Embrace Fertility: Recent Episodes

Naomi Woolfson

Welcome to the Embrace Fertility podcast I’m Naomi Woolfson, a therapist who specialises in supporting women through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility. Having been through infertility myself and being fascinated with the mind-body techniques that led me from anxiety and depression back to myself again, I retrained as a therapist and now specialise in supporting others through infertility. Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk for your free stress less fertility support pack and follow me on Insta and Facebook @embracefertility.

Episode 115: yep you read that right and I explain why this is so important while trying to get pregnant and going through infertility. Www.Embracefertility.Co.Uk/thrive for videos mentions and message me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility to apply for your emotional health check.

Episode 121: So many of my clients say to me “I wish I’d found you sooner”. But that’s not what they mean, they mean they wish they had started practising the mind-body techniques that I share sooner so that they felt the relief earlier on in their fertility journey.Come and join my Thrive classes this week all of the replays are now live with instant access here www.embracefertility.co.uk/thrive

Episode 120: While waiting for your baby, does it feel like you're just spinning your wheels? Sometimes you are so overwhelmed and so scared that you can't even think straight, and so you're trying to make decisions and you're researching.

You're on Dr Google, you're on Instagram and everyone's shouting at you and everyone's saying you need to do this to get pregnant, or you need to look at this, or this is the new wonder supplemental. Have you tried this?

And you're like oh my word, like there's just so much out there. And then, on top of that, you're trying to stay positive, trying to stay in the vibe and it feels like this is impossible.

And so you end up planning out and thinking about not just what you're doing now, this cycle, but what your plan B is. And actually, let's just get real, it's not plan B, is it? By this point, those of you that are listening to the Embrace Fertility podcast it's probably like plan J. Plan J all the other plans, a onwards, have not worked.

We're now on plan J and then you're thinking about the plan after that and the plan after that and the plan after that, because that's what we're used to doing.

Listen now for more....

Free class I mention here www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

Episode 119: “My fertility specialist wants me to do IVF next cycle but I don’t feel ready.” I hear this a lot as a fertility therapist and coach. We can feel so anxious and overwhelmed when a fertility specialist or even our partner is pushing us to take the next step forward with treatment but we don’t feel ready. In this episode I share three different mind-body techniques to allow you to make a decision from a place of confidence rather than fear. I discuss how to decide when you should start or continue fertility treatment. Resources mentioned: www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching EFT Tutorial - www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/ The private grief of infertility and pregnancy loss - https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/grief-of-infertilityYou can watch the YouTube version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/req14lHnhTc Episode originally shared in 2022.

Episode 118: In this podcast episode I discuss the relationships between anxiety, depression, infertility and miscarriages. The studies, which I have included below, paint a very bleak picture. But there is much you can do to support your mental health and well-being while long-term trying to conceive.Two and a half million cycles of IVF are performed globally each year, yet fewer than a quarter of these are successful.Women undergoing infertility treatment experience the same level of stress, anxiety, and depression as women who have cancer, HIV, or heart disease.Research shows post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in a third of women after miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.Anxiety and depression rates are higher in women diagnosed with Endometriosis and PCOS. Women suffering from depression, stress and anxiety are twice as likely to have problems conceiving, and women who have experienced at least one unsuccessful IVF cycle and had depressive symptoms before continuing IVF treatment experienced a lower success rate than women who did not experience depressive symptoms.Couples are more likely to stop trying to conceive, not commence or abandon treatment, due to emotional stress rather than financial constraints or a medical prognosis?Once you know the above it’s impossible to ignore the fact that if you are going through infertility, treatment or pregnancy lossYOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTHThere are so many studies showing that alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety improves quality of life and makes it easier for women to become pregnant.Join us for a FREE exclusive class next Sunday at 8.30pm GMT that will unveil the secrets to understanding the part your mental health plays in your fertility and maximise your chances of conceiving this year. ⁠The ScienceUnderstand the science behind the mind-body link and how it impacts both your mental and physical health and therefore your fertility.The StudiesUtilise the research and studies that show that prioritising your mental health while trying to conceive greatly improves quality of life and can double your chances of success.The ToolsI’ll be sharing HOW to start practising techniques from Sunday to support yourself.https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

Episode 117: Podcast interview with Kevin the founder of The Man Cave a male infertility/mental health advocate. Today we are discussing male infertility and the importance of finding the right coping strategies and support.

Kevin set up The Man Cave to share his story, to reach out to other men going through a similar journey and to help raise awareness of male infertility and mental health.

In this episode:

Kevin shares his own personal journey of being told he was infertile 10 years ago
Micro-TESE, Sertoli cell-only Syndrome, donor sperm, IVF and ICSI
How Kevin helps men who suffer in silence by spreading awareness.

