Podcasts about fertility network uk

What does the research say about infertility and mental health? How should we approach our mental health in light of what the research says?This episode will answer these questions!Doug and Jesse are joined by Infertility Researcher, Professor, and Therapist, Dr. Brennan Peterson, to explore the research behind the mental health impact of infertility. In this episode, we talk about how infertility is a developmental interruption, how infertility stigma increases our search for meaning in life, and how openness helps us during infertility. Dr. Brennan Peterson is a professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy.  He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Chapman University for 20 years and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.  He researches the mental health implications of infertility and counseling interventions for couples experiencing fertility treatment. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, which have been cited over 4,500 times.  He has presented his work in the United States, Israel, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, and Australia.  https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/brennan-petersonMyJourney was developed by Cardiff University Fertility Studies, in collaboration with APFertilidade - Portuguese Fertility Association and Fertility Network UK. It is research-based and user-led, with participation from health professionals and people who could not have the children they wished for.https://myjourney.pt/Uniquely Knitted is a Non-Profit Organization serving all who are emotionally affected by infertility. We are on a mission to bring healing to the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that comes with struggling to grow your family.Learn more at uniquelyknitted.org

According to the British Fertility Society, between 9% and 15% of couples will encounter fertility problems, while Fertility Network UK says that “over 3.5 million people in the UK go through some kind of fertility challenge.” Interestingly, the total fertility rate in England and Wales actually increased slightly in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics. But that was the first increase in a decade, with the general trend being towards lower fertility, a pattern also seen elsewhere in the world, and in developed countries in particular.  Why are more people facing fertility challenges then? What about environmental factors? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 28/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the British Fertility Society, between 9% and 15% of couples will encounter fertility problems, while Fertility Network UK says that “over 3.5 million people in the UK go through some kind of fertility challenge.” Interestingly, the total fertility rate in England and Wales actually increased slightly in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics. But that was the first increase in a decade, with the general trend being towards lower fertility, a pattern also seen elsewhere in the world, and in developed countries in particular.  Why are more people facing fertility challenges then? What about environmental factors? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does LGBT stand for, and how does this community experience pregnancy and birth differently in maternity care? I chat to Laura Rose Thorogood about the experiences of the LGBT community throughout pregnancy and birth. From language, inclusion and care, we chat about the changes that need to be made, and how healthcare providers and the public can educate themselves to be empathetic, kind, and inclusive. Laura-Rose is a married lesbian mother of four donor conceived children by IUI and IVF over twelve years.  She is both a Bio and Non Biological mother and has loved experience of operative birth, failed cycles, miscarriage, secondary infertility and birth trauma.  She is an LGBT+, Maternity and Fertility Activist, educator, writer, seasoned speaker, & campaigner. She is Founder of LGBT Mummies, supporting over 70,000 worldwide through guidance, community, support groups and events. Through Proud Foundations their educational arm, she lectures & trains midwives and healthcare professionals, educates and consults with organizations to be inclusive, & has worked with the Government, NHSE & DHSC making policy & law recommendations & has been invited into and presented in Parliament. She has multiple roles across NHSE, RCOG,UCL, HFEA, MMHA, Chair of the largest national MNVP, & creates change to create equity and equality for marginalised minority groups. She is also a Trustee for UK charity Fertility Network UK. 

