right options for your particular situation. In this episode, I talk about three important questions to ask before choosing an IVF clinic: 1. Have you actually had the right fertility investigations? Having fertility tests doesn't necessarily mean you've had every investigation that's relevant to your individual circumstances. I talk about why it's important to understand what has and hasn't been investigated, and why this needs to include consideration of both male and female fertility. 2. Do you understand why IVF is being recommended? If your doctor or clinic has recommended IVF, can you explain why? Understanding the reason behind a treatment recommendation can help you have a much more informed conversation about your fertility treatment options. I talk about some of the questions you can ask, including whether there are other reasonable options, whether anything should be investigated before treatment and what your realistic chances might be. 3. Are you solving the right problem? This is the big one. It's very easy to get sucked into researching: “What's the best IVF clinic?” You start comparing IVF success rates, costs, reviews, waiting times and treatment options. You ask Facebook groups for recommendations. You compare clinics in the UK with clinics abroad. But sometimes you're trying to answer the wrong question. Before you choose the clinic, you need to understand the plan. What do you actually need? What are your priorities? What treatment makes sense for you? Would staying in your home country give you the options you need, or could going abroad open up different possibilities? And what type of fertility clinic is actually going to be the right fit for you? The right clinic isn't necessarily the 'best' clinic There isn't one universally best IVF clinic for everyone. The clinic that's right for you depends on your circumstances, treatment needs, priorities and what you want from your fertility care. And that's why I always encourage people to get clear on what they need before deciding where they're going to have treatment. I've helped hundreds of people navigate fertility treatment decisions, including people considering IVF abroad, and one of the biggest problems I see is simply too much information and not enough clarity. You don't need to know everything about fertility treatment. But you do need to know what questions to ask. And you deserve to feel confident about why you're making the decisions you're making. Thinking about IVF abroad? If you're considering fertility treatment overseas, choosing a clinic is only one part of the process. You also need to think about regulation, treatment options, eligibility, costs, communication, travel, donor treatment where relevant, testing and whether the clinic is genuinely appropriate for your individual circumstances. I help people navigate those decisions independently, without taking commission from fertility clinics. Want help working out your fertility treatment options? If you're overwhelmed by the options, unsure what to do next, or considering IVF abroad and want an independent pair of eyes on your situation, you can find out more about working with me in the links below. Your fertility treatment is too important to get wrong so don't start with the clinic. Start with the plan. In this episode Do I actually need IVF?When is IVF recommended?Questions to ask before starting IVFFertility investigationsUnderstanding an IVF recommendationChoosing an IVF clinic home or abroad How to compare IVF clinicsIVF success ratesUK fertility treatmentIVF abroadFinding the right fertility clinicFertility treatment optionsWhat to consider before IVFHow to make an informed fertility treatment decisionQuestions to ask a fertility clinic Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  3. Sep 22

    Struggling to conceive? What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do Next

    There’s a phrase I hear all the time from people struggling to conceive or have a baby: “I think we’ll just see what happens.” Sometimes, waiting is absolutely the right decision. But sometimes “we’ll see what happens” actually means: I have no idea what to do next. Maybe you’re unsure whether you’ve had the right fertility tests. You’ve been told everything looks “fine”, but something still doesn’t add up. You’re wondering whether to have another round of IVF at the same fertility clinic, get a second opinion, change clinics or explore fertility treatment abroad. Or perhaps you’ve researched so much that you now have 47 tabs open on your phone – and somehow feel less clear than when you started. In this short solo episode, I’m talking about the difference between choosing to wait and being stuck in fertility limbo – and how to start working out what your next step should be. What should you do when you’re struggling to conceive and don’t know what to do next? Rather than trying to solve your entire fertility journey at once, I’ll take you through some of the questions that can help you identify where you’re actually stuck. We’ll look at: Whether there could be gaps in the fertility testing you’ve already hadWhy understanding why a treatment has been recommended mattersWhat to consider before having another round of IVF at the same clinicWhen getting a second opinion on fertility treatment could be usefulWhether you’re staying with your current fertility clinic because it’s right for you – or simply because it’s familiarWhen it might be worth considering a different fertility clinic or treatment approachFertility treatment in the UK versus fertility treatment abroadWhy the next step isn't always IVFHow to identify the information you actually need to make your next fertility decisionBecause when you’re overwhelmed by fertility testing, treatment options, clinic recommendations and conflicting information, you don’t necessarily need to have all the answers. You need to know what question you need answered next. That could mean investigating your fertility further. It could mean getting a second opinion. It could mean asking why previous IVF treatment hasn’t worked and whether anything should change before another round. It could mean staying with your current clinic, changing fertility clinics, continuing to try naturally, exploring donor conception or considering IVF abroad. There isn’t one fertility pathway that makes sense for everybody. The important question is: What actually makes sense for you from here? Feeling stuck with your fertility next steps? This is exactly the kind of situation I help people navigate. I’m Emma Haslam, an independent fertility strategist. I’ve spent the last seven years helping hundreds of people globally navigate fertility testing and treatment, alongside having been through fertility treatment myself. My work isn't about convincing you to have IVF or persuading you to go abroad. It’s about stepping back and looking at the whole picture: what testing you’ve had, what you’ve been told, what hasn't worked, the options available to you and the things that might have been missed. I help you spot the gaps, connect the dots and understand what could move you forward – whether that means further testing, trying naturally, IVF, getting a second opinion, changing fertility clinics, staying in the UK, having fertility treatment abroad or exploring donor conception. And because I’m independent and don't take commission from fertility clinics, I'm not trying to steer you towards a particular clinic, country or treatment and I can help you work out the right plan to give you the best chances of having a baby and looking back without regrets. If you’ve been stuck in “I’ll just see what happens” mode for longer than you’d like, book a call with me. Tell me what’s going on, and we’ll see whether I’m the right person to help you work out what comes next. https://calendars.yourivfabroad.co.uk/free-15-min Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  4. Sep 15