Anxiety and depression

"I’ve been angry, upset, lost and hurting for too long: it’s time to stand up and be counted. That’s when I decided to set up a page on Instagram called ‘The Mancave’ @them_ancave

I want to help break the stigma around male infertility. Why should we suffer in silence?!

I believe anxiety and depression go hand in hand with fertility issues, and I honestly believe men have taken their own lives due to the fact they have had very little or no help or support after being told they are infertile.

Because of this, I plan to make a difference and I want you guys to come along on this journey with me. Let’s do this together; for us, for those that have suffered in silence before us and for the men of the future, who hopefully won’t have to suffer alone." Kevin from https://them-ancave.co.uk/about/

Connect with Kevin

@them_ancave on instagram and Twitter

So on the last Friday of every month @them_ancave on Instagram Kevin will be going live at 6.30 pm for the show ”The Man Chat” with different guest speaker every month!

www.them_ancave.co.uk

Facebook group- TheManCave support group

Welcome

I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women emotionally and energetically through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility.
My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally!

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.
I also offer specialist pregnancy support and run a hypnobirthing course Embrace Bump to Baby.
Visit https://embracefertility.co.uk/ for more details on what I do

Follow me on Instagram @embracefertility (www.instagram.com/embracefertility)

Let’s connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-woolfson

Maximise Your Chances of Pregnancy Success in 2024 using the Mind-Body Link

Episode 116: Have a listen and see if this resonates.

The reasons in short:

1 - You wouldn’t benefit from being supported by someone as you already feel resilient, in control and have a strong plan in place for supporting both your physical fertility and mental health in 2024.

- You could put together your own mind-body fertility course from free content on YouTube. There are so many amazing coaches sharing high-quality information on YouTube today so it would be completely feasible for you to sit down and cherry pick videos that could create an outline. However the content is endless and knowing what to watch when in what order and then having the accountability of actually practising is what makes doing a course so empowering.
- You have a strong support network of friends and family who completely understand how you feel and know just what to say to make you feel better.

You are lucky enough to have friends who are going through this at the moment you are experiencing very similar struggles to yourself and not only that, they have decided to put their own well-being and mental health at the forefront of their priorities so are tuned in with the mind-body techniques that could help you most at this time.

Listen to episode for more details and sign up to class here: https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women emotionally and energetically through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility.

My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally!

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.

I also offer specialist pregnancy support and run a hypnobirthing course Embrace Bump to Baby.

Visit ⁠www.embracefertility.co.uk⁠ for more details on what I do and follow me on Instagram ⁠@embracefertility⁠

Episode 115: This week's episode is an expert interview with with Sabrina Fletcher, The TFMR (Termination for medical reasons) Doula. The heartbreak of losing a wanted baby

Sabrina companions bereaved parents through the unique heartbreak of losing a wanted baby to TFMR pregnancy loss. Through support groups and holistic healing she walks alongside as her community members learn to live again from the deep deep love they have for their babies and themselves.

We discuss three ways to live from the love you have for your baby and get through your underworld journey of such an intimate death and grief.

Connect with Sabrina

Helping bereaved parents in the aftermath of a poor prenatal/maternal/perinatal diagnosis and the heartbreaking decision to terminate a wanted pregnancy (TFMR).

As your bereavement doula, I support you as you navigate grief after baby loss. So you can learn to honor your baby and your grief and move in the world from the love you have for your child.

Website: https://www.thetfmrdoula.com

Apply to join Facebook Group: Thetfmrdoula.com/facebookgroup

Instagram: Instagram.com/thetfmrdoula

TFMR grief circles www.thetfmrdoula.com/ascend-apply

Connect with Naomi

I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women emotionally and energetically through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility.

My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally!

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.

I also offer specialist pregnancy support and run a hypnobirthing course Embrace Bump to Baby.

Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk for more details on what I do and follow me on Instagram @embracefertility

Episode 114: Walking and talking about the power of working with a therapist during this time in your life and the things you should expect from the person supporting you.

I then describe AMDR the trauma release technique I use. Here is some feedback that inspired this episode:

"The AMDR sessions just keep blowing my mind every time I experience one. I have tried lots of different mind shift techniques before like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which is powerful but AMDR is like Superman defeating Lex Luthor in one go!!! I can not express enough how powerful this technique is. Every time I have something that pops up which takes me back to a past experience/memory and I'm overly emotional about it or have experienced an emotional situation in the present where I wouldn't normally be, I reach out to the amazing Naomi for an AMDR session so I can move through it quicker than I would normally using EFT. If anybody is on the fence about an AMDR just give it a go, you have nothing to loose and you definitely will not regret it!"- Crystal

Sign up for my latest free class replay here: www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

_______________________________________

I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility.
My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally!