Have you ever thought about egg freezing?Almost half of Gen Z say they're worried about their future fertility, in a report from fertility benefits company Apryl. Egg freezing is the fastest growing fertility treatment in the UK. For many people, freezing your eggs feels like a bit of an insurance policy, and could let you have children in the future. But is it always that simple? I'm Mary, and in this episode, I explore why young people are more aware of their fertility, and how freezing your eggs actually works. Love Island's India Reyonolds shares her fertility journey. And I speak to her cousin Isla, a fertility midwife, who tells me how the process works. Plus, insight from Dr Catherine Hill, from Fertility Network UK.Get involved with the conversation. I'm on WhatsApp on: +447723735241Noted is an original podcast production from The News Movement and Persephonica.Resources: Fertility information from the NHS and from Fertility Network UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode discusses pregnancy loss, infertility and secondary infertility.Jennie Agg, journalist and author of Life, Almost, speaks frankly to Rosie Taylor about one of the greatest taboos around postnatal health: recovery after pregnancy and baby loss. Jennie talks about her own experiences of recurrent miscarriage, the research developments which could help us better understand infertility and baby loss - and the conflicting feelings she experienced when she finally became a mum. You can buy Jennie's book Life, Almost here and subscribe to her Substack here. Follow her on Instagram: @jenniemonologues and Twitter: @jenniferagg.***If you've been affected by issues discussed in this episode, these organisations could help:Tommy's provides evidence-based advice and information around miscarriage and baby loss, as well as offering support.The Miscarriage Association has a support helpline and Sands supports families who have experienced baby loss. Fertility Network UK has a support group for people experiencing secondary infertility.Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues Pandas and Make Birth Better.***Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards. On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents' lives for the better.Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)www.motherbodies.comInsta: @motherbodiesTwitter: @motherbodies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'There Must Be People Going Through Fertility Problems'Jenny Okona-Mensah is the Ethnic Minorities Project worker at the Fertility Network UK. In this episode she joins Nina (@missninamalone) to explore how we can have better conversations around fertility with our children and others and debunks some of the myths.Find out more about the Fertility Network here and about the appeal here To join the Dope Black Mums safe space, check out our website for more information www.dopeblackmums.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tale of the Frozen Bits: a conversation Tale of the Frozen Bits is an exhibition of new work by artist and Castlefield Gallery Associate El Morgan, opening at Castlefield Gallery on 12 February 2023. The exhibition explores something of the rich and surprising history of fertility drugs. Morgan's work for the show touches on an eclectic array of materials and medical discoveries from Nun's urine to midwife toads and industrial freezers. Across two film works, screen prints and merchandise Morgan crafts a unique take on fertility treatment bringing to the fore the practical mechanisms that surround having ‘bits' of oneself stored and frozen for potential future use. Ahead of the exhibition we host a conversation with the artist, Professor of Clinical Embryology at the University of Manchester Daniel Brison and Professor of Reproductive Biomedicine at the University of Manchester John Aplin. If you would like to find out more about the subject of fertility treatment the website of the UK regulator, the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority, is a good place to start https://www.hfea.gov.uk, as well as Fertility Network UK https://fertilitynetworkuk.org

In this edition,  Paul Pennington talks to Breast Cancer Now's Clinical Nurse Specialist Katy Goford as very recent research shows 2 out of 5 women don't regularly check their breasts for the signs of breast cancer and 39% of women don't attend breast cancer screening. Gez Medinger and Professor Danny Altman discuss their new 'Long Covid Handbook' and Gwenda Burns from the charity, Fertility Network UK joins Paul to talk about the impact of infertility on the 1 in 6 couples affected.          

I'm pushing a Bill through try and get better workplace support for people going through IVF. Infertility affects 3.5 million people in the UK, it affects people of all backgrounds and ethnicities, and did you know it affects more men than women? I was joined by Anya Sizer from Fertility Network UK and racing driver TAG Toby Trice in this episode, to discuss this further.

Welcome to another episode of Fertility Conversations. Episode 1. . . Today, we are joined by Ogechi. She is an HR professional living and working in London, UK with her husband. Giving that Fertility treatments can feel like a full time job itself; with all the doctors appointments, scans and procedures, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed by it all. . Ogechi joins us to share how she balances work and fertility treatments. We discuss how employers can be create a more supportive environment for their employees including offering fertility benefits. In addition, we share some tips on how employees can approach their employers to get the conversation started and help create a policy that supports employees going through fertility treatments. . Join us to listen to this amazing episode. Ogechi is a volunteer with Fertility Network UK charity and hosts a Black Women's support group meeting once a month. You can connect with Ogechi via Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/faith_fertility/ . Remember to Subscribe, leave a review and give this podcast a 5*rating to help spread more awareness about In(Fertility).  . . This is a podcast that shares stories of fertility & Infertility in Africa & all across the world. Representation Matters. Our stories matter. Our stories help others feel less alone. . If you would like to share your story, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at: fertilityconversations@gmail.com . Infertility | Pregnancy Loss| Childless Not By Choice | Baby Loss | Miscarriages | Male Factor Infertility | Donor Eggs | Fertility | Birth Control | Donor Sperm | Embryo Adoption | Adoption| Surrogacy | IUI| IVF | Mental Health | Fertility Preservation |Egg Freezing | Sperm Freezing | PTSD | Sexual Cycles | Period Pains Infertility Podcast | Fertility Podcast I Menstruation |Adhesions | Adenomyosis | Fibroids | PCOS | Endometriosis | Irregular Cycles| Blocked Tubes | Fertility related topics |            

Support The Problem With Men Podcast: Buy a T-Shirt | Make a PayPal Donation.In the past 50 years sperm counts have halved. Many of us are waiting until we're older to start families creating more challenges for conception. Not only is this personally devastating for individuals but it could also be devastating for society as it leads to an unbalanced population. So what is the issue? What's happening to our sperm? What can we do about it?In this episode of The Problem With Men Podcast we're looking at the male fertility crisis. Chatting to seminal experts; Professor Richard Sharpe who is head of the Medical Research Councils Centre for Reproductive Health and Sheryl Homa who runs the only registered fertility clinic for men in the UK. We unpack the issues and look at potential solutions. Also in this episode; Bill Petok & Anthony Ryb talk to us about the psychological impact of facing infertility. Ian Stones from Fertility Network UK tells us about his successful online support group and we hear from IVFDad.com's Chris Lawson who kindly takes us through his experience of fertility treatment.Please support this podcast by sharing it with a friend you can also leave a rating or review, which will help more people find it.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-problem-with-men/donations

The Invisible ManFor too long the male experience has been invisible. Traditionally the vast majority of tests and treatments have been focused on women. It's been assumed that men have the ‘easy bit' – all they need to do is go into a room with their favorite porn movie or magazine and wank! But is this really true? You'll hear Actor and Writer Rod Silvers talking about his short film England Expects which uses football as a metaphor for going through unsuccessful IVF, and he follows up play Terry and Jude which looks at the lives of two older, single, childless men and Elis Matthews – the rapping reverend – will be (over)sharing about the lived experience of a man diagnosed with azoospermia and his unconventional route to parenthood. Rod and Ellis joined the panel discussion with leading fertility experts of the ‘male experience', Dr. Benjamin Abramov, Medical Director, Gennet City Fertility, and Jonathan RamsayConsultant Urologist at Hammersmith & Charing Cross Hospital and was chaired by Anya Sizer from Fertility Network UK. To find out more about the event sessions click https://www.fertilityfest.com/big-fat-festival-day-barbican (here )

You'll hear from Tom who tells their story and is now crowdfunding to make a documentary called The Easy Bit, about how men are affected during fertility treatment. As Tom states very clearly in our chat "I'm very conscious of the fact I never want to compare what men go through to what women go through as it is so very different". Tom however is keen to put the spotlight on the struggles men have and like I try to do with this podcast give them a voice. You can find out more about the crowdfunding campaign to support The Easy Bit https://www.gofundme.com/the-easy-bit-2u9n7rg (here ) I first found out about Tom and his partner Nic from Twitter, where I find so many fascinating people willing to share their stories on this podcast. The pair were writing a blog together about their fertility treatment and the challenges it threw in their faces. Nic had to undergo surgery ahead of treatment and the pair documented their steps initially to let their family know what they were going through rather than having to repeat themselves again and again. But as you'd imagine, https://journeytothefarsideofthewomb.wordpress.com/ (their blog )was far more reaching. Tom's work for a production company meant he was also responsible for producing the #HiddenFaces campaign for http://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ (Fertility Network UK) which is a brilliant insight into the variety of people affected by #infertility. I urge you to watch the videos.

Male Fertility is something we have talked about on The Fertility Podcast a lot in the past and you can hear more of our conversations https://www.thefertilitypodcast.com/captivate-category/male-fertility/ (here ) All too often Men are overlooked when having conversations with healthcare and medical professionals about this topic and as you will hear, they often don't want to speak to anyone about what is going on. This bonus episode being shared to support National Fertility Awareness Day and its focus on male fertility is called 'MAN UP' - an ethnodrama written from empirical research date from interviews with people experiencing complex fertility journeys by Manchester Metropolitan University. It has been written and produced by http://www.jennyberry.co.uk/ (www.jennyberry.co.uk)  Follow on insta: https://www.instagram.com/jennyberrypoet/ (Jenny Berry) https://www.instagram.com/fertilitypoddy/ (Fertility Poddy ) https://www.instagram.com/fertilitynetworkuk/ (Fertility Network UK)

This week, we have the pleasure of interviewing one of the UK's leading fertility specialists and acupuncturist, Ian Stones. Ian has 14 years of fertility treatment experience, and is the director of Hove Fertility & Wellness, co-founder of Fertility Network UK's male fertility support, and facilitator of the HIMfertility support group. https://hovefertilityandwellness.co.uk/https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/https://www.himfertility.com/

We're back in Sofia and back at the clinic.  This time for a Hysteroscopy. Find out why Romana really enjoyed it!! Ewan also chats to Tony aka @thehopefulfather.  Tony is a big advocate for raising awareness around male infertility and in this chat he opens up about his own personal journey.  It's an extremely moving but also funny discussion.  The Wank Room being one such topic covered!!  You can find Tony's vlog at www.infertilitysucks.net To support Tony's Everest Base Camp trek for Fertility Network UK click here Check out our Vlogs on Youtube.  They are released weekly every Friday.  If you enjoy them please subscribe to the channel Romana and Ewan. You can watch all the vlogs here Thank you to everyone who has bought us a coffee and donated to the podcast.  If you'd like to help support our creative endeavours and keep this podcast running please visit www.buymeacoffee.com/romanaandewan You can also donate directly through Paypal by clicking here www.fortryingoutloud.com @fortryingoutloud @romanaandewan

This week on the podcast I interview Cat Strawbridge, a fertility advocate and host of the Finally Pregnant Podcast, and Frankie Hockham, Fertility Network UK volunteer on infertility, pregnancy loss and childlessness. Infertility is a disease that affects 1 in 6 couples, the majority of whom are in the workforce, however it is not an issue that is talked about or well supported in organisations in the UK. We discussed: Our personal experiences with fertility treatments, loss and pregnancy while working How you can communicate your fertility situation to your manager or employer What you can do to get the support you need from your organisation Practical ways leaders can proactively support team members or colleagues having fertility treatments or dealing with infertility I hope this episode shines a light on the effect infertility and fertility treatments has on individuals in the workplace, gives both those affected and those supporting helpful tips and encourages you to take action to improve fertility policies in your organisation.  If you would like support with infertility, fertility treatments, loss or childlessness, please reach out to The Fertility Network UK and use the resources they provide on their website: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ If you’d like to know more about fertility in the workplace, visit: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/trying-to-conceive/fertility-at-work/ MORE ABOUT CAT Finally Pregnant Podcast host, community leader and fertility advocate Cat Strawbridge is a fertility patient who has experienced multiple rounds of fertility treatment and sadly pregnancy loss. Cat now supports the trying to conceive (TTC) community and those who are finally pregnant and parenting after infertility and loss. Cat has worked with corporates to embed fertility policies, education and training to staff and managers and supports to all those affected by infertility and loss. Finally Pregnant Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finally-pregnant/id1463544731 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryingyears/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catstrawbridge/ MORE ABOUT FRANKIE Like so many, Frankie has been affected and impacted by infertility and pregnancy loss. Throughout her fertility journey, she was struck by how isolating the experience can be and how unprepared they were for what was to come due to lack of support and information. On sharing her story, several our friends, colleagues and even family came forward to talk about their secret struggles with fertility. Because of this, Frankie became a volunteer for the Fertility Network UK and now speaks publicly to raise awareness of infertility, pregnancy loss and childlessness. Frankie wants to help ensure others realise that they’re not alone. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheska1981/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/francescahockham   Carla forgot to mention that she wrote a book on what she learnt from her fertility treatment called Whilst I was Waiting.  You can buy that on Amazon kindle at https://rb.gy/fzspbe   INFLUENCE & IMPACT  Find out more about my 12-month group training and coaching programme for female leaders who want to become brilliant at influencing, tackle self-doubt and make more impact at work. Don’t miss out, enrolment closes 21 May.   https://www.carlamillertraining.com/influence-impact-apr-21   Follow me on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamiller1/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiscarlamiller//     HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PODCAST?   Subscribe  Share this episode with a friend  Leave a review     I would love to hear you feedback on this week’s podcast. Please leave a review or come say hello on social!  Thank you for listening, see you next week!  

Men are becoming increasingly less fertile. A study found that sperm counts in the West had dropped by nearly 60% in the past 40 years. According to that study, if sperm counts continue to decrease at this rate, they are set to reach zero by 2045. What is hijacking our fertility, and could we be on the brink of extinction? In this episode, host Dermot Murnaghan is joined by Shanna Swan, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist who explains the causes of this reproductive crisis; Kate Brian from Fertility Network UK talks through the effects that infertility can have on people; and sperm donor Kyle Gordy describes the increase in demand for his services.

