IVF Before and After Podcast

Being pregnant when you have a toddler can be challenging for anyone but it’s a short period in your life so don’t feel guilty about lapsed good habits or asking for help. it should simply be about getting through it the best way you can. Pregnant life when you have a toddler is hard work and Kay shares some great practical tips that will make a difference and help you get through.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Sleep when your toddler sleeps, napping will become your favourite part of the day You may need to put healthy foods and good habits on the back burner. Don’t feel guilty about the habits of your toddler. Focus on looking after yourself and your firstborn above all else. The first trimester is hard you are not only growing a whole new person you are growing a whole new organ. Don’t forget to ask for help when you need it, you will need a break. Take everything one day or one hour at a time and don’t feel bad about changing plans.   BEST MOMENTS ‘The first trimester is about making it through’ ‘You brace yourself for some of the toughest weeks of your life’ ‘You will hang out for nap time don’t try and fight it’   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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay wants what many parents want for their children something extraordinary. She reflects why it is that many think an acceptable response whatever the question is ‘it’ll be fine. Is fine what you want for your children or are you willing to put in the time to put them on the path to extraordinary through taking the time to ask the right questions and do the research?   KEY TAKEAWAYS I don’t want my kids to have an OK life I want them to have an extraordinary life. The most important task we undertake as parents is raising our children. We should take the same care with whatever they are doing I did a lot of research when looking for a nursery and asked a lot of questions and the answer was always ‘they’ll be fine whatever the question. Sometimes on a day fine is all any of us can manage but as an inspiration, ‘fine’ isn’t enough I want it to be totally extraordinary for them   BEST MOMENTS ‘Do you want a fine life for them? What extraordinary do you want for them?’ ‘Whatever we are doing and wherever we are going I like to investigate it fully’   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               See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay is on a rant today following a scene she witnessed whilst out and about. A distressed child was sent on the last part of the journey to the school gate alone by the adult who was with them. Kay looks at why children deserve to always feel special and safe and why parents and adults need to have compassion and understanding.   KEY TAKEAWAYS It was a rainy day and everyone was going about their business. As adults and parents, it’s important to have compassion. That child was walking up to school broken hearted What else in our lives as adults is so special that we can’t take the time to look after a child? Why couldn’t that adult found five more minutes? A child should always be taken into school. A child should always know that whatever the situation an adult will make it better for them. Why can’t adults find the time for their children? A child should always feel special and  a priority for those adults around them   BEST MOMENTS ‘I wanted to say everything will be alright and give the child a hug’ ‘What can be more important than taking the time to look after a child?’   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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every parent wants their children to be happy but what is the best way to achieve this? Kay looks at the importance of teaching your children how to create their own happiness so that they can achieve happiness throughout their lives. When you are with your children they are looking to you to learn and those children who practice positivity grow up to be adults who can create their own happiness so how you interact, communicate and teach behaviours through your interaction is key in developing the life skills that make a positive difference.   KEY TAKEAWAYS If you teach them how to be happy they are able to create their own happiness. Teach them how to get the things they want through negotiation and compromise Be present with them and have the intimate and positive relationship that means they know someone cares about them. When they want to help it’s an opportunity to be with them, growing trust and teaching them. Communication is key, let them understand you are hearing them and that they have something of value to say. Teach your children the life skills that mean they will be able to see the positive even in challenging situations Children learn from us so teach by example practising compassion and your children will learn this.   BEST MOMENTS ‘To see them smile and laugh and that be part of their day’ ‘Kids who practice positivity grow up to be adults who can create their own happiness’ ‘Mean it when you say sorry to them and always say thank you’   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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fascinating episode, Kay shares great advice and information about sleep apnoea in children. She highlights a range of indicators that mean sleep apnoea should be considered and explains what to do if you think your child is struggling with sleep apnoea. It’s important to understand how sleep apnoea can potentially impact on a child in the long term and in knowing what the indicators are you are in a much better position to take the action you need to for your child and their well-being.   KEY TAKEAWAYS There are long term implications for children with sleep apnoea as it can affect growth and behaviour. There are a range of indicators that when present mean sleep apnoea should be considered. Bedwetting – if it happens more than twice a week. Sweating – it’s not normal for children whilst sleeping. Restless sleep - this can be a sign of struggles during the night. Unusual sleeping positions – as children try to breathe during sleep. Snoring can be a possible indicator of sleep apnoea. Growth problems - because if sleep is disrupted less growth hormone is released If a child continues to nap this can be a sign as the child is tired due to lack of sleep during the night. Mouth breathing – as humans usually breath through their noses. Children with ADHD can also struggle with sleep apnoea Sleep apnoea can lead to both cognitive and psychosocial problems   BEST MOMENTS ‘You may not think about sleep apnoea as a condition affecting children’ ‘Look out for sleepwalking, bedwetting and snoring’   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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay shares a reflective and entertaining account of the summer of 2020 in this episode. For everyone, the world has been different and if you have children it has been not only different but exhausting as parents moved to fulfil the role of teachers when we all had to stay at home. When your children are all grown up with little ones of their own and they reflect on the challenges of the long summer holiday from school your reply will undoubtedly be along the lines of…..you don’t know how lucky you are in 2020 …….   KEY TAKEAWAYS All we had was Netflix and a colouring book. We couldn’t make anything because someone stole all the flour. There were no macaroni necklaces because the pasta had disappeared We couldn’t have a night off because everywhere was closed We only saw other people on a Thursday when we clapped for the nurses. There were no TV soap programmes imagine that! You were bored, hot and still hungry despite having 14 breakfasts A fella was on the telly every morning attempting to keep you fit but you only watched 2 minutes before you put sponge bob on. We had to attempt to teach you printing out endless sheets at midnight for you to say you didn’t understand. We had to give up our phones so you could facetime your mates. We dug out the paddling pools and got stung by wasps. We had no money but ordered loads of stuff from Amazon and playgrounds were taped off like crime scenes……   BEST MOMENTS ‘We had to attempt to teach you, with you only giving it 4 seconds before saying we weren’t doing it like Mrs Jones’ ‘We redecorated the gardens and the bedrooms and forgot what a bedtime was’ ‘We gave in to technology far too much’   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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay reflects on working at home with her little ones back at nursery. After such a long time with everyone together, it’s very different and she explains how even though you know you are doing the best for your little ones the Mummy guilt is quick to appear. This episode and the feelings of Mummy guilt will resonante with many Mums who are sending their little ones back to nursery and school after being with them at home for many months.   KEY TAKEAWAYS When you have small children their presence in any environment is very visible in every way. Going back to nursery is an important step and a vital part of education. It can be very different to be at home when your children are not there. They fill the space with laughter, tears and lots of noise and toys It’s very strange to have little ones back in Nursery after such a long time. Mummy guilt is about always worrying if you’ve done the right thing even when your rational thinking says you have. You can feel like you are the worst parent in the world and that you are doing something wrong. Being at Nursery is the best thing for them and overcoming the Mummy guilt is just part of being a parent.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I wanted them to tell me about their day and to have a little bit more time with them’ ‘It’s all very strange mummy guilt’ ‘With them not in it, it’s just a shell of a house’   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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay is in the middle of a very special day because it’s the first day back at nursery. She is going back to work and her twins are returning to the nurturing environment of nursery. As she tries to juggle many different things over the day she reflects on the changes to nursery and the importance of being with others to further nurture and happiness when you are little.