Daye’s Post

Trigger warning - loss, fertility We all know what today is, for most it is probably a happy day but please spare a thought for those that have lost mothers, have lost their chance at being a mother, or are not sure if they will ever get to be a mother. I had many years of struggling with today, and forgive me for sharing my personal story but I do so in the hope in might help someone else. 5 years of trying, 3.5 years of fertility tests and treatment, 3 unsuccessful rounds of IVF, a miscarriage (right before this glorious day!) and then luckily 2 healthy pregnancies. The worst day of the year was always today, it broke my heart every year because as much as I wanted to celebrate my own mother and not feel bitter about my own struggles, it was hard. I was desparate to be a part of it and wasn't sure I ever would be. There is alot going on at the moment relating to employer's implementing fertility policies, which is a fantastic step forward but please, please, please do not do this in isolation. I can pretty much guarantee that only the people going through fertility treatment will read the policy and actually it is everyone else that needs awareness. Talk to people that have experienced fertility treatment - men and women. Ask them what they want in a policy and how they would want their colleagues informed about fertility issues. For me, I'd say: When engaging in small talk, adjust the way you pose questions. It is human nature to ask about people's lives - do you have a partner? do you want to get married? So don't say 'oh, I expect you'll be pregnant soon', say 'would you like to have a family?' Let people talk about it if they want to - don't shy away from conversations you might find awkward, and equally don't probe someone if they clearly don't want to talk. Baby annoucements and maternity leave farewells - be mindful, if someone says they have a meeting or can't attend, it may be because they want to hide in the toilet and cry (they also might just have a meeting 😬) Just think beyond your own experiences. And for any HR professionals looking at implementing policies or training that want insight, I'd welcome the opportunity to help educate people on this issue. For those struggling - I see you, I hear you, I was you and you're doing great.

part 4 Sometimes there aren't enough eggs left, and usually when there are very few eggs when a woman is older, the quality is also reduced," Dahan notes, adding one of the things he offers is the possibility of using an egg donor. "For most women, fertility ends at about 43. So, it can get a lot harder as people get older." He explains that infertility issues are usually even split, half because of the male partner and half due to the female partner. In addition, there's about a 20 percent overlap, with couples needing aid on both sides. "Men don't talk about it as much. They have a tendency to bottle things inside, but they're going through the same emotional rollercoaster as their partner," said Dahan. "They're there; they also want to have a child; they have to do this treatment." Once the results are in, doctors can determine the best course of action in terms of medication, suppositories, injections and more. Dahan, whose patients include Fernandez Collazo and Niddam, says it can often take years before families meet their babies. "IVF is such an emotional roller coaster, it really is. There's so much energy and effort put into it," he said. "Patients have often said to me things like, 'I don't understand why I have to go through this.'" He says he sees how the impact of treatment -- paired with the intense need and want to have a child -- can overtake a person's life. "We know that in at least half our patients, sadly, all they are doing is fertility care," Dahan said. "They're not functioning with their friends, they're not functioning in their jobs, they really have had so much energy and effort put into doing this." Complications, he adds, are also an unfortunate part of the process. "To have a miscarriage, that's a huge low that can be emotionally even harder than not getting pregnant," he said. "You thought everything was OK, and then, all of a sudden, it's not going the way you wanted it to go." The good news? Dahan estimates that almost 95 percent of families will end up with a child. "Only about 10 percent of women or couples that need fertility care present to us, meaning 90 percent don't even come to see a fertility doctor," he said.

If you're ending the week feeling frazzled from trying to prioritise your fertility treatment and show up at work, I've got just the thing for you. I’ve been busy compiling a ‘best of’ selection of my content for you! Treat this post as a ‘pick n mix’ of useful fertility and career nuggets you can explore with a coffee (decaf?), knowing you’re not alone in what you’re going through. I know how hard it is to juggle fertility challenges and treatment with work, so I really hope these things help. First up is a podcast I did with my brilliant friend Cristina Loaiza, founder of FUTURES Network. I tell her the full extend of my fertility story, how I tackled the conversation with my MD to ask for his support, and how I switched from dreading work to being promoted. Cristina and I worked together at the time and she was an amazing support to me, but I don't think I told her as much at the time. If you’d like to learn more about how to ace line manager conversations around fertility challenges and the support you need from your employer, I’ve got you covered. My 'Winning at Work During IVF' free download is a step by step guide to how I approached my manager and got the flexibility I desperately needed to prioritise my medical treatment AND do my job well. Finally, if you’re at crunch point in your treatment and work is a struggle have a look at my top tips to stay productive when you can’t think straight. If you get something useful out of any of the above, I’d LOVE it if you could leave a comment to let me know or share it with someone you think will also benefit (no tagging though please). All the links are in the comments. Jen x 📷 My frazzled pup, Parker, letting it all hang out after a tough day. Not a care in the world really. Oh to be a dog! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👋 Hi, I’m Jen, the career and fertility coach and expert I’m on a mission to ✅ support women to navigate work alongside fertility challenges & treatment ✅ help companies understand why and how to be fertility-friendly, so they can attract and retain top talent #CareerAndFertilityCoach #IVF #ttc #infertility #FertilityJourney #WomenInBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #FertilityFriendlyWorkplace #CareerAdvice #FertilitySupport #InclusiveWorkplace