On this episode I am joined by Dr Sarah Gilchrist . Sarah has over 20 years' experience in the UK high performance sport industry and has supported British Rowing to multi-gold medal success throughout the Beijing, London and Rio Olympic and Paralympic cycles. Sarah also has a Professional Doctorate in recovery, with a special focus on sleep and athletic performance. It is this knowledge that she now brings to worlds outside of elite sport where sleep, downtime and managing your energy are key pillars of daily life. Finally, Sarah also sits on The Sleep Charity Advisory Board and is a Trustee for Fertility Network UK. In this bonus episode we cover topics from what is meant by sleep, how women-specific factors, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause might impact on sleep, and tips on improving you sleep quality.If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review, and please share with your teammates, coaches, friends, and family!Resources: Dr Sarah Gilchrist: Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-gilchrist-ab8773150/?originalSubdomain=uk | ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Gilchrist-2 | Twitter: @SarahLGilchrist | Insta: @gilchristperfAdditional resources: http://www.gilchristperformance.co.uk/ Season 1 of the podcast is kindly sponsored by Umi Health. Umi Health are on a mission to make pelvic health accessible to every woman, everywhere. Exclusively for the listeners Umi Health are offering a 7-day free trial - all you need to do is go to their website and enter the code PERIOD at either sign up or upgrade. For more information: www.umi-health.com| Insta @umihealth | Twitter: @HealthUmi | Facebook: @UmiHealthLtdCheck out more from The Period of The Period: www.periodoftheperiod.com | Insta @periodoftheperiod | Twitter @periodofperiod | Facebook @periodoftheperiodYou can also find us on Patreon. We have three different membership levels all priced under £4 a month. By becoming a Patron of the The Period of The Period you'll receive a range of benefits including early access, bonus episodes, and more! If you want to help us continue doing what we do then please head to www.patreon.com/periodoftheperiod*Disclaimer: Material and content discussed on  The Period of The Period Podcast are intended for general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice*.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/periodoftheperiod)

As of last week, all IVF treatment has been suspended in the UK. What impact is this having on women, and what could the longer-term consequences be? Tina Mulhern is 41 and can’t now start a second cycle of treatment after her first attempt failed in February. Anya Sizer is the London regional organiser of Fertility Network UK. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had lots of listeners getting in touch to tell us how gardening is helping them through lockdown. Fran Halsall is one of them - but she’s decided to use her skills outside of her own back yard. In today’s Woman’s Hour Corona Diaries, she tells Jenni what it’s like volunteering as a planter and picker on a local farm, and how she’s trying to galvanise others to have a go at growing by making a series of simple instructional videos. The lockdown seems like the perfect opportunity to give sewing and mending your own clothes a try. It’s also a time when sewists have been lending their hands to help the NHS frontline. Ros Studd is a textiles teacher who’s just launched the website Repair What You Wear; Dulcie Scott is a TV costume designer who’s worked on Downton Abbey and His Dark Materials and is now co-ordinating Helping Dress Medics, a project to sew much-needed hospital scrubs, and Esme Young is a fashion designer and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, which returns for a new series tonight on BBC 1. The things we cherish aren’t always expensive. Instead, we treasure the stuff that reminds us of special people, particular times in our lives, or which stand for something important. The writer and broadcaster Sali Hughes talks to Elen Jones about a particularly special pair of glasses. The last century and a half has seen remarkable changes in women’s lives - perhaps not least that today three quarters of mothers are in paid employment. In the nineteenth century working mothers were in a minority and, the fact that they were working was widely regarded to be a social ill damaging to their families and wider society. While the working lives of the earliest women doctors or factory workers were very different both had to wrestle with cultural assumptions that they were somehow neglecting their domestic duties. Many women with children were driven to work by economic necessity but, it also appears that many of them came to enjoy a measure of financial independence and a life beyond the home. The historian Helen McCarthy discusses her new book ‘Double Lives: A History of Working Motherhood’ and how much attitudes to mothers in the work place have changed - and how far we still have to go.