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I was apprehensive but it all seems to be going ok Nurseries are in a really difficult position post lockdown Before they would have welcomed the children in with a hug but now we don’t know what’s the best thing to do. I have, as a parent, made the decision for my children to be nurtured during the day. The staff are nurturing them  in a kind, loving environment They are in a safe place where they are happy Nursery is the best place for them. They can carry and have infections and they need to build up their immunity. Children need to play and to learn to move forward   BEST MOMENTS ‘Enjoy that your children are going into a safe environment’ ‘You have to be prepared for everything’ ‘You have to know you are doing the best thing for you and your children’   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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay has a rant about the differences between men and women, why they need to have explicit instructions to achieve anything at home and how they don’t listen to anything you are saying. She asks, ‘how should we plan to tell our other halves how not to be arses and do something that would help?’     KEY TAKEAWAYS With men, you have to slow it down for them and put everything in order. You have to be explicit about what you want, spelling it out clearly. Men don’t listen to what you are saying unless you make it very clear. I’m trying to split the role so we share the care of the children through both the day and the night. Men think they are doing their fair share but the reality is very different in most families. Mostly its women who take on caring for children in a family. Women are usually more proactive in any home situation. Sometimes it can be easier to do it yourself than spend the time explaining and getting someone else to do it.   BEST MOMENTS ‘When we get angry the Glaswegian comes out in us’ ‘It’s been 20 weeks now and he’s always there’ ‘He’s lurking about because he knows there are things to be done’   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       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay continues sharing her day to day experiences of being a Mum of twins and in this episode discusses how it’s can be so important to find so time away from being a Mummy, a time where you are able to just be you. When you have children, every day is an emotional rollercoaster and some can bring more complex emotions to deal with and get through.   KEY TAKEAWAYS When you have more than one child the time you have with them individually is very precious. The emotions you experience when your child is physical can make you feel conflicted. It’s important that any unacceptable behaviour is identified and it’s explained how to behave differently. Being able to take time out from your role as a Mummy is vital. Being able to speak to other Mums who have been on the IVF journey can make all the difference. It’s important to talk to others and help each other along on the journey through life   BEST MOMENTS ‘I don’t seem to have slowed down for lockdown have you?’ ‘I was so glad to be able to let off steam with my sister’ ‘I loved speaking with another Mum who had had a similar IVF journey to me’   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 See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Kay shares the ups and downs of ‘Day 4’ with the excitement of visitors and playing outside through to the reality all parents have to face – that someone else’s food always tastes better to children than the food they have at home. This is an insight into a routine day that every parent will be able to identify with -it comes with both highs and lows which is a reflection of what it’s like being a parent every day.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Being up early can make a positive difference to the day. Sometimes you get to a point where you make a decision to do something – like clean the house, you are in the right frame of mind and you just want and need to get on with it. An opportunity to play with someone else can be the key to great extended play throughout the day. If the weather is good always get outside and play. At bedtimes, it’s important to have calming activities and time in preparation for bed. Sometimes your little ones can get up to something unexpected which is why my daughter is now known as ‘Miss Scarlet’ after she found a bottle of red nail varnish.   BEST MOMENTS ‘He wanted to watch TV, but it was OK because it was nice and calm’ ‘She was calmly playing with her building blocks’   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 See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Kay gives an honest insight into the challenges she is facing as a Mum at the moment. It’s easy for people to always give the impression that everything is going well but life with little ones is continually changing as they grow. What works one day may not work the next so being a Mum is always a balancing act. Kay shares how you can go from a day of desperation to a brighter one and the importance of accepting help even if it’s not the way you would have done it.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I’m really having a hard time being the Mum of twins We need to talk to each other and get through challenging times together. Often others you are close to don’t think about what they say or consider how it might make you feel. Sometimes basic is best. You can end up spending all of your time cleaning up after little ones who just continually get more things out. Little ones need to learn how to tidy up and why they need to do it for themselves. Sometimes when everything seems too much it’s about stepping out of yourself and asking for help. When help is offered you must learn to accept it even if it means things are not done in quite the same way. Someone else may have a solution that works even if it’s not the same as your solution. A challenging day can easily be followed by a brighter and better day.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I just left the house screaming because I don’t know what else I could have done’ ‘I feel brighter and am looking forward to a better day’ ‘I’m just a normal Mummy’   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 See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Kay has been looking at ‘Pregnancy Miracle’ a publication that brings together the perspectives of western and eastern medicines and identifies practical steps that can be taken by anyone to improve the strength and function of those organs and functions involved in both conception and pregnancy. Kay shares a balanced view of the book and its step by step program to getting pregnant naturally that will support individuals who are looking at the possibilities of this approach.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The book provides a program that will help people to get pregnant naturally. There is uncomplicated information that can help improve the strength and function of the organs that support pregnancy. The book approaches the challenges from both the perspective of western and eastern medicine. The book states it has worked for many who have followed its step by step program. You have to open your mind and take from it what you want and need. The program provides information and being part of it gives access to support. The pregnancy miracle book is marketed as being the most effective way to get pregnant through a step by step non-medical process.   BEST MOMENTS ‘It deals with the problems and challenges of conceiving and pregnancy’ ‘You have to make your own decision about the book and its program’ ‘The book says it can help anyone to get pregnant naturally’   VALUABLE RESOURCES IVF Before and After Podcast Pregnancy Miracle - Lisa Olson   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 See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Kay looks at the benefits of acupuncture. As someone who had this treatment during her own fertility treatment, Kay offers both a personal view and great information about acupuncture and the role it can play in supporting good egg quality through increased blood flow. Kay also discusses the importance of believing in the acupuncture treatment if you want to optimise it and the possible outcomes as part of your fertility treatment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS There are benefits using acupuncture when you are treating a patient who is of low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. It’s very effective at improving the blood flow to different areas of the body. The acupuncturist can target selected areas. Blood flow can be increased to the ovaries stimulating electrolytes and hormones. Dead cells are removed as part of the process and it can help improve egg quality. If egg quality is poor the chance of fertilisation is decreased. Increasing the quality of the egg improves the chance of fertilisation With acupuncture and herbal treatments, hormones can be re-balanced and menstruation regulated. Acupuncture can be effective in lowering stress levels making people better, stronger and more prepared for the journey ahead.   BEST MOMENTS ‘You have to believe in acupuncture to undertake it’ ‘Acupuncture can help to improve egg quality’ ‘Blood flow can be increased to a particular area using acupuncture’   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 See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Kay explains the huge significance and exactly why she knows what she was doing 4 years ago. She shares her experience of IVF conception and what its truly like in this great episode that shares with honesty both the experience and what IVF actually means for those who struggle to conceive. If you want it enough anything is possible and dreams do come true.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The new protocol for IVF was very daunting but with it was the possibility of making life. That was life in that small dish just waiting, those 2 air bubbles shot up into my uterus – that was conception. We continued on with our daily routine even though the day was not at all routine. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. The 25TH of May was a fabulous day in our lives when our 2 little air bubbles became part of our family. 4 years on we are so much happier but we have our 2 darlings and they are the future we must protect. IVF is emotionally and physically challenging and everyone’s journey is different and individual. Most people are unaware of the struggles some have to conceive.   BEST MOMENTS ‘We have two wonderful children conceived through IVF’ ‘Anything is possible and dreams do come true’ ‘We waited and waited while the eggs and the sperm got jiggy, jiggy in the petri dish’    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