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.
I also offer specialist pregnancy support and run a hypnobirthing course Embrace Bump to Baby.
Visit https://embracefertility.co.uk for details on what I do.
Follow me on Instagram @embracefertility (www.instagram.com/embracefertility)

Let’s connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-woolfson

Episode 113: Are you dreading the weeks ahead? Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year.

You can't quite believe another ENTIRE year has gone by and you still don't have your baby. You're putting so much pressure on yourself to be pregnant by the end of 2023 you might actually implode.

And you're not sure how you are going to get through the celebrations, the social gathers and the never ending cheer.

I've got you.

In this episode I talk about the four options you have for how you go into the holiday season.

Also talk about the free class that I ran last year "Holiday Survival Guide for those trying to conceive"

This years class will run on Sunday 19th November at 8pm GMT sign up here: www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

Come and say hi @embracefertility on Instagram.

Episode 112: The final installation of my three part series on how to emotionally and energetically prepare for IVF. As I’ve said in previous episodes this is also suitable for anyone who is trying to get pregnant without the help of fertility treatment. Today I’m talking about how to align with pregnancy and parenthood and share the scientifically proven mind-body techniques to help you to do that.I also share a fertility visualisation to guide you to imagine stepping into your future when you have your child.Please only listen to this part of the podcast when it is safe to do so. By listening you agreed to take full responsibility for your own well-being.Do you let me know how it feels to visualise in this way.If you’d like to make fertility visualisation an ongoing part of your conception plan check out:

Visualisations and hypnosis for fertility and IVF

Deeply Relax and Visualise. These MP3s have been written and recorded to allow you to experience deep relaxation, enhance your fertility and guide you to connect deeply with your body, your future child and your inner strength.
Hypnosis and visualisations can enhance fertility and support success by:
🌟 Guiding the body into a state of deep relaxation
🌟 Releasing fears and negative beliefs
🌟 Giving the unconscious mind a clear goal to work towards

All my top MP3s in one powerful bundle

I've grouped all my top tracks so this digital bundle includes:
🍍Natural Cycle Hypnosis Package
🍍Assisted Cycle Hypnosis Package (IVF/IUI/ICSI)
🍍Visualisations and Affirmations for Pregnancy
🍍Hypnosis for Pain Management

🍍The self soothers guidance video.
Worth £100 invest in yourself and your happiness for just £55.

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/IVFIf you’d like to step into a community of women who are consciously choosing to use the mind-body link to support their fertility journey come and join The Embrace Fertility Method which includes Embrace Circle membership.

The Embrace Fertility Method

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace

For unique personal support I have space to take on just two more one-to-one clients this side of Christmas with the shift package. Contact me here to apply for a free clarity call to discuss if I am the best therapist for you.

The Shift Package 1-1 coaching

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

Resources mentioned in episode:

Part one of series: https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/ivfprep

Part two of series:

How to decide when to start or continue fertility treatment

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/How-to-decide-when-to-start-fertility-treatment

You do not need to be perfect in order to get pregnant

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/perfection

Other useful blogs: Laparoscopy Preparation and Packing List

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/laparoscopy-preparation-and-packing-list

Episode 111: Today I’m sharing how you can clear the way for pregnancy. As mentioned last week these techniques are also suitable if you are trying to conceive without the support of fertility treatments.

Resources mentioned:

Part one of this podcast series:

www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/ivfprep

Replay of class now available:

www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

EFT Tapping:

www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility

Journalling

www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/ways-to-use-journaling-while-trying-to-conceive

Making decisions:

www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/How-to-decide-when-to-start-fertility-treatment

Come and follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration and mind-body techniques:

https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility/

Episode 110: Part one of three. Today I’m taking about resilience, The Four D’s and how to raise your vibration in preparation for IVF. (This episode will also be beneficial for those trying without the support of treatment.)

I've added a Meditation 15 mins into the Embrace Fertility mind-body app that you get instant access to when you sign up for the free class : www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

You make appreciate these other episodes:

How to decide when to start or continue fertility treatment

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/How-to-decide-when-to-start-fertility-treatment

You do not need to be perfect in order to get pregnant

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/perfection

How to avoid burnout while trying to get pregnant

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/avoid-burnout

Laparoscopy Preparation and Packing List

https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/laparoscopy-preparation-and-packing-list%2F

Episode 109: You have probably heard of inflammation how does inflammation impact our fertility? In today’s fertility expert interview with Jaclyn Downs a Functional Nutrigenomics Consultant we will be discussing just that.

Root causes of inflammation

We discuss common, but lesser-known root causes of inflammation that affect fertility and egg health.