We hope this wonderful episode with Bibi Lynch, broadcaster and journalist, will inspire you. As many of you will know, Bibi has written and spoken openly in the media about her childless life and received support from many, and attracted critics too. She has lots of wisdom to share and we all came away feeling charged up to tackle life. We hope you feel the same. We also bring you community news from The Empty Cradle in Australia, a new guide from The Fertility Network UK, details of Words That Heart and a new choir from Helen Louise-Jones. 

What a busy week it's been. On Episode 4, I share with you what it's been like sharing a blog which got the most response I've ever had and include an interview with LBC radio on the back of it. I also have a wonderful chat with Sophie Sulehria and her husband Jonny Baker. Sophie is a BBC reporter. Sophie and Jonny have been through 6 rounds of unsuccessful IVF and have shared their journey with Radio 4's PM Programme for their series “Our Fertility Journey” which follows the couple as they meet people who have found alternative ways to have a child. I absolutely loved talking to Sophie and Jonny about what it was like to go so public with their fertility journey; how they've got through it together and how Sophie felt after doing a course looking at a new way to think about life... "I felt like I was stripping completely naked and running down the high street" "you can't stop all these external influences, it's more about how you deal with them" "I'm full of love, I love children and I love people and if that's who I am...then that's who I want to be" Sophie and Jonny's Radio 4 series is now about to be released in an extensive form as a podcast called “The Long Road To Baby” you can find out more at www.sophiesulerhia.co.uk We also talk about Fertility Network UK www.fertilitynetworkuk.org Broadband Consciousness from www.theministryofinspiration.com

Jessica is an Author, and  Adventure Activist. In her early forties after the eleventh round of unsuccessful IVF, she decided it was time to take on another adventure. It became the start of a journey in pursuit of the answer to the question: ‘Does motherhood make you happy or can you have a fulfilling life without children?’ What she’s learning is that there are many routes to creating a family if you want one but also that life is full of many different adventures. That’s what led her to dedicating the fourth decade of her life to taking on some of the world’s most iconic endurance challenges to raise awareness and money for both adults and children without the families they long for. In 2015, Jessica swam the English Channel in 17 hours, 44 minutes and 30 seconds, raising over £25,000 for adults and children without the families they long for. She said it was like her version of 'giving birth.' Read about it in her new book: 21 Miles: Swimming in search of the meaning of motherhood. In 2017, Jessica ran the London Marathon for Fertility Network UK, raising over £5,000 for the charity. In 2020, Jessica plans on summiting Mount Everest, which when she completed, will make her the first women to have ever completed these two challenges called  “Pond to Peak”. **Please note during this episode we do talk about fertility, IVF and miscarriages. If you are in a sensitive place right now regarding these issues, please make sure you feel strong enough to listen, and have support available. This episode will always be available for you to listen to at a later date.** Show Notes How Jessica would describe herself Coming from an arts family Running a theatre by her early 30s Not being sporty when she was younger Meeting the man she wanted to have a family with Trying to get pregnant A decade long struggle to conceive Her mission to become a mother and how it took over her life Wanting to take back control in her 40s How she got through it while living her life in limbo The shame around fertility problems for both men and women The impact on her marriage Turning 40 and starting to write her first book - The Pursuit of Motherhood 43 - and getting on with the rest of your life Exercise and the role it played during her quest for motherhood. Reaching 43 and deciding to stop IVF Deciding to swim the English Channel! All the reasons why she could not do this challenge Mental toughness and mental resilience What she thinks about while swimming Why the challenge is always going to be harder than the training The 7 & 6 in training (7 hours swimming on Saturday and 6 hour swimming on Sunday) Swimming in the dark  - getting sick while swimming - dealing with jelly fish!! Finishing the channel swim and reaching French soil Adventure Activism and doing challenges! Going back to her bucket list for her next challenge Her 3rd and Final challenge…. climbing Everest in 2020! The Pond to Peak Challenge! Fertility Fest Deciding to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at Christmas How’s she training for Mount Everest & why she knows herself Confidence after a challenge! Dealing with sadness in your life Dealing with people’s sympathy Grief   Social media Website  Twitter @JessicaPursuit Facebook - @thepursuitofmotherhood  Fertility Fest - http://www.fertilityfest.com

In our first episode, Nick and Nik talk about trying for a baby. Nick talks to Susan Seenan (@SusanSeenan), Chief Executive of Fertility Network UK, about IVF.