Kay asked the community to let her know about their questions and in this ‘preview episode’ she is giving a sneak peek about what’s up and coming in the next weeks. The questions about IVF are wide-ranging and in upcoming episodes, Kay will be investigating both the big questions and the small, but still vitally important ones. Listen in and find out what you can look forward to hearing about.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Anyone contemplating or undertaking IVF will have many wide-ranging questions such as; How does IVF work? Why does it fail? Where in the country is it free? Where do people inject themselves during the treatment? Where was IVF invented? Does IVF work the second time around? What if the sperm count is low? Who is eligible for IVF? What should you What can you do when it doesn’t work?   BEST MOMENTS ‘I will investigate and find the answers for you’ ‘As an IVF Mum, I know what it’s like’ ‘There are lots of questions to answer’    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

In this episode of IVF Before and After, Kay shares a story from an anonymous source about the experience of being an NICU parent, having the joy of bringing a new baby into this world being immediately transformed into a world of anxiety and pain. Having a baby in intensive care is a horror that no parent wants to go through and is an experience that can cause PTSD symptoms for many years. By sharing this story, Kay hopes that those going through this experience can find comfort and hope in this horrible time.   Post-natal depression is far more common in those that experienced difficultly during child birth, Kay hopes that we can all come together to create a support network to help each other though. 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

In this episode of IVF Before & After, Kay shares a blog from the Twins Trust Forum, celebrating parents of twins and triplets and the quirks associated with it, the instant communication that twins and triplets have from birth and the secret language that they hold. Double the effort reaps double the reward, with double the hugs and double the love! Twins and triplets will always have each other, and whilst they may be at each other’s throats sometimes, they have a lifetime bond that can never be broken. Watching their individual personalities form through the same upbringing can be a special thing to witness! Being a parent of twins or more is an extraordinary experience, harbouring so many unique experiences and opening up so many opportunities! Kay explores all the different quirks and emotions that come with being a parent of multiples!   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

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  

Post-natal/postpartum depression can happen to women after giving birth, and it may affect a woman’s physical and emotional state negatively. Now, imagine having multiple births; the exhaustion and stress doubles. The mother might feel helplessness and isolation. So, in this episode of the IVF Before and After Podcast, Kay opens up about her experience on having post-natal depression after giving birth to twins. It’s difficult – difficult to be the best mother, the best partner, and above all, the best version of yourself while you’re going through it. What you need to do is be open up about it and reach out to your loved ones or a professional. Don’t let it affect you and your baby’s health, and your other relationships. Remember: you can get pass through this!  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Postpartum depressions happen in every woman. There will be changes in her physical, emotional, and behavioural state. And most moms aren’t aware of this. They need the emotional support they need from their loved ones and the proper care and diet for their body.  Not just the moms, but one out of 10 dads also experience post-natal depression.   Symptoms of post-natal/postpartum depression:  Persistent feeling of sadness and longing  Lack of enjoyment and loss of interest  Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time  Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day  Difficulty bonding with your baby  Withdrawing contact from other people  Problems concentrating and making decisions  Frightening thoughts  Aside from sadness, anger is commonly linked to depression. It’s the result when moms think that they won’t meet everyone’s expectation as they go through motherhood. Being angry can have adverse effects on the mother, the baby, and the rest of the family.   BEST MOMENTS  “Post-natal depression concerns any new mom, not just  “Most new parents feel overwhelmed at times. It’s completely natural to have a cry.”  “Many mothers have also expressed their feeling of being let down by others in terms of support from partners, family members, and health care providers as well.”  “Having twins is amazing, and I love them every single time of the day.”  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  www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/   https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER   www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After  