What functional genomics is and how it can provide clarity on root causes and which protocols would be most effective (and why other protocols may not have worked).

Epigenetics, mold/mycotoxins, histamine, poor fatty acid utilization, iron dysregulation, addressing stress, antioxidants and detoxification pathways.

Free Cheat Sheet, How Genetic Testing Solves 'Unexplained' Infertility: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v7g9t1

Jaclyn's book, Enhancing Fertility through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility is now available!

While it is tailored to the subject of fertility, the book addresses root causes of inflammation and oxidative stress, which is the foundation of all chronic conditions. This book is written for the layperson and as a handbook for the practitioner.

Buy book now

Jaclyn Downs is a Functional Nutrigenomics Consultant that has a passion for fertility optimization and reproductive wellness. She is the author of the book, Enhancing Fertility through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve 'Unexplained' Infertility, published by Taylor & Francis. This book discusses common, but lesser-known primary sources of fertility challenges. Chapter topics include oxalates, mold toxicity, iron dysregulation, phase 2 liver detox pathways, and covers the genetics related to these topics.

Through the use of functional lab testing, detailed case history, symptoms, genomics, environmental and epigenetic influences, she works with practitioners and clients to give them insight and tools to better determine root causes of imbalance. Each protocol is individualised based on these factors, ensuring higher success rates.

Jaclyn has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Drexel University and a master’s degree in holistic nutrition. In addition to having certifications as a health coach, doula, and yoga instructor, she holds a certification in genetic nutrition with the NutriGenetic Research Institute, where she is also a researcher.

Jaclyn can be contacted through her website, JaclynDowns.com. You can contact her at Info@JaclynDowns.com and follow her on Instagram @FunctionalFertilitySolutions

We would love to hear what you think of this episode. Come and say hi on Instagram and join the conversation.

Listen to this episode for How to get the best from Embrace Fertility.

And sign up for my next free class here.

Episode 108: In today’s episode I discuss the different types of talking therapies that are available and the difference between these and somatic therapies that bring the body into the therapy session.

I talk about the somatic therapies that are part of my 12 week program The Embrace Fertility Method and then how you can take that even deeper with The Shift Package.

I currently have space to take on four one to one clients this side of Christmas so if you’re interested in finding out more then do reach out to book a free 30 minute no obligation clarity call on zoom.

www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace

www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

Episode 107: Using fiction as a way to educate, heal and connect

This is an interview on using fiction as a way to educate, heal and connect. I absolutely loved recording this episode and I hope you love the stories that Jolene shares with us.

From Jolene: In my stories I’ve focused on the effects of fertility on women, the men who care for them, and small town culture around issues of fertility. In my stories, I’ve chosen to use specific and medical jargon and terms relating to, specifically, women’s health issues to bring awareness.

I’ve written stories about infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, high-risk pregnancy, pre-term labor, endometriosis, mental health issues, PTSD, post-natal PTSD.

I’ve written at least one story (“You Four Are the One”) using a technique in therapy treatment for people with PTSD called RECON (reconsolidation therapy) by Courtney Armstrong.

I’m hoping our talk will inspire others to write their own fictional (or nonfiction) stories of fertility and women’s health issues. I’m hoping they’ll buy SIDLE CREEK and they’ll find they’re not alone.

Jolene McIlwain’s work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and appears in numerous online and print literary journals including West Branch, Florida Review, Cincinnati Review, CRAFT, Smokelong Quarterly, New Orleans Review, LITRO, and more. Her work was included in 2019’s Best Small Fictions Anthology and named finalist for 2018’s Best of the Net, Glimmer Train’s and River Styx’s contests, and semifinalist in Nimrod’s Katherine Anne Porter Prize and two American Short Fictions contests. She’s received a Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council grant, the Georgia Court Chautauqua faculty scholarship, and Tinker Mountain’s merit scholarship.

She’s taught literary theory/analysis at Duquesne and Chatham Universities, and she worked as a radiologic technologist before attending college (BS English, minor in sculpture, MA Literature). She was born, raised, and currently lives in a small town in the Appalachian plateau of Western Pennsylvania.

Her debut, SIDLE CREEK, out with Melville House this spring, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and Shelf Awareness calls it a “riveting debut collection” and “a rare gem, a compelling blend of nature and humanity perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer and Daisy Johnson's Fen."

Connect with Jolene and buy Sidle Creek

www.jolenemcilwain.com

Twitter @jolene_mcilwain

IG @jolenemcilwain

FB @JoleneMcIlwain

Trigger warning, this book includes short stories on stillbirth, miscarriage, fetal abduction and true crime.

For mind-body fertility freebies sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk and follow me on Instagram @embracefertility for inspiration.

Episode 106 - A brief chat on how the word infertility doesn’t cut it when it comes to this period in our lives and all that we go through and experience while long term trying to conceive.

While I was trying to conceive, I stumbled across a beautiful article on the days before motherhood. Written by midwife Jana Studelska, it described the emotional and physical changes experienced in the run-up to labour. An in-between place marking the boundary between the woman you were and the mother you are about to become. This place of waiting, anticipation and tension. A land where nothing quite feels real anymore. Raw emotions, fluctuating hormones and a sense of disconnection from everyday life. Sound familiar?

This is how I experienced infertility. The woman I was before we started trying for a baby became a pale comparison to the mother I imagined I would be. I was ready to step out of my old world and into the new. But my new world was not ready yet and I was left in that in-between space, not able to go back, and prevented from moving forward. I would love to know your thoughts on this topic. Join my mailing list www.embracefertility.co.uk.

We are back with another fertility expert interview this Father's Day discussing Mens experiences with IVF and Miscarriage with Daniel Landau founder of Men's Help Line, we talk about:

Do's and don'ts during IVF or Miscarriage
How woman can support their husbands
Tips for everyone
Why Daniel started men's helpline
How men can get support

About Daniel

I am the founder of a nonprofit organization called Men's Helpline which provides all emotional support to men who struggle through miscarriage and infertility. I have BA from Queens College in Political science and a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I currently live in Israel with my wife and 2 children. I love sports and enjoy music. I play the Saxophone, Piano, and Sing. I'm a volunteer EMT, love to be social and really enjoy food and travel.

Contact Daniel

https://menshelpline.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/mensfertilitysupport https://www.facebook.com/groups/229101541634025 https://www.facebook.com/groups/273753198154791 https://www.instagram.com/mens_helpline/ https://menshelpline.org/podcasts/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellandau/

Episode 104: This book has been in the conception phase for ten years! I left my career in design and the next day woke up and decided to write about my experiences of using the mind-body link to overcome anxiety and depression while going through infertility and fertility treatments. 12 weeks and I decided it was taking too long and I wanted to share the information I was writing about with the people who needed it. So I started a blog and fertility support group in North London.The book concept was put down until 2020 when I entered the Hay House publishing competition. In this episode I share what happened that year that I meant I haven’t picked up the project until January this year and why I’ve decided now is the time.

You get get your affiliate tickets here for the festival. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womanifest?ref=naomi-w

Book outline - I would love your feedback on this:

Part One: Fertility & Your Mind - The Science

Part Two: Ten mind-body techniques to help you stress less and enhance your fertility

Comfort

How to soothe your mind and body.
Staying sane in the two-week wait.

Coping

How to embrace all of your emotions and overcome worry
Coping with other people's pregnancies and jealousy.

Connecting

How to decide when to (re)start treatment.
How to get your partner/mum/friend to understand how you feel.

Clearing

What are emotional blocks to conception and how do you know if you have any
How to clear fears of pregnancy/doctors/treatment/miscarriage/birth.

Creating

Holding onto hope while trying to conceive.
How to use the mind-body link to enhance your fertility

Final Thoughts

Episode 103: How any people have you told about your fertility journey? In today's episode we explore the role of a fertility doula and what support she an offer.

"I can't tell my family or friends I'm trying for a baby" - How a fertility doula can help

What is a Fertility Support Doula with Guest Alexie Reilly

Alexie Sara Reilly lives in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with her husband, Tom and their three fur babies - Mason, Mocha and Murphy. They enjoy cooking, travelling, and watching reality television.

Alexie is a Certified Fertility Support Doula. In addition she has certificates in Diverse Family, Complicated Birth, and Chestfeeding Support. She is currently certifying to become a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Doula.

Her passion for all things fertility stems from her almost five-year journey of trying to conceive. When starting this journey back in 2018, she found herself incredibly confused, alone and scared. She had no idea what to expect and didn't know anyone that had or was experiencing what I was going through.

However, by connecting with a community and finding support from a Fertility Support Practitioner - she discovered her true passion for supporting and helping others on this challenging path. She genuinely believes that no one has to do this alone! IG: @epicquest4babyreilly and @golden_stork

What is a Fertility Support Doula with Guest Alexie Reilly listen now.

Connect with Alexie:

https://www.instagram.com/the.infertility.doula/

https://www.instagram.com/thewombguelph/

Join my mailing list for fertility freebies: www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class

Episode 102: How does it make you feel when people say “Never give up”? Today I share why I think we need to shift the language here to something more supportive and inclusive.