    Male factor infertilty: Sperm testing, Varicocele, IVF and Male Fertility with Rob from Fertility in Sport

    Male factor infertilty: Sperm testing, Varicocele, IVF and Male Fertility with Rob from Fertility in Sport Male infertility is far more common than many people realise – yet fertility testing and treatment can still feel overwhelmingly focused on women. So what happens when a semen analysis shows something isn't right? Is a basic sperm test enough? And what else should you investigate before moving straight to IVF? In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Kemp, founder of Fertility in Sport, who shares his personal experience of male factor infertility, from his first worrying sperm test result to discovering a varicocele, undergoing treatment and eventually becoming a dad following IVF with ICSI. Rob's story began with a simple at-home male fertility test while he and his wife were struggling to conceive. A subsequent semen analysis through his GP confirmed that his results were low – but he was reassured with the familiar phrase: "you only need one." It was only after comparing his results with a friend who was already going through IVF that Rob began to question whether there was more to investigate. That decision eventually led to further male fertility testing, the discovery of a varicocele and a private varicocele embolisation. Rob also underwent more detailed investigations, including hormone testing and sperm DNA fragmentation testing, before he and his wife went through IVF with ICSI. Their IVF round produced just two eggs, with only one embryo continuing beyond the first 24 hours. At one point they were given a less than 5% chance of success. That embryo became their daughter. In our conversation, we talk about what Rob wishes he'd known before trying to conceive, why a basic semen analysis doesn't always tell the whole story, and why investigating possible causes of male factor infertility can be so important before – or alongside – fertility treatment. We also explore something that doesn't get talked about enough: what infertility and IVF actually feel like for men. Rob shares why talking became a coping mechanism for him, why some men feel sidelined during fertility treatment, and why supporting a partner through IVF doesn't mean your own experience, fears and emotions don't matter. We discuss: Rob's first male fertility test and the semen analysis that followedWhat happened after he was told "you only need one"Why getting a second opinion changed the course of his fertility journeyHow a varicocele was discovered and why he chose to have an embolisationSemen analysis versus sperm DNA fragmentation testingMale factor infertility and the importance of looking beyond basic fertility testingIVF with ICSI and being given a less than 5% chance of successThe emotional impact of infertility and IVF on menWhy men can feel excluded from the fertility conversationWhat Rob wishes he'd known about male fertility before trying for a babyWhy he created Fertility in Sport and how sport could help open up conversations about fertilityRob's advice for any man worried about his fertility and unsure what to do nextOne message comes through particularly strongly in this conversation: don't assume that one basic test has necessarily given you the whole picture. That doesn't mean everyone needs every fertility test available, and it doesn't mean further investigation will always uncover an answer. But understanding what has – and hasn't – been investigated can help you ask better questions, make more informed decisions and feel more confident about your next step. And if you're a man listening because you're worried about your fertility, Rob wants you to know one thing above all: You're not alone. About Rob Kemp and Fertility in Sport Rob founded Fertility in Sport following his own experience of male factor infertility and IVF. Fertility in Sport aims to increase fertility awareness through sport while also providing support for people working and competing within sporting environments. You can find Rob and Fertility in Sport on Instagram at @fertility.in.sport, on LinkedIn under Rob Kemp, Founder of Fertility in Sport. Need help making sense of your own fertility next steps? If you're trying to work out what testing you might be missing, whether your current treatment plan is right for you, or where to have fertility treatment – at home or abroad – I can help you step back, spot the gaps, join the dots and make your next decision with confidence. I'm Emma Haslam, an independent fertility strategist. I help people navigate fertility testing and treatment, understand their options and make informed decisions about what to do – and where to do it – without clinic commissions or conflicting interests to give you the best chances of growing your family in the right places and without looking back with regrets. Contact me for your complimentary 15 minute consultation to work out your next steps and to find out if we're a good fit -   https://calendars.yourivfabroad.co.uk/free-15-min  Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  5. Sep 2