What happens to our unhappiness and how do we seek peace and harmony when that is what is lacking in our lives? This episode reflects further on the Silent Retreat Kay discusses in Episode 17. When our unhappiness fills the atmosphere around us so those who come into contact with us are affected by our unhappiness can result in us seeking unusual and sometimes extreme experiences to change things. In this episode Kay reflects on the lengths she was prepared to go to and shares her experiences with candour and honesty.   KEY TAKEAWAYS How do we live harmoniously? this can be very difficult when you can’t see that you are miserable. Retreat and meditation can be a universal remedy for a universal problem. We pay so little attention to the ongoing surge of our life experience that we might just as well be asleep. Through the mindfulness process, we become aware that life has its ups and downs, good and bad. You will learn for the first time what is happening to you and around you. It’s a process of self-discovery, you will experience the true nature of your life. Life will become full of riches that have to be experienced. I thought I was taking charge of my life because I was in chronic pain and my mind was occupied by countless other things. I was going to be cleansed, be a happier person and retrain my mind to achieve my dreams. It was an experience I wouldn’t want to repeat and demonstrates how far I was prepared to go to clear my body of pain and the hurt from not being able to conceive. Your anger and fear are reactions to a reality we have created in our own minds. To retrain your brain, you must put in a great deal of effort, believing you are doing your best isn’t enough. There is no perfect and no right or wrong don’t hold onto the fear and hate. I went to extremes and It didn’t help. The true nature of life is to feel alive and to focus on what’s important to you, learning to look after yourself.   BEST MOMENTS ‘What am I doing here when will someone tell me what to do?’ ‘Life will become full of riches that have to be experienced’ ‘We are not paying enough attention to notice that we are not paying attention’ ‘The mind focuses on only one item and in doing this you are able to achieve tranquillity’   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  

‘OMG they’ve let me take the twins home’ In this episode Kay describes how life changed forever when she took home her twins. The treasured and precious babies who marked the beginning of a new life filled with laughter and adventure,  listen in to hear a candid account of what it is really like.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I’m there to be their parent and accept all the dysfunction that comes with that. It doesn’t look like its ever going to stop, well at least not for the next 18 years. When finally, they sleep it’s difficult to decide what to do with the ‘free time’ The reality is I’m so captivated that I spend the time posting pictures of them so family can share in how wonderful they are. So, we are now parents there to care, love and nurture our wonderful new human beings. We are able to see the world through their eyes as a new adventure begins It won’t always be about bottles, nappies and sleep deprivation, laughter and adventure will fill the house as our new lives begin.   BEST MOMENTS ‘We won’t have time for our friends anymore as we have joy in our little ones’ ‘I’m posting pictures of my sleeping babies because the truth is  I’m missing them being awake’ ‘You think about your friends, if you don’t like socialising or sleep, have a baby’   VALUABLE RESOURCES IVF Before and After Podcast   ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After is 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  

Many assume that once a mother has given birth through IVF that the experience must have been a beautiful one. But it isn’t always a happy ending for a couple. But in reality, it doesn’t quite work that way. In this episode, Kay talks about some of the hidden factors that affect IVF mothers during the pregnancy in a stark, candid and deeply personal confession about the realities of being an IVF mother.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The constant state of apprehension during an IVF pregnancy can be troubling, as well as joyful. The constant checking on one’s own secretions, the repeated tests to make sure that pregnancy has even occurred, and even the lengthy courses of medication, can lead to an unhappy experience, when the miracle of pregnancy should be enjoyed and celebrated.   Even practical concerns, such as buying baby clothes or equipment, becomes a dramatic decision. The pregnancy can sometimes feel so fragile, that these pleasures cannot be enjoyed.   IVF mothers can even feel a reluctance to bond with the baby inside them when they kick, for fear of being even more heartbroken should the pregnancy not continue to full term.   Sometimes you can be overcome by guilt for not having been able to conceive naturally. It can also lead to a feeling of non-possession when the baby is born; as though it will one day have to be returned.   Finding peace with yourself is realising that these heightened concerns are most likely the concerns of any mother; IVF or natural.   Learning to manage not just our tasks, but our outlook on these tasks, is the key to making peace with yourself.   Guilt at yourself erodes your confidence about who you are, what you’re doing. It makes you feel unworthy, and can lead to a loss of identity.   BEST MOMENTS ‘It sometimes means holding your breath every time you go for a scan and they check for a heartbeat’ ‘When you’re at the maternity unit, you are sitting in waiting rooms filled with women who have their innocence still intact’ ‘You feel the constant battle of being happy and heartbroken all at one time’ ‘Navigating through life with an IVF baby is exhausting’ ‘Life at the beginning with them is all about feeding them, winding, crying with them, playing with them, worrying and simply marvelling at their beauty, and at the fact that they were once inside me’ ‘All of this will become our memories. Memories are our recipe’   VALUABLE RESOURCES  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ivf-before-and-after-podcast/id1413710507?mt=2   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  

Welcome to I.V.F.; Before & After. In this episode, your host Kay Dempsey revisits last weeks topic. If you haven't already listened, go back and listen to #019 of the podcast where Kay discussed extracts from Michelle Obama’s open account of fertility  treatments & getting pregnant, in a thought-provoking episode.  Primarily, Kay talks about what people feel and if people truly want to be known and discuss the inability to have children in modern society. VALUABLE RESOURCES   https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ivf-before-and-after-podcast/id1413710507?mt=2  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079Z661B7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1     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 