Episode 101: I offer a huge amount of free fertility resources and this episode talks you through how to access what you will find the most beneficial. I think I talk about the support offer and My next free class which is on Thursday. Www.Embracefertility.Co.Uk

Episode 100! I spent ages thinking about this episode I wanted it to be this grand epic celebratory creation. Instead it’s short, sweet and simple. Enjoy xxxx sign up for the free class which will be on Thursday 26th of January at www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class.

Kirsten McLennan is an IVF and surrogacy Mum and a strong advocate for infertility awareness.

Her book 'This Is Infertility' is the six year journey of Kirsten and her husband Ryan as they navigate against tremendous odds to be parents. It combines the couple's personal experiences with factual insights into fertility treatment and gestational surrogacy. Through her Instagram profile @straight.up.infertility, Kirsten shares her personal experience and insights on infertility.

She's also an ambassador for IVF babble and writes and interviews for fertility magazines, blogs and video blogs.

www.instagram.com/straight.up.infertility/

www.straightupinfertility.com/

Other episodes mentioned: How to decide when to start or continue fertility treatment "My fertility specialist wants me to start treatment next cycle but I don’t feel ready." I hear this a lot as a fertility therapist and coach. We can feel so anxious and overwhelmed when a fertility specialist or even our partner is pushing us to take the next step forward with treatment but we don’t feel ready. In this episode I share three different mind-body techniques to allow you to make a decision from a place of confidence rather than fear. I discuss how to decide when you should start or continue fertility treatment be that Clomid, IUI, IVF or ICSI.

www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace for 12 week course

www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching for therapy

Episode 98: I hear this a lot as a fertility therapist and coach. We can feel so anxious and overwhelmed when a fertility specialist or even our partner is pushing us to take the next step forward with treatment but we don’t feel ready. In this episode I share three different mind-body techniques to allow you to make a decision from a place of confidence rather than fear. I discuss how to decide when you should start or continue fertility treatment. Resources mentioned: www.embracefertility.co.uk/free-class www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching EFT Tutorial - www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/ The private grief of infertility and pregnancy loss - https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/blog/grief-of-infertility You can watch the YouTube version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/req14lHnhTc

Episode 97: You cannot control or command that a baby comes and stays. A baby will come or not come.

You can however embrace the enormity of your emotions and the situation, and gently release the need to control.

Allowing instead a sense of relief.

This weeks podcast episode I talk about you do not need to be perfect in order to get pregnant and become a mum.

I shared a powerful metaphorical visualisation to help you release the pressure you are putting on yourself to do ALL of the things and to do all of them perfectly.

The MP3s I mention can be found at www.embracefertility.co.uk/store.

You can follow me for daily inspiration at https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility/

Episode 96: Does it feel like you’re hurtling along at 1,000,000 miles an hour desperately trying to find the answer, find the solution to why are you not getting pregnant?

Does it feel like the more you research the more you feel you NEED to research?

In this weeks episode I share a technique to allow you to assess all of the different things you’re doing to support your fertility to ensure you are making the most of your time, energy and resources.

For the image of the mind map I mentioned go to my Insta account @embracefertility. How to Improve Your Chances of Success Using the Mind-body Link free class

Or how to improve your quality of life and experience more joy while waiting for your baby.

In this free hour long class I'll share:

♥ Science backed strategies to reduce stress and enhance fertility

♥ How by making simple changes you can double your changes of success

♥ The truth behind the impact of stress on your fertility and mental health

♥ How to use visualisation to comfort, clear and create while trying to conceive

♥ The studies that reveal vital information when we are struggling with infertility. Www.Embracefertility.Co.Uk/peace2 to sign up.

Ttctribe #infertilityhope #fertilityjourney #ttctribe #ivf #2ww #tryingtogetpregnant #ttcsupport #infertilitystruggles #infertility #ttcover40 #fertilitywarrior #fertilityissues #ivfgotthis #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #ivfstrongertogether #ivfprep #ivfdiary #ivfstory #ivfuk #earlymiscarriage #infertility #ttcafterloss #secondaryinfertility #ttcover30 #positivefertility #unexplainedinfertility #fertilityfriend #fertility

Episode 95 : A confession in this episode of how before training as a therapist I thought my friend’s frog phobia was silly! Then once I had trained in Emotional Freedom Technique tapping I offered her a free session to undo my wrongs. I talk about how in 40 minutes we had cleared her phobia that stemmed from a traumatic incident she experienced at five years old. I share how quickly we can create changes with these powerful mind-body techniques but how the majority of cases we need to be detectives and that takes time and connection. I do not offer one-off sessions anymore I work with you for 12 weeks to give you the support and care you deserve. www.embracefertilit.co.uk/coaching for all the details and www.embracefertility.co.uk to sign up for Fridays free class.