1 in 6 adults will experience fertility challenges, and while we hear some about the physical toll and costs of infertility, we don’t always talk as openly about the mental health challenges that so often accompany this journey. I’m one of those ‘1 in 6’ - and it took me and my partner, Ian Oakley Smith, five miscarriages and a final sixth pregnancy amply supported by IVF, immune suppression, genetic diagnostics, acupuncture, and, to be honest, not anywhere near enough mental health support - to finally get the opportunity to become parents. Our twins turned 13 this year and that experience is still very much with us today - so challenging, so isolating, so full of grief, shame, self-blame, uncertainty and loneliness. In the intervening years awareness and discussion of fertility challenges is more common - although there is still significant stigma and social norms wrapped tightly in a choke-hold around it. Somewhat unbelievably, access to reproductive care and choice has become even more challenging, especially in wide swaths of the United States. This situation leaves so many navigating an already isolating and deeply emotional journey with minimal support. Which is why I’m so passionate about this launch - https://lnkd.in/etdpDVbB I’m hopeful our Headspace content will help our members, and everyone - as this collection is open and free to all! - to feel seen, supported, heard. I'm hopeful that it will spark greater self-compassion, puncture through the shroud of loneliness and help those with no other choice but to sit with the uncertainty of it all. The launch includes: - A new content collection, “Support For Your Fertility Journey,” - https://lnkd.in/eZcx__3n - conceived and brought to life by Evelyn Lewis Prieto, Rosie Acosta and Shula Melamed MA MPH, NBC-HWC which we’ve made free for all, regardless of whether or not you have a subscription. Check it out and please share the link with anyone for whom you think it might be helpful. - A soon-to-launch three-part docu-series with Evelyn Lewis Prieto on her own fertility journey - stay-tuned as this goes live. I've had the privilege to view some early cuts of this and it is something that you need to watch, no matter whether these struggles are yours directly, or not - Beyond the collection, our team has launched partnerships with Rescripted and Conceive to advance the dialogue on the mental health toll of infertility, and will be offering an IVF grant, with Spring Fertility, to cover the costs of up to one cycle of IVF for a member of the Headspace community. #infertility #mentalhealthsupport #fertilityjourney #reproductiverights

Navigating Fertility After Miscarriage: Understanding the Chances of Future Successful Pregnancies 💕🌈 Experiencing a miscarriage can be a heartbreaking journey, but it's important to remember that hope and healing are possible. If you're considering trying again for a baby, understanding the chances of future successful pregnancies can provide reassurance and guidance. Let's dive into this topic together! 🌟 1️⃣ Understanding the Statistics: While every individual's journey is unique, it's helpful to know that the majority of women who experience a miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies in the future. Research suggests that the chances of a successful pregnancy after one miscarriage are around 70-85%, and these odds increase with subsequent pregnancies. Remember, statistics can provide a general idea, but your personal circumstances may vary. 2️⃣ Seeking Medical Guidance: Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in fertility and reproductive health is crucial. They can assess your specific situation, identify any underlying factors, and provide personalized guidance. They may recommend tests, lifestyle adjustments, or fertility treatments to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Remember, you're not alone in this journey – medical professionals are here to support you. 3️⃣ Emotional Support: Dealing with the emotional aftermath of a miscarriage is essential for your overall well-being. Connecting with support groups, online communities, or seeking counseling can provide a safe space to share your feelings, gain insights, and find solace among others who have experienced similar challenges. Remember, you don't have to face this journey alone – support is available. 4️⃣ Stories of Hope: Many individuals have shared their stories of successful pregnancies after experiencing a miscarriage. These stories can offer inspiration and hope during difficult times. Hearing about others who have gone on to have healthy babies can provide encouragement and remind you that your dreams of parenthood can still come true. Seek out these stories of hope and let them uplift your spirit. Remember, each person's journey is unique, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself. While the fear of another loss may linger, it's essential to stay positive and focus on the possibilities. With the right support, medical guidance, and a resilient spirit, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and welcome a beautiful rainbow baby into your life. 🌈💕 Share this post to spread awareness and support those who may be navigating fertility after miscarriage. Together, let's create a community of understanding, hope, and encouragement. You are not alone – we're here for you every step of the way! 🤗💫