Kay asks, ‘ is everyone jumping on the bandwagon of fertility?’ listen in to this episode and then get in touch with Kay to share your views. To open up the discussion Kay shares extracts from Michelle Obama’s honest and open account of fertility treatments and getting pregnant in this thought-provoking episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Michelle Obama’s book ‘Becoming’ includes a very honest and open account of her challenges with fertility and getting pregnant. Fertility is not something you conquer there is no straight line between effort and reward. No matter how hard we tried we couldn’t come up with a pregnancy. At first, we thought it was down to timing across the month and enthusiastically sought to rectify this with late night journeys to return home after a vote, so that activities coincided with patterns of  ovulation We were excited to discover we were finally pregnant, but this was quickly followed by a miscarriage and a miscarriage is lonely, painful and demoralising on a cellular level. What nobody tells you is that miscarriages happen all the time to more women than you would ever guess. Given the relative silence around miscarriage, I only found out about friends experiences when I talked about mine. Having undergone tests, the mystery of why we couldn’t get pregnant remained. We went on to try several different approaches recommended by our fertility doctor All the work around treatments made me anxious but I had been waiting to have a family for a very long time. I felt the acute responsibility of being a female and over the next few weeks, the reality of the treatments made me very aware that it would be me who put my career on hold and would have to alter my life substantially for a family. Then when we found out we were pregnant for real suddenly the relative sacrifice meant something completely different. We had our outward lives but now there was something inward happening. I walked around with a secret inside me this was my gift for being female. After our tiny girl arrived in our world motherhood became my motivator, it dictated my decisions and the rhythm of the day. When there is a baby in the house time stretches and I could lose an hour just watching her breathe, this tiny girl entrusted to us. BEST MOMENTS ‘I treated it like a mission’ ‘Seeing women and children walking along the street brought  pain and a feeling of inadequacy’ ‘A relative biological hiccup, an egg that for some perfectly good reason had to bail out’ ‘It felt like having high stakes lottery tickets’ ‘He was on the outside while I got to live the process, I was the process’ ‘I was never alone or lonely she was always there’ ‘We tracked her every gurgle’ VALUABLE RESOURCES https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ivf-before-and-after-podcast/id1413710507?mt=2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079Z661B7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 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

In this episode, Kay takes us through some of the ‘add-ons’ that are offered when you are undertaking IVF treatments. She explores in detail the research and data that is available and explains what each treatment involves. This podcast is an invaluable listen for anyone considering IVF, tune in now. KEY TAKEAWAYS What are Add-ons? HFEA has developed a traffic light system to help people decide about add-on treatments. Green signals the treatment has one or more good quality. Amber signals the treatment has a small or conflicting body of evidence. The Red symbol signals the treatment has no evidence to suggest it is effective or safe. Assisted hatching - Red Before an embryo can implant in the womb it has to break out or ‘hatch’ from its zona pellucida. Assisted hatching involves using acid, lasers or other tools to thin or make a hole in the zona pellucida - helping the embryo to hatch. NICE the national body advising doctors on treatments. says: “Assisted hatching is not recommended because it has not been shown to improve pregnancy rates.” What is Elective freeze all cycles – Amber It’s thought by having all their embryos frozen, women are at lower risk of suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, an overreaction to fertility drugs. Some research suggests that pregnancy rates are increased by using frozen embryo transfers and that the risks to mother and baby are lower. Artificial egg activation calcium ionophore – Amber If the egg doesn’t activate, then it won’t develop, egg activation may be stimulated by chemicals added to the embryo in the lab.   In the few studies done to date, egg activation may have improved fertilisation rates in cycles where the egg and sperm have failed previously. Embryo glue - Amber Embryo glue may improve the chance of the embryo implanting in the womb. Research suggests it may increase pregnancy and birth rates by around 10% but further quality studies are needed. Endometrial scratching - Amber The theory is that the scratch procedure triggers the body to repair the site of the scratch, releasing chemicals and hormones that make the womb lining more receptive to an embryo implanting. There have only been a small number of moderate quality studies. Intrauterine culture - Red Intrauterine culture allows the early stages of embryo development to take place within the patient’s womb. There’s currently no evidence to show that intrauterine culture improves birth rates and is safe. Pre-implantation genetic screening - Amber for day 5 embryos, Red for day 3 embryos It involves checking embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes. A cell is removed and tested if done later several cells are tested Some small studies have shown that PGS on day 5 might be helpful in selecting a viable embryo to transfer in younger patients Reproductive immunology tests and treatment - Red Reproductive Immunology looks at how a woman’s immune system reacts when she becomes pregnant. There is no convincing evidence and there are risks attached to these treatments, some of which are very serious. Time-lapse imaging - Amber In IVF, time-lapse imaging is used to help select the embryos most likely to successfully develop into a baby. There have been various studies to try and see if time-lapse imaging can improve birth rates. Initial research has shown some promise. Intracytoplasmic morphologic sperm injection (IMSI) - Red The technique involves using a microscope to view sperm under very high magnification This allows clinics to view detailed images of sperm. The research that has been carried out does not support the use of IMSI over standard treatments. Physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) - Red PICSI identifies sperm that can bind to HA and these sperms are selected for use in treatment. There have been a number of studies comparing PICSI with standard treatments but there is very little evidence to suggest there is any benefit to using it. BEST MOMENTS ‘Capitalising on the hopes of vulnerable people’ ‘I was given an abundance of information but nothing made it clear what the percentages were’ ‘You’re in the hands of the clinic’ ‘For me how the clinic worked was more important than the data’ ‘People who unfortunately require fertility treatments become their own experts’ ‘They read extensively  about each treatment but this is coupled with being desperate for success so they are open to many treatments’ ‘In the UK the top clinics' success rates vary only by a few percentage points’ ‘Non-evidence based therapies, known as add-ons can cost thousands’ VALUABLE RESOURCES https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ivf-before-and-after-podcast/id1413710507?mt=2 ABOUT THE HOST The IVF Before and After podcast 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 episode explores unhappiness, how it affects those around us and the ways in which we can understand it. If you have ever been in a situation where unhappiness seems to grow and everything around you becomes an obstacle to listen in now to find out about why and how understanding can change everything. KEY TAKEAWAYS What happens to our unhappiness? Everyone seeks peace and harmony because this is what we lack in our lives. We all suffer miseries such as irritation, anger and disharmony and when we suffer from these feelings we often distribute them to others around us. Unhappiness fills the atmosphere around us so those we come in to contact with also become affected with our misery. This is not a way to live as we are social beings who interact with others. How are we to live harmoniously? I found this very difficult at first because I couldn’t see that I was miserable, and I didn’t understand that In order to relieve the misery you have to know the cause of the problem. How do we start to generate the negativity? We create tension within and begin to see lots of obstacles in front of us. As these unwanted things happen the process of reaction called Gordian Knots begins. It makes the entire mental structure become very tense and full of negativity and life becomes very miserable. We don’t want all this negativity, but we hold on to it because we think it makes us a better person How can we stop reacting? If something unwanted happens and you start to react negatively you could divert your emotions - begin to chant a mantra, have a glass of water. But when you take this action you are pushing your negativity deeper within yourself and sooner or later it will surface. You have to face the problem. As soon as you start to observe a mental impurity it begins to lose its power and wither away. This is a solution that avoids both extreme suppression and extreme expression. Retreat and Meditate? I started along the path of Darma – a universal remedy for universal problems What was it going to do for me? The technique was going to eradicate my suffering through mental purification and allow me to face life’s problems and tensions in a calm and peaceful balanced way. The process takes place at a retreat over ten days, it is a relatively short time to understand the deeper aspects of the unconscious mind and to eradicate the negativities that are lying there. A noble silence As part of the course, there was noble silence This is the silence of your body, speech and mind. This silence lasts for the entirety of the retreat and encourages the aspects of understanding that you are working in isolation experiencing Self-purification by self-observation. BEST MOMENTS ‘This is not the way to live we are social beings’ ‘A negative in the mind is a mental impurity’ ‘We start tying knots around our life’ ‘There is this sleeping volcano of suppressed negativity’ ‘The difficulty is we are not aware when negativity starts and by the time we recognise it has grown in strength’ ‘A by-product of this mental purification is the elimination of any psychosomatic problems’ VALUABLE RESOURCES https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ivf-before-and-after-podcast/id1413710507?mt=2 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 IVF fails, it’s hard to get your head around what went wrong. Seeing that one line will make you crumble down. It’s difficult to have this happen in your life. So, in this episode of the IVF Before and After Podcast, Kay guarantees that you’re not alone and someone’s walking alongside you. You’ll feel resentment, anger, and hate. It’s okay. It will take time to heal especially that you came from this significant moment in your life. If you’re skeptic about what you need to do next after a failed IVF, make sure to listen in. Just remember: things will get better. KEY TAKEAWAYS More than 95% of IVF failures is due to the risk of the embryo. Keep in mind that you’ve done nothing wrong. Once the sperm is implanted, it’s not in your control anymore. It’s best that you surround yourself with your loved ones – your family and friends. You need your support system as close to you as much as possible. Stay away from people who would keep you down when going along the journey. BEST MOMENTS “You don’t need someone texting you all the time asking every detail of what it’s like. If it’s negative, you don’t have to tell anybody about it. It’s private for you and your family, you and your partner.” “It takes time to tell to your heart that you miscarried.” 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 practicing 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