Episode 94: Recorded the day before the Queen‘s funeral here in the United Kingdom I thought it was the perfect time to talk about grief and loss.

Even if you do not feel connected to the Royal family in any way you will have been impacted by the Queen‘s death even if it’s just because you can’t go to your usual supermarket because everything is closed for the bank holiday!

However many people are experiencing a very public and shared grief. Many are choosing to celebrate the Queen‘s life by visiting Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle and laying flowers and thousands have queued to pay their respects and walk past the Queen's coffin.

One of my clients was surprised by the grief she felt at hearing the news of the Queen‘s death but I reminded her that whenever we hear of death it reminds us of our own immortality and also of the loss that we ourselves have experienced.

Infertility and pregnancy loss on the other hand is a very private grief and one that we generally don’t have space for in our society.

In this woodland walk episode I talk about ways in which you may be triggered by current events and how to connect with and work through your own personal grief, be that in regards to Infertility and pregnancy loss or any other grief.

You can watch on the Embrace Fertility Youtube channel here.

Episode 93: Do you feel like you don’t even have time to catch your breath? Do you feel like you’re racing against an invisible stopwatch?

Have you heard of Postnatal Depletion? This is where new mothers are physically and emotionally exhausted and it’s becoming more and more common.

In my work supporting those of you who are trying to get pregnant I’m seeing more and more Pre-natal Depletion where women are burnt out before they even begin pregnancy.

If you are expecting your body to nourish and nurture a new life you need to start nurturing and nourishing yourself now.

It’s so easy to say I will slow down once I’m pregnant but that is saying that your baby is more important than your emotional or physical well-being.

Slow down now in preparation for pregnancy

In this weeks YouTube video I’ll be talking about how to avoid burnout and begin to get some balance back in your life whilst trying for a baby.

You can also watch this episode on the Embrace Fertility YouTube channel.

For instant access to the Heart Anchor meditation I talk about at the end of the video go to www.embracefertility.co.uk and join my mailing list.

Episode 92: Well that sounds really bizarre. What I’m really trying to say is that I get so excited about the fact that we now understand how people become traumatised, what happens to the mind and body during a traumatic event and therefore we now have knowledge and understanding of how to clear that trauma.

So I get excited about the fact that instead of spending your whole life being traumatised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder we can clear that trauma from your mind and body.

So you will still have the memories but you will not have the emotional discomfort when you recall them.

If you have not yet learnt about using PROP statements as a self development tool then please do check out my ‘From surviving to thriving’ workshops that I ran last September where I talk you through this technique can help you can use it yourself.

♥ Day 1 : Living in survival mode Does it feel like you are living in a constant state of uncertainty? In this workshop I explain how going through infertility impacts our brain, nervous system and mental health.

♥ Day 2 : Reset. Re-educate. Reaffirm I will teach you how to calm your body and soothe your mind to bring instant relief. I’ll explain the science of why this type of work is so powerful and can help you FEEL BETTER AND MORE IN CONTROL no matter what’s going on for you right now.

♥ Day 3 : Thriving You will experience a powerful guided visualisation and I’ll explain how to use the techniques I’ve shared to thrive during infertility.

Www.Embracefertility.Co.Uk/thrive

Episode 91: My favourite part of my favourite magazine is the back page of Stylist magazine the free magazine you get on the London underground.  This page is called 'A day in the life" and features a different ordinary women each week sharing her entire day from when she wakes up to when she goes to bed and also shares an alternative life path if she wasn’t doing what she does. In today’s podcast episode I share the day in a life of a fertility therapist and talk about the differences between what I do and what fertility coaches and counsellors do. I also share some random facts about how I shape my day just for fun.

This is a link to the playlist I talk about at the beginning. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmtMc2o6wFg6daiUD3aLpLEUF4XPgrBOM

If you’re interested in joining us for this round of The Embrace Fertility Method and the group call on Thursday then you can read all about it here and sign up www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace.

Episode 90: Another inspiring and informative fertility expert interview today for you.

Charlotte Grand is a qualified and registered Nutritional Therapist trained in functional medicine. In her practice, she focuses on root cause, individualised nutrition and optimal health to give her clients the best chance of conception and a healthy baby. She works with a diverse range of clients, from those looking to optimise their preconception wellbeing, to helping couples with fertility issues such as unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, male factor infertility, immune and thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis and PCOS, to supporting those navigating assisted conception.

It has been thirteen years since she embarked on her own fertility journey and nine years since she specialised in preconception care and infertility through her work. She continues to be astounded by the medicinal effects of eating well and this drives her passion for cooking, lifestyle and nutritional medicine.