    Fertility Education: Why Knowledge is power when trying for a baby

    Fertility Education: Why Knowledge Is Power When Trying for a Baby If you're trying for a baby, how do you know what fertility advice you can actually trust? We have access to more fertility information than ever before, from Google and social media to podcasts, fertility clinics, online communities and AI. But with so much information comes another problem: how do you separate good fertility education from opinions, marketing and misinformation?  In this episode, I'm joined by Hannah Pearn, fertility educator, fertility acupuncturist, award-winning podcaster and founder of Don't Tell Me To RELAX. Hannah and I both believe that understanding your own fertility can help you ask better questions, advocate for yourself and make more informed decisions about what happens next, rather than simply following generic fertility advice or feeling you have to accept the first option you're given. And that's exactly what we get into in this conversation. We talk about why so many of us reach adulthood knowing how not to get pregnant, but knowing surprisingly little about how fertility and conception actually work. Hannah shares why people still come to her in their 30s asking, "Why has nobody ever told me this before?" and why she believes fertility education needs to start much earlier.  We also explore what you might want to know about your fertility before you start trying for a baby, including understanding your menstrual cycle, recognising potential fertility red flags, looking at male fertility too, and knowing when it may be worth asking questions or investigating further. And if you're already struggling to conceive, we talk about how to navigate conflicting fertility advice, why different fertility specialists and clinics may give you different opinions, and why becoming informed doesn't mean you have to become a fertility expert yourself. Because having more information isn't about frightening yourself or disappearing down another Google rabbit hole. It's about having enough knowledge to understand your options and make decisions that feel right for you. In this episode, we talk about:  Why fertility education matters before and during trying for a baby  What we should have been taught about fertility and conception at school  Understanding your menstrual cycle and potential fertility red flags  Why male fertility needs to be investigated too  Fertility testing and when it may be worth asking for further investigation  How to tell trustworthy fertility information from marketing, opinion and misinformation  Why getting information from more than one reputable source can be helpful  How fertility information overload can actually leave you feeling more stuck  Asking questions and advocating for yourself during fertility investigations and treatment  Why different fertility specialists or clinics can recommend different things  Unexplained infertility and whether there may be more to investigate  Why IVF is incredible, but isn't necessarily the automatic next step for everybody  Looking at the whole fertility picture rather than individual test results in isolation  How better fertility education can help you make informed decisions about your next steps This episode is particularly relevant if you've been told your fertility tests are "normal" but you're still not getting pregnant, you've been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, you're wondering whether IVF really should be your next step, or you're simply overwhelmed by conflicting fertility advice and don't know who or what to trust.  About Hannah Pearn Hannah Pearn is the Founder and Clinical Director of Don't Tell Me To RELAX Fertility Acupuncture, leading one of the largest and most qualified specialist fertility acupuncture teams in London and across the UK. By combining Chinese and Western medicine with holistic therapies, Hannah and her team provide comprehensive fertility investigations and care designed to optimise health and improve fertility outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, Hannah holds a degree in Acupuncture and the Advanced Fertility Diploma and is trained in both counselling and fertility awareness. She is also Chair of the Acupuncture Fertility Network, the largest professional network for fertility acupuncturists. Hannah teaches fertility acupuncture within her field and regularly contributes as a speaker and partner to fertility organisations. Hannah is passionate about making fertility education and support more accessible. She hosts the award-winning Don't Tell Me To RELAX Fertility Podcast, voted a top fertility podcast by Stylist and winner of Best Fertility Podcast at the European Fertility Society Care Awards. She also leads the Don't Tell Me To RELAX fertility support community, helping people access trustworthy information, better understand their fertility and feel supported throughout their journey. Hannah and her team have clinics in London and Birmingham, alongside a UK-wide practitioner network. Find Hannah Don't Tell Me To RELAX Fertility Acupuncture: https://donttellmetorelax.co.uk/ Book a free discovery call: https://donttellmetorelax.co.uk/book-a-call/ Don't Tell Me To RELAX Fertility Podcast: https://donttellmetorelax.co.uk/fertility-podcast/ Fertility support community: https://mailchi.mp/hannahpearn/facebook-group Instagram: instagram.com/donttellmetorelax Feeling stuck in your own fertility journey? If you're struggling to have a baby, have been told you have unexplained infertility, your bmi is too high or you aren't sure whether you've had the right fertility testing, or simply don't know what your next step should be, I can help you look at the bigger picture - at home or abroad. As an independent fertility strategist, I help you look at what's happened so far, identify where there may be gaps, understand your options and work out what could move you forwards, whether you ultimately decide to have fertility testing or treatment at home or abroad. Find out more / book a complimentary call: https://calendars.yourivfabroad.co.uk/free-15-min Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  6. Aug 25

