Becky & Ben's Fertility Spotlight

We meet counsellor Gemma Antcliffe, who has a special interest in helping fertility patients. She explains the unique challenges of infertility, focussing on its uncertainty and disruptive nature. We discuss our own experience, and the powerful emotions we felt. Gemma talks with empathy about the ‘storm’ many clients face, offering advice on when to seek the help of a fertility counsellor. The best therapy, she argues, creates a calm and non-judgmental space – with the conversation led by the client. Navigating the emotional turmoil of infertility lies in the openness of the relationship. From there, processing the unfairness of it all, and looking to the future, becomes possible.                            Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.comInstagram: @fertilityspotlightProducer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Becky and Ben reflect on the long waits associated with IVF. Fertility treatment can’t be rushed. Finding the resolve to keep going, and lead a normal life, is tough. Trying naturally, the switch to medical treatment, appointment after appointment, the months between each attempt – waiting is one of the biggest burdens for fertility patients. How did we cope? Mindfulness, cocooning, and being kind to ourselves and each other, helped. As did our love of music, poetry and films. Like The Shawshank Redemption, escape and new beginnings are possible. You don’t stay still for ever. Hope exists in the present, not just the future.                                   Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.comInstagram: @fertilityspotlightExtract from Eternal Source of Light Divine, by George Frideric Handel, performed by Aksel Rykkvin (treble) and the MIN Ensemble, Mark Bennett (trumpet and artistic director) and Lazar Miletic (ensemble director). From the album Light Divine. Label: Signum Classics. Used with permission.               Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Positive pregnancy test after IVF treatment? Fantastic. Now comes the next challenge – the pregnancy itself. Many fertility patients are in their late 30s or early 40s, and pregnancies in this age group require close care and monitoring. We speak to renowned fetal medicine specialist Ruwan Wimalasundera, senior consultant obstetrician at London’s University College Hospital. We discuss the medical risks associated with older mothers, specifically relating to multiple pregnancies and the complications that can occur. These include preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes, and we stress the importance of single embryo transfers to reduce these pregnancy risks. We also talk about the positive aspects of having children later in life. From surgery in the womb to emotional support in the consulting room, this is a reflective interview with an outstanding doctor in tune with the challenges and joys of IVF pregnancies.      Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com/Instagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlight Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

What foods should you eat when trying to conceive? We meet functional nutritionist Hayley Paul, who takes a science-based approach to food, drink and dietary planning. We ask if fertility patients really need to eat pineapple to boost their pregnancy chances. We discuss the ‘superfood’ label: beetroot, maca powder and green tea all score highly. And we look at the benefits of full fat dairy products, antioxidants and other important food groups. Overlooking all of this is Hayley’s strong interest in good digestion, gut health and the nature of food absorption. A detailed and fascinating look at the ways we can optimise our conception health – and, crucially, our potential baby’s health too.                                                             Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com/Hayley Paul: https://www.habitude.co.uk/Instagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlight Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Can you maintain a happy sex life during fertility treatment – and after it? We speak to world-renowned sex therapist Kate Moyle about this tricky dilemma. The disruptive nature of IVF can often affect closeness and Intimacy. But, as Kate points out, not all relationships need sex to thrive and survive. We discuss the different approaches to sexual comfort by couples and singles on their fertility journeys. IVF affects everyone in different ways. Common feelings of temporary unhappiness can sometimes lead to strained sexual connections. And this unhappiness can spill over into life after the birth of a longed-for child. Kate opens up about her own IVF experience and the challenges she herself faced. A frank and revealing discussion, highlighting the obstacles and solutions to love and togetherness on the infertility road. Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com/Kate Moyle: https://www.katemoyle.co.uk/Instagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlight Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Do IVF patients make better parents? We discuss the reality that many fertility patients are, like us, older. Now in our fifties, with two children under 13, we ask if age is a help or a hindrance to good parenting. Positivity and energy are key. Health is a priority. We explore the nature of love, our friendships with fellow parents younger than us, generational ties, and what our ages really mean to our two daughters. It’s all about the quality of our time together. From there it's a short step to happiness, where stability and the flow of love underpin our children’s future.Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.comInstagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlight Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

A fascinating chat with Liberty Mills, an integrative health and nutrition coach with a remarkable life story. She conceived her second daughter naturally, at 44, after a range of holistic and lifestyle changes. Liberty talks with honesty and humour about the highs and lows of her life, and how determination and pragmatism saw her through. We explore the small adjustments that could make a big difference to conception success. These include a tailored approach to diet and exercise, digital detoxing and an awareness of pollutants in the home. We discuss Liberty's new book, 360 Fertility, a compendium of ideas for optimising male and female fertility. Liberty's interview is warm and inspiring, full of personal and professional wisdom.Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com360 Fertility, by Liberty Mills, is published by Headline Home.Instagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlightProducer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

What exactly are fertility add-ons? And are they safe, effective and worth the money? We speak to fertility specialist, Dr. Tomáš Bagócsi, from Reprofit, which has clinics in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. From embryo glue to PGT-A genetic testing, assisted hatching to time-lapse cameras, Dr. Tomáš summarises the risks and potential benefits of ten of the most popular add-on treatments. We reflect on the cautious approach taken by the HFEA (the regulator of UK fertility clinics), challenging its wariness. Skilled doctors and clinics, Dr. Tomáš argues, can be trusted to recommend add-ons responsibly. Larger trials may be needed, but this doesn’t mean add-ons should be disregarded. An honest and informative interview with a fertility doctor at the top of his game.                                                   Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.comInstagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlightProducer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Can herbs optimise your fertility? We speak to Jodie Foreman, a medical herbalist and reflexologist​ with a keen interest in pregnancy and conception issues. Plants have been used in medicine for centuries. Many countries, including China, embrace holistic approaches to health alongside ​man-made drugs. Jodie talks about the importance of tailored treatments, with an emphasis on carefully considered herbal assistance. She spent ​ten years herself trying to conceive – and Jodie’s empathy for those with fertility issues is clear. For her, as well as ​her patients, a ​delicate balance of herbs, emotional support, conventional medicine and lifestyle adjustments can work ​together. ​And when herbal remedies ​are used to improve general health, optimal fertility can follow. Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.comInstagram: @fertilityspotlightFacebook: @fertilityspotlightProducer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment