Are you struggling with infertility while also dealing with mental health challenges? Join Jessica, a therapist with a sense of humour (and Bipolar type 2), as she takes you on a raw and honest journey through IVF. In this podcast, Jessica shares her own experiences, opens up about the impact of IVF on her mental health, and guides you through the ups and downs of pursuing parenthood. With deep conversations and a refreshing approach, this podcast challenges the mainstream ideas about infertility and provides a safe space for anyone navigating fertility treatments to feel seen understood, and empowered.
In this poignant podcast episode, on the day of learning of her pregnancy loss, Jessica shares her raw and heartbreaking experience. From the initial joy of finding out she was pregnant to the painful reality of early miscarriage, Jessica takes the listener through the ups and downs of her emotional and physical rollercoaster. Despite the pain, she finds strength in the support of her loved ones and the knowledge that pregnancy loss happens to 1 in 4 women. Ultimately, she focuses on healing and navigating the next steps in her journey towards parenthood.
Note from Jessica: This episode has moments of graphic detail that may not be comfortable for everyone to listen to. Please, listen with care. If you are going through pregnancy loss or have gone through pregnancy loss, you are not alone, and it is not your fault.
17 Jun 2024
IVF Got this Waiting Thing
In this episode of IVF. Got this, host Jessica delves into the waiting game that comes with the Two Week Wait after an embryo transfer. Was it successful? Did it fail? From ultrasounds to medication and acupuncture, Jessica navigates the various steps involved in preparing for embryo transfer. She highlights the role of support from loved ones during this time. Despite doubts and fears, Jessica remains hopeful for a positive outcome. She encourages listeners to trust their own journeys and avoid comparing their experiences to others.
1 May 2024
Twiddling Thumbs: When All You Can Do Is Wait
Jessica's IVF journey unfolds with the initial excitement of having 21 eggs retrieved to the bittersweet news of 4 blastocysts being ready for freezing. The episode delves into the surprising toll estrogen, and waiting, can take. Through candid reflections, Jessica shares the challenges and moments of resilience in the IVF process. The importance of couples therapy and emotional healing is also highlighted as Jessica navigates through the uncertainties and hopes of IVF, holding onto courage and gratitude.
22 Apr 2024
The Egg Retrieval: 13 Little Possibilities
In this revealing episode, we catch up on Jessica's tumultuous journey through an IVF cycle marked by frustrations and victories as she reaches a major milestone. Beginning with a scary mishap with her medication, Jessica navigates the complexities of hormonal treatments, experiencing heightened brain fog and recurring feelings of self-doubt. With the tension of exact timing for medication and procedures looming large, Jessica and Eric face egg retrieval day together. In this episode, Jessica candidly discusses her feelings about having to ‘wait and rest’ while the couple’s embryos begin to grow outside of her body and outside of her ability to protect.
15 Apr 2024
I'd Love You to Love Me
The complex dynamic of emotional support and emotional blindness during IVF is explored in this podcast episode. Jessica opens up about her experiences of feeling emotionally isolated and second to her partner's work commitments as the couple navigates the injection phase of IVF. The impact of alexithymia (the struggle to recognize and respond to emotions) on her relationship is highlighted as Jessica expresses the desire for deeper emotional support and connection, while acknowledging the efforts her partner has made. This episode underscores the importance of communication and understanding in order to navigate the emotional challenges of IVF successfully.
5 Apr 2024
Into The Growlery
Welcome to The Growlery! This episode has a bit of everything as Jessica shares clips she recorded while struggling with the first stage of IVF. Jessica recounts a significant incident involving a psychic prediction about the narrator's journey to conceive, emphasizing the need for a change in mindset that has helped lead our host to where she is now. This episode includes Jessica's current preparations for injections, including the creation of a peaceful environment, the support of her partner and mother, changes in diet to address PCOS and inflammation, and the normalizing of 'taking a selfish'. The importance of self-care, limiting external influences, and embracing individual journeys in the face of infertility are addressed in a way that reminds us we do not have to go through this perfectly, but we will get through this!
25 Mar 2024
Resfeber: The IVF Journey Begins
Follow Jessica and Eric as they (finally) embark on their IVF journey. They reflect on the change in perspective from feeling out of control and hurt by their infertility struggles to embracing the logical mindset of seeking medical help. Eric shares his personal growth and newfound readiness to become a father. As they begin the first day of their IVF cycle, the couple reflects on the competition and pressure they've felt in their fertility journey and the importance of breaking free from external validation. Despite the uncertainties, their love and support for each other remain strong as they navigate the path to parenthood together.
12 Mar 2024
When Nothing Happens: The Frustration and Anxiety of Waiting
It's cycle day 48 and the host explores the expectations she places on herself to navigate infertility 'properly' and the self-blame that accompanies her struggles as she navigates being unable to start an IVF cycle yet. She challenges the idea of perfectionism and discusses the harmful effects of 'should' statements on mental health.
26 Feb 2024
How Did We Get Here?
This podcast delves into the journey of a therapist navigating IVF and the impact of infertility on mental health. With a personal history of grief and bipolar disorder, the host shares her experiences and the desire for motherhood. The podcast explores the importance of nurturing mental health while pursuing infertility treatments and the need for open conversations about these topics.
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