  What's Age Got To Do With It? Welcome to an episode that provides the answers to one of the most frequently asked questions “What's age got to do with it?” Kay shares with us the facts and misconceptions about age and how it impacts on IVF treatments Listen now to find out the answers to this vital question.     KEY TAKEAWAYS   No one should hold themselves back from undertaking IVF treatment. Some have time to wait some do not because of age.   In real life, a woman's age does have a profound effect on the possibility of being pregnant naturally or through IVF. Age also affects the cost of IVF.   Quality and Quantity You are born with all your eggs but about as you get older the viability of the eggs decreases. If you are over the age of 35 your egg quality and quantity will affect the cost of IVF as well as the success rate of the treatment.   As part of the treatment, injectable fertility drugs are used to stimulate your ovulation and produce multiple eggs. These drugs are a major part of the expense in IVF and need to be carefully considered if you are funding IVF yourself.   The Older Mother People can feel that if you are an older mother you won't be able to meet the physical demands of a small child. Within families grandparents regularly undertake the care of young grand-children showing that they are able to meet the physical demands of looking after a small child.   There is often a concern that there is a higher risk during pregnancy and when giving birth however studies show that 80% of women over 45 have no problems during pregnancy and 80% give birth at full term.     BEST MOMENTS ‘No one should hold themselves back from doing IVF’   ‘Being an older mother has benefits, you have more patience and experience’       ‘If I could turn back the clock I would have done it all sooner – and what huge difference that would have made’   ‘Dreams do come true, hold on to them we all can do it’     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 practicing 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After      

Welcome back to the IVF Before & After Podcast. Today, Kay shares with you the motivation to dream of being pregnant, of having a baby in your arms and having a healthy body in mind. Kay goes on to discuss why having that positive mindset and sticking to your dream and vision is essential to a successful IVF treatment. Hop in to learn more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Dream. Do you dare to dream of being pregnant with having a baby in your arms? Everyone has a dream, everyone has a cottage to make that dream come true. Let's make a version of your ideal treatment, pregnancy along with the future version of your life together with your baby and your family. Stop setting yourself at second best. The main set is not even set the IVF is only hope and it may or may not work. Our body system has been designed and another way for you to be strong and take on the IVF. Always see yourself as a winner or number one and you will always have success or that winning coming your way. Your dream doesn't stop you, your mindset does. You set your mindset in a place you forget what everyone will be saying to you, don't mind if it's negative. Have that mindset that is always positive and you will always succeed in your life and even in your business life. Let's together create that mindset of having a baby by IVF every day you need to work on you. If you work on yourself, you will always have success in everything you do. Dreams can come true. Let the magic come into you, believe, have faith. Question every treatment, every treatment plan that they put your way as your own, as it's unique to you. Having done all this is sure that you will have success in your life. All problems have solutions that you just need to find them. BEST MOMENTS “We dream too small or are we scared to dream as a dream may never come true.” "Everyone has a dream, everyone has a cottage to make that dream come true." “Your dream doesn't stop you, your mindset does.” “All problems have solutions that you just need to find them.” “Dreams do come true.” VALUABLE RESOURCES http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/ ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After were 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 http://www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER http://www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome back to the IVF Before & After Podcast. Today, Kay shares a personal story of grief and reflect backs on her own IVF experience. The clinic doesn't tell you how to deal with the grief. Your whole entire life changes and it tests your relationship. It takes it to the breaking point. There is a sad process after the happy process of IVF that we just can't really understand. But always remember dreams can come true for some of us. KEY TAKEAWAYS You're excited and you can't wait to start your very own family. You're told it's normal for someone 'your age' to struggle to conceive and you should just 'relax'. After a year you go back to the hospital and you can see all the excited couples with their bumps whilst you wait to see if you can even get IVF. This is the first time you will really feel truly saddened. As you will be assessed and have to wait over two years to hear if you're even eligible for IVF. It's devastating. I remember the doctor telling us we have a 5% chance of getting pregnant as long as the egg was top quality. This news was hard to hear and difficult to take. This is followed by your treatment plan your medication and your bill...You have to administer injections into your stomach twice a day and go in for regular blood tests. There's then the moment when you're waiting to find out and your whole life stops. The blue line isn't there and it's like your fight for your family is over. Then if you've got frozen embryos you can start another round of IVF. But you're left with that feeling of dread of going through it all over again. BEST MOMENTS "We were scared but positive. But we ended up living our life around the injections we had to take" “When you've not been successful with IVF your life is a struggle with overwhelming sadness. No one prepares you for the devastating impact IVF has on your life.” 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 practicing 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay shares with us about what she considers the worst part of going through IVF; the isolation. Kay talks about this common occurence, how it might affect those of us going through IVF through how it made her feel. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay talks about the 'after'. She gives a glimpse into how having twins has changed her everyday life and takes us through examples of this such as morning systems& routines or going to do a weekly shop. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay will discuss the anniversary of Steptoe& Edwards pioneering research, discovery and success with IVF treatment. She talks about the criticisms, praise and awards they received as a result of their scientific progress. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay goes through typical pre-treatments and investigative procedures taken before embarking on your IVF journey.   Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay gives you a quick guide to asking the right questions and deciding which clinic will suit you and your partner best. Discover how to choose the right fertility clinic for you and the key questions to ask both yourself and your clinic before undergoing the routine checks and IVF treatment. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. KEY TAKEAWAYS A quick guide to help you: If you are over 35 or have been trying to get pregnant for over 6 months chat with your GP. Check what treatments are available on the NHS as you will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for treatment. Discuss the criteria with the GP for your local area. If you cannot receive treatment, it’s worth considering treatment from a private clinic or abroad. Private clinic’s do cost, however, the waiting list is much shorter. Once you find a clinic look up their HFEA status. Questions to ask: Which clinics are available close to your home as during your treatment you’ll be visiting the clinic a lot. What treatments do they offer and what is the success rate for your age range? How long are the waiting lists? What are the full costs involved? Including the medication, the scans etc. Does the clinic have personalised treatment plans, individually for you? 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay shares how eating a fertile diet in preparation for pregnancy and to boost fertility is one of the most powerful health changes you can make. Kay explains how you cannot improve the egg quality, but you can improve the body in which the egg develops. It's beneficial to have a balanced diet when receiving IVF treatment including protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids. For fertility and IVF, the food you eat is just as important as nurturing and feeding your food cells. Learn the secrets to maintaining a balanced diet through the IVF treatment cycle and how you too can give yourself and your baby the best possible chance. KEY TAKEAWAYS You need to look at pre-conception and a nutritional plan for 12 weeks prior for all partners concerned. With IVF stimulation medication the sperm takes 85 days to mature. However, do not remove everything from your food intake, but assess what you eat in excess and attempt to reduce If you're cutting out certain foods such as wheat and gluten, make sure you take nutrients to replace them. Remember when you start thinking of the IVF journey begin taking a folic acid supplement BEST MOMENTS   “You cannot improve the egg quality, but you can improve the body in which the egg develops.”   “Eating a natural fertility diet helps to protect the egg and the sperm and help to balance your hormones and keep a healthy reproductive system.”     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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay explains how IVF can bring couples great joy - the baby you have longed for - but also how the process can pile on the pressure. Note this is a good podcast for the other half to listen too... Kay dives into this episode by explains that the dynamic of a couple's relationship, holds the key as to why some struggle to conceive, and that additional pressure is enforced when conception doesn't happen right away. Understand how hard the relationship between parents to become very clinical when IVF treatment begins and how it’s easy for couples to punish their relationships to the extreme during this stressful time. Learn how women become neurotic as their main focus and the only goal during this time is on the baby. Kay shares some important tips on how to deal with your relationship and reduce stress during IVF. Discover the simple steps to calming yourself and creating the time and space to talk to each other. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. KEY TAKEAWAYS The female always feels they are taking on more of the responsibility and has to give up more as the IVF treatment goes on. This results in stress, stress on the relationship. All the women are focusing on is the IVF and the baby, they hear you but they are not listening. The fun stops and the resentment sets in, the women are taking all the negative result that she is the failure, but it's your fault too... Tips: Bring your attention to the exact moment you are in. Not to what's been said previously or what will be said in the future. Take a few deep breaths, feel the exhale and repeat this three times. Become one with your breath and focus, but not what's going on around you, focus only on your partner and approach them, hold their hand and feel their movement. Tell them to breathe also and relieve the stress. You will now be calmer, together, as one. BEST MOMENTS   “It’s rare couples that couples sing from the same hymn sheet as it's described.   “When going through IVF the ‘white coat syndrome sets in’ along with the never-ending agony.”   “A word of warning to men, it doesn't matter what you say or do...it will never be the right thing.” “Build your relationship to be strong. Strong enough to be able to go through IVF.   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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay dives into having a positive mind and body during your journey and explains that whilst your biological clock is ticking, your body and mind might not be ready. Find out more about the mixed emotions causing you stress during IVF and the impact stress has on your chances of fertility. In this episode, Kay shows you how to reduce the stress in your life and keep a positive mind and body throughout your IVF treatment. Kay explains that when your body is relaxed, your mind will be calm and this will allow the positive energy to flow around your body but when you allow stress into your life this can cause negative energy to flow, causing blockages and harming your chances of conceiving. Find out more about what to do in your life to reduce stress, stay calm and create the right environment to begin your IVF treatment and listen to the end where Kay reveals more about her incredible IVF story. KEY TAKEAWAYS The most common cause affecting women trying to conceive, other than biologically is stress. It affects the production of hormones. When your truthful with yourself, you may come to the conclusion you can’t have the treatment right away, you need to consider: Is your house ready for a baby to live in? Are your relationships causing you stress? Is work causing you stress? Because all of this stress will affect your chances of conceiving. The statement the doctor says ‘you’re going to have problems trying to conceive’ suppresses your emotions and you need to look at your emotions because trying for a baby is emotional and draining. BEST MOMENTS   “Your body may be ready to conceive, but your mind may not be.” “Take time out to be the old you, when the stress of not being able to conceive wasn’t a thought.” “Meditation and relaxation helps to reduce stress.” “Surround yourself with supportive family and  friends, those that do not, omit them from your life during this time.” “The fertility rollercoaster can be mind boggling but there are steps that we can take to control, to change and to feel energized.”   VALUABLE RESOURCES http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/ ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After were 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay makes you aware of the lifestyle choices that may affect your chances of conception or a successful IVF treatment. Kay describes how your lifestyle can bring about unwanted stress in your life and impact on your chances of conceiving. Trying to conceive is naturally stressful enough, plus your trying to deal with the daily stresses of life within your work, your relationship and with your friends. Kay helps you identify the stress you can avoid during your treatment in order to achieve a balance. KEY TAKEAWAYS When the body has emotional stress it influences the hormones in your body. Nowadays women are more prominently building their careers, they don't have the time to have a baby, they're busy and have low energy reserves. The IVF treatment itself is stressful, the scans and the blood tests all causes stress Always speak to your GP for their advice they could have on your fertility, it's worthwhile working out your BMI before undertaking any IVF treatment. BEST MOMENTS   "You've probably heard the expression, relax and it will happen." "Lifestyle is not just what you eat, drink or smoke. It's everything in your life." "Removing substances from your life such as alcohol or cigarettes can be stressful but make a big difference." VALUABLE RESOURCES http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/ ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After were 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-After