📢📢📢 Huge shoutout to Pamela Pure, Barrett Cowan, MD and the entire team at Posterity Health for the vital work they’re doing to improve couples’ fertility journeys 🍼🍼🍼 and improve standard of care. 👩⚕️📈 Many employers recognize the importance of fertility offerings in their benefits package. Yet often women bear a disproportionate burden of the infertility journey when male infertility factors aren’t considered. Male partners can and should be considered as part of the standard of care in the fertility journey for so many reasons … couples experience improved outcomes faster, go through less emotional hardship, and incur less expense. APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS AND BENEFITS CONSULANTS - PLEASE CONSIDER AMMENDING PLAN DESIGN TO INCORPORATE MALE CARE AS A PRE-AUTH FOR EMPLOYER-SPONSORED IVF CYCLES. Employees will thank you and you’ll save money. 🤑

Fertility isn't just a female issue, it's a shared journey Historically, the conversation around infertility has primarily centered on women, with the common misconception being that the inability to conceive is usually due to female factors. However, the reality is that male infertility accounts for over 40% of fertility problems. Yet, the conversation surrounding male reproductive health remains largely overlooked and underreported. Many people are unaware of the significant role men play in the fertility equation. Culturally, male infertility has often been considered an "invisible" issue. The good news is that there are steps everyone can take to optimize their chances of conceiving. By empowering both partners with knowledge about fertility, we can create a more supportive and informed approach to family-building. Just as women are increasingly considering egg freezing as a way to take control of their reproductive timelines, men can also take proactive steps to optimize their fertility. Getting a fertility evaluation and understanding the lifestyle factors are important considerations for anyone hoping to start a family. Simple Steps Men Can Take to Improve Fertility: 🍔 Maintain a healthy weight 🧘♂️ Manage stress levels 🍻 Limit alcohol and tobacco use 🧪 Reduce exposure to environmental toxins 💤 Prioritize sleep and exercise At Ovul Concierge, we believe in taking a holistic, personalized approach to fertility care. We recommend comprehensive testing and provide guidance to help men identify any issues and take actionable steps to optimize their reproductive health. Everyone can take control of their reproductive futures if they desire to do so. Why not let Ovul Concierge help you along this pathway to parenthood. Ovul Concierge - www.ovulconcierge.com A Pathway To Parenthood

This week is #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek, so Distributed Ventures wanted to share some important insights related to the infertility care journey.    - There are over 36,000 OB-GYNs in the United States. - There are fewer than 200 Reproductive Urologists who specialize in male fertility.  - 1 in 6 couples have trouble getting pregnant and >50% of the time there is a male factor involved. - 42% of adults have used fertility treatments or personally know someone who has, compared to just 33% five years ago.    Fertility treatment is an essential part of healthcare, and more couples are demanding access to care.  At the same time, the burden of care falls disproportionally on the woman. We believe the future of reproductive care includes the male partner.   Involving the male early represents a transformational change in reproductive care. Our portfolio company Posterity Health is leading this change as a virtual Center for Excellence. To support their goal of creating end-to-end male care, they have just launched the new Hormone Management Program aimed at supporting male hormonal health.   As Co-Founder and CEO Pam Pure said, “Just as all women are treated by physicians with specialized gynecologic training and expertise, we believe men deserve treatment from male fertility specialists. We offer male fertility expertise through a combination of virtual visits, at home diagnostics, and in-person consults to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible through their journey. Our goal is to eliminate the stigma associated with male infertility and provide men with a place they feel confident in for advice, coaching and recommended treatment.”   We’re so proud to support Posterity Health’s mission in balancing the care journey for households on their fertility journey! We'd love to hear thoughts from you on this topic.    #niaw #fertility #startup #healthtech #benefits

As career ambitions soar with the rise of the “have it all career girl”, fertility planning is becoming the latest savvy move for many women. The “biological clock” isn’t just a myth—it’s a reality for both men and women, and it’s reshaping the fertility landscape. Fertility clinics are popping up like trendy coffee shops, driven by advances in medical technology and an awareness on the urgent need to address declining sperm counts and environmental xenoestrogens. With women now having their first child later in life, the investment in fertility preservation is skyrocketing. The future of family planning is here, and it’s brimming with opportunities and growth potential.

Working to platform underrepresented voices is why we exist as an agency.❗️ In a recent article with The Times we explored one of the main factors blocking individuals from accessing assisted fertility treatments, BMI. Working closely with members of Fertility Mapper’s community we were able to tell individuals stories who have been affected first-hand by this. It's always very important to make sure these stories are handled sensitively, and we take a lot of care and consideration to make sure we do everything in our control to support communities. Fertility Mapper Founder, Kayleigh Hartigan's expert insights delved into the big question marks around BMI and whether it should be used to constrain access.🧠 As expected there were some negative comments but this is the reaction that not only highlights the lack of understanding around the topic but also the importance of raising awareness and handling these conversations with care.💚 Not everyone is going to get it straight away, but to those that might be going through a similar experience, it's a story that cuts through and makes you feel seen and heard. It's one of the many reasons we love working with Fertility Mapper + the community.📋 https://lnkd.in/ehSRKn5T