    Trying to Conceive: Does Sleep, Stress or Sex Really Affect Your Fertility? With Tracy Dyson

    Trying to Conceive: Does Sleep, Stress or Sex Really Affect Your Fertility? Sleep, stress and sex can all play a role in reproductive health, but fertility is complex and struggling to conceive is rarely as simple as needing to sleep more, stress less or time sex perfectly. If you're trying to conceive, you've probably been given a LOT of advice about what you should and shouldn't be doing. Get more sleep. Stress less. Have sex at exactly the right time. Track your ovulation. Stop tracking your ovulation. And, of course… just relax. But how much do sleep, stress, sex and lifestyle actually affect your fertility? In this episode, I'm joined by fertility acupuncturist and hormone health educator Tracy Dyson to cut through some of the noise around trying to conceive and look at what might genuinely be worth paying attention to and what you probably don't need to be beating yourself up about. We talk about the relationship between sleep and fertility, whether stress can affect your chances of getting pregnant, and why telling somebody struggling with infertility to "just relax" isn't particularly helpful. We also get into sex and trying to conceive including whether you really need to be having sex at very specific times, what happens when intimacy starts to feel like another fertility task, and when tracking ovulation can be useful versus when it simply adds more pressure. In this episode, we cover: Sleep and fertility and how much sleep really mattersWhether stress can actually affect fertilityWhy "just relax" isn't the answerPractical ways to support yourself when fertility itself is stressfulSex, ovulation and the pressure to get the timing "right"How trying to conceive can affect intimacyFertility and ovulation tracking helpful tool or added pressure?Some of the biggest misconceptions around lifestyle and trying to conceiveHow to focus on what may actually matter without feeling like you have to do fertility perfectlyIf you're trying for a baby and wondering whether you're doing enough or worrying that something you're doing (or not doing) could be affecting your chances then this episode is for you. About Tracy Dyson Tracy Dyson is a fertility acupuncturist and hormone health educator based in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. She works with people both in person and online and specialises in complex fertility cases, including recurrent miscarriage, stealth pathogens and reproductive immunology. Website: pointsclinic.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/pointsclinic Want some independent help with your fertility journey home or abroad? If you're feeling stuck, in limbo, don't know what to do next or aren't sure who to trust, I can help you look at the bigger picture after working with 100s people globally. As an independent fertility strategist, I look at your history, what's already been investigated, where there may be gaps and what your options could be whether you ultimately decide to have fertility testing or treatment here in the UK or abroad and how I can help you with both. Find out more / book a complimentary call: https://calendars.yourivfabroad.co.uk/free-15-min Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  7. Aug 18

    Solo Motherhood: What You Need to Know Before Starting Fertility Treatment with solo parent Mel Johnson, The Stork and I.