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay goes through the steps that you need to take before trying to conceive, looking firstly at your health. In this episode, Kay concentrates on your health and provides you with 8 steps to prepare for IVF treatment. Discover why it’s important to prepare your body and stay organised when going through the treatment and how you too, can learn a little more about the process that could make you a parent. Kay brings you the steps you need to take before trying to conceive and the crucial tests you’ll need to take to make your IVF journey a success. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. KEY TAKEAWAYS Step 1. Have an up to date cervical smear test and keep a copy in your IVF fertility folder. Step 2. Ask your GP to check your rubella immunity, if you are no longer immune request the rubella booster and again keep a copy of the results. Step 3. Start taking folic acid 3 months prior to conceiving to prevent neural defects. Step 4. Sexual health is very important, ask your GP for the standard test to check for any sexually transmitted diseases. Step 5. Age, If your over 35 see your GP for all necessary tests. Step 6. If you have any pre-existing conditions seek your GP’s advice. Step 7. Fertility, women are born with their full supply of eggs and so your variant reserve is predetermined at birth. It’s useful to know when your mother went through menopause as fertility stops up to 10 years before your last period. Step 8. Fertility tests AMH (antimullerian hormone) your ovarian reserve declines with your age, this test will have to be done prior to treatment. These tests will determine how your body will react to the upcoming IVF tests. BEST MOMENTS   “Find your way through your IVF and parenting journey” “Keep all the records of your treatment and test in your IVF folder it’s a fantastic help.”   VALUABLE RESOURCES http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/ ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After were 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-Afte

Welcome to another episode of the IVF Before & After Podcast. In this episode, Kay dives into her story of how she conceived twins age of 46, and how you to can achieve the important balance within your life when going through the IVF treatment. Kay shares with you her heartbreaking and inspiring story of her IVF journey, and how it’s easy to let the IVF treatment take over your life and engulf you in a mix of emotions. In this stripped-back episode, Kay describes her first cycle of IVF treatment, the faith she and her husband put in the clinic and the agonising wait, pain and exhaustion the process puts you through. Find out more about the step-by-step process and how it will affect your body and mind and chances of conceiving. Subscribe to this podcast and hear Kay’s IVF story from start to finish. KEY TAKEAWAYS It took a lot of time to decide, we were told it would be a miracle if we were able to have a baby. We have a 5% chance of conceiving Your put on the birth control pill, the clinic doesn't want you to ovulate, they want to control every step of the process I came home went to the toilet and gave off the loudest most terrifying scream, it was all over. All that time, money and hope literally flushed down the toilet. The next cycle would cost the same, thousands of pounds and with the same chance of conception. BEST MOMENTS “I want this to be the type of  podcast I would have liked to listen to before I started my IVF journey.” “7 years ago I started my IVF journey.” “You question yourself each time you take medication. I was scared what IVF would do to my body, the overwhelming amount of drugs is scary, and I was worried about setting myself up for disappointment.” “At my age and with only one egg, you should not be here at this stage.” “It only takes one egg and one sperm to make a baby.”   VALUABLE RESOURCES http://ivfbeforeandafter.com/ ABOUT THE HOST IVF Before and After were 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 www.instagram.com/ivfbeforeandafter/ https://twitter.com/IVFBEFOREAFTER www.facebook.com/IVF-Before-and-Afte