    Solo Motherhood: What You Need to Know Before Starting Fertility TreatmentCould becoming a solo mum be the right path for you? And if you're considering having a baby on your own, how do you know when you're ready — and where do you actually start? In this episode, I'm joined by Mel from The Stork and I, solo mum to her daughter Daisy and a coach who supports women considering, pursuing and living solo parenthood. Mel shares how, after the end of a long-term relationship and years of dating, she reached the point where she had to decide whether to keep waiting to meet a partner or pursue motherhood on her own. We talk honestly about the emotional AND practical reality of that decision — including something that isn't always acknowledged: grieving the version of parenthood you thought you would have while learning to embrace a different one. We discuss: How do you know if solo motherhood is right for you?Do you ever feel 100% ready to become a solo parent?Waiting for the right partner versus deciding to have a baby on your ownWhy staying in indecision can leave you feeling stuck in limboLetting go of the “fairytale” of how you thought you'd become a parentSolo motherhood by choice, by circumstance or chosen through circumstance and why language mattersThe difference between being a single parent and a solo parentWhere to start when considering fertility treatment as a solo womanFertility testing and exploring your treatment optionsChoosing and using donor spermMel's experience of having fertility treatment in a different country to the one she was living inWhy fertility treatment isn't legally available to solo women in every countryBuilding a support network and finding other solo mumsThe financial realities and fears around raising a child on one incomeWorries about whether having a solo parent is fair to your future childHow to talk openly to donor-conceived children about their storyWhy working through your own feelings about donor conception matters tooWhat Mel wishes she'd known before becoming a solo mumWe also talk about one of the biggest fears Mel hears from women considering this route: “What if I make the wrong decision and regret it?” About Mel and The Stork and I Mel Johnson always imagined she would have a baby with a partner. When the right person didn't come along, she made the decision to pursue parenthood on her own, and is now a solo mum to her eight year old daughter, conceived through IVF and donor conception. When she started out she went looking for other women doing the same thing, and found that the community she needed simply didn't exist. So she built it. The Stork and I is a platform and community for women considering, choosing and navigating solo motherhood. Now known as The Solo Parenthood Coach, with over ten years of coaching experience behind her, Mel has supported more than 1,000 people through every stage of this decision, from the earliest stages of considering it, through treatment and beyond. She offers one to one coaching for women who want to go deep on their own decision, group coaching in three week programmes of up to twelve women, and a membership community that is now 360 women strong, where solo mums and women considering the path find each other and stay connected long after the decision is made. Her podcast has been downloaded over 180,000 times, and on Instagram she documents "a day in the life of" a solo mum, giving an honest, balanced picture of what this life actually looks like day to day. Mentioned in this episode We Are Family by Susan Golombok – research into different family structures, including solo-parent and donor-conceived families. Singled Out by Bella DePaulo – exploring society's attitudes towards being single and challenging some of the assumptions around relationships and happiness. Need help working out your own fertility treatment options? If you're considering fertility treatment and don't know where to start — whether you're pursuing solo motherhood, having treatment with a partner, considering donor conception or trying to work out whether treatment in the UK or abroad is right for you -  I can help. As an independent fertility strategist, I help you make sense of your fertility history, testing and treatment options, spot gaps that may have been missed and work out the right next steps for YOU -  including finding the right clinic and country if treatment abroad turns out to be your best option. I don't work for fertility clinics and I don't accept clinic commission, so my advice is always focused on what is right for you and if you decide to have fertility treatment in your home country I may also be able to still guide and support you. Find out more about working with me:  https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/work-with-me Free fertility treatment abroad training: https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

  8. Aug 11

    Struggling to Have a Baby? Why "Normal" Fertility Tests Don't Always Give the Right Answers

    If you've been told your fertility tests are "normal" but you're still not pregnant, you're not alone. For many people, being told everything looks normal is reassuring... until months or even years later, they're still searching for answers. In this episode, I'm joined by fertility nutritional therapist Deborah Taylor, founder of Flow to Fertile, to explore why "normal" fertility tests don't always tell the whole story and how functional medicine may help uncover areas that haven't yet been explored. We discuss how functional medicine works alongside conventional fertility care to look beyond symptoms, identify potential root causes of fertility challenges and help you make more informed decisions about your next steps. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, experiencing recurrent miscarriage or have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, this episode will help you understand when functional medicine and functional fertility testing may be worth considering alongside your medical care. In this episode we discuss: Why "normal" fertility test results don't always tell the whole storyWhat functional medicine actually is (and what it isn't)Why functional medicine complements rather than replaces conventional fertility careLooking beyond symptoms to understand potential root causesWhy unexplained infertility doesn't always mean there are no answersPreparing your body before pregnancy and/or IVFThe importance of gut health, hormones and inflammationFunctional fertility testing explainedThe role of thyroid health in fertilityBlood sugar balance and reproductive healthVaginal, uterine and sperm microbiome testingEnvironmental toxins and fertilitySupporting male fertility as well as female fertilityHow to decide whether functional testing is the right investment for youWhy personalised testing is often more valuable than ordering every test availableDeborah's own experience of infertility, recurrent miscarriage and how it inspired her work helping othersAbout Deborah TaylorDeborah Taylor is the founder of Flow to Fertile and a Nutritional Therapist specialising in fertility and women's hormonal health. She supports women and couples online or in person in North Yorkshire, who are trying to conceive, whether they're just beginning their fertility journey, facing fertility challenges, navigating IVF, experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss or managing hormonal health conditions. Using a functional medicine approach, Deborah helps clients understand the root causes behind their fertility and hormonal health challenges. She considers each person's health history, current symptoms and lifestyle and, where appropriate, recommends functional testing to provide greater clarity and identify what the body needs to be in the best possible position to conceive. Deborah's passion for this work comes from her own experience of infertility and recurrent miscarriage. After exhausting conventional medical options, she turned to a more natural approach to rebalance her gut health, hormones and nervous system - a journey she believes played an important role in helping her welcome her healthy baby boy at the age of 41. Connect with Deborah🌐 Website  https://flowtofertile.com 📱 Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/flowtofertile 📧 Email  deborah@flowtofertile.com Need impartial fertility guidance?If you're struggling to conceive and don't know what to do or who to trust, I help people make calm, confident and informed decisions about fertility testing and treatment in the UK and abroad. As an independent fertility expert, I don't take commission from fertility clinics. Instead, I help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes and create the right plan, clinic and country for your individual circumstances, so you can increase your chances of having a baby with no regrets. 🎓 Watch my free masterclass about the highlights and watchouts of going abroad:  https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass 🌍 Find out more about working with me:  https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Every review helps more people find trusted, independent fertility information when they need it most. Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

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Trying to conceive (TTC) and navigating fertility testing and treatment like IVF can be a long complicated conception rollercoaster - especially when navigating infertility challenges like high BMI, Low AMH, PCOS, Endometriosis, secondary infertility,  Unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarrage, baby loss, or being part of the LGBTQI+ community. Struggling with infertility and access to fertility treatment in your home country? Feeling frustrated by the lack of options, long waiting lists, NHS/state funded constraints, BMI restrictions, not getting answers, multiple failed IVF cycles, the high cost of private fertility treatment and at best average customer service?  My friend, you're not alone.   But what if there is another way?  Welcome to IVF abroad, the podcast designed to support, inform, and empower you on your journey to parenthood - wherever that path may lead.  I'm Emma Haslam, Founder of Your IVF abroad - the UK’s only independent reproductive agency. I am a  fellow fertility warrior and now Mama of one thanks to fertility treatment abroad. With my experience of helping hundreds of people worldwide since 2019 I will help you to understand and explore fertility options abroad in mainland Europe, like IVF, IUI, egg freezing, egg donation, sperm donation and double donation - making fertility treatment abroad safe, ethical, more affordable, accessible and a stress-reduced experience. Each week, I'll share expert insights, guest interviews, personal stories, and practical tips on topics like: Pros and cons of conceiving abroad IVF and other fertility treatments - what you need to knowNavigating donor conception with confidence How to save money on fertility treatments (and beyond!) Real-life experiences from others who've successfully conceived abroadExpert tips and guidance from professionals in the industryHonest conversations about the realities of infertilityTips, guidance, and real talk about all things related to infertility and trying to conceiveConsidering having fertility treatment like IVF,  donation, or advanced testing abroad in mainland Europe?  Or are you curious about how things work abroad and want to learn more? Either way, if you're looking for options on your fertility journey that are faster, more affordable, accessible and on your terms and timescales, then you are in the right place.  Here you will get honest advice from someone who TRULY gets it and learn how to get over the obstacles you are currently facing such as overwhelming high costs, the pressure of the ticking clock and being stuck in limbo. You want options, answers and you know that you deserve better. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode and I'll show everything I know about making your dream of parenthood a reality -  without the barriers and on your terms, timescales and without regrets! Love Emma x Emma Haslam is a fertility warrior, speaker, writer, campaigner, and resident fertility treatment abroad expert who has been featured in books, fertility apps, the press, radio, and podcasts. Her mission? To make fertility treatment more affordable, accessible, transparent, and supported for everyone. For more free resources, expert guidance and ways to work with Emma be sure to check out the show notes!

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