Today Charlotte shares with us:

• Her fertility journey and how it inspired The Fertility Kitchen (business and book)

• The three pillars of The Fertility Kitchen (Fertility, Food and Life)

• Fertility: Personalised nutrition, foundations for optimal fertility (looking beyond the reproductive system)

• Food: Finding a sustainable and balanced approach to eating for fertility and for life, creating an optimal fertility diet, creating balanced meals, fertility ‘super foods’

• Life: How optimal fertility also relies upon a healthy lifestyle

Connect with Charlotte

The Fertility Kitchen cookbook: https://amzn.to/3M3bEpZ

Website: https://thefertilitykitchen.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefertilitykitchen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefertilitykitchen

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thefertilitykitchen

First time visiting Embrace Fertility?

You can learn about my 12 week course here www.embracefertility.co.uk/courses and 1 to 1 support here www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

Head over www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here sign up for your free '3 ways to stress less and enhance fertility using the mindbody link' pack which includes a powerful 3 minute Mindset Reset MP3 and the first chapter of my book and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility.

Episode 89: I’ve been so angry for 10 days now since the overturning of Roe versus Wade. The injustice and completely illogical decisions that are being made. My feed was full of heartbreaking stories and I just couldn’t move past the anger.

I funnelled that anger into educating myself and then sharing that information to try and help in some way. This will continue over the coming weeks and months but the anger needs to be transmuted now into something more powerful.

My strength and my ability to make an impact does will not come from me being angry. It will come from me turning to my strengths.

It starts with supporting and soothing and holding myself and my rage.

Next is serving and supporting my US clients who are trying to understand how this impacts their fertility treatment and future decisions.

Then it is supporting my wider client base and the triggers that this is bringing up.

Then my wider community. Those of you on my mailing list and following me on social media.

I’m creating a free class for you called “Anger and anxiety to peace and possibility :Trying to conceive in turbulent times” where I’ll be talking about how we each get to choose how we respond to any given situation and how we can work with our emotions rather than letting them control us.

How I feel right now is how I spent years feeling with the anger and injustice of infertility, failed fertility treatments, ovarian cysts and endometriosis.

I’ll be sharing how I transformed that anger and came to embrace the uncertainty of it all even the miscarriage I went through before conceiving both of our children naturally.

I am powerful. you are powerful. We are powerful.

Next Tuesday 1pm British Summer Time. Sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk.

https://www.ivfbabble.com/roe-v-wade-overturned/ for information on the law changes.

Episode 88: On Wednesday I spent a delightful three hours at the Healing Business summer solstice business retreat. I was in my garden under a giant umbrella on Zoom and it was so lovely to dedicate that time to reflect on the previous months and set intentions for the months ahead.

In this episode I discuss how it is so easy to look back and only register the things that we haven’t done, haven’t achieved, that haven’t happened.

Where as actually if we take a full picture of our lives although it may look different to how we imagined it would by now there are still moments of achievement, moments of growth that we can be grateful for.

I suggest that you also look at what you have struggled with this year and how you have handled it, if you need additional support, are there changes you can make to support yourself through the coming months?

I invite you to set intentions for the next six months and avoid the classic “I will be pregnant by Christmas” as that is something you cannot control.

You can however set intentions to support that dream and could start with answering these questions:

I intend to let go of the following from my life…. I intend to bring the following into my life…..

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility/ and join my mailing list www.embracefertility.co.uk four lots of fertility freebies.

Episode 87: You may be shouting at the screen and saying “Yes of course I do I’m trying to conceive.”

However today I’m talking about making allowances for the beginning of your cycle so that if you’re not pregnant like you hoped you give yourself time and space to deal with the disappointment and sadness and also any physical symptoms you may experience.

Whilst I was trying to conceive I ended up flying to Glasgow from London for a two hour meeting on the first day of my cycle while experiencing crippling endometriosis cramps.

Not something I would recommend!

In today’s podcast episode I talk about simple shifts that you can make in your work and social life to ensure you are nurturing and nourishing yourself on what is probably the toughest day of your month.

There are many women who are now running their businesses to coincide with their cycles allowing for feeling more expansive and creative around ovulation and quiet and reflective around their periods.

Do you plan your life around your cycle and give yourself space during your period?

After nine years of supporting women through the emotional and physical challenges of long-term trying to conceive I want to share why positive pregnancy result is not the goal you should be focusing on.

Episode 85: In my last podcast I talked about what we can be doing physically, emotionally and energetically to support ourselves and everyone being impacted by the war in Ukraine.

In this episode I talk about how even small acts of kindness can rewire our brain, impact our immune system and be an antidote to depression.

This is the book I reference:

The five side effects of kindness - David Hamilton https://drdavidhamilton.com/the-5-side-effects-of-kindness/

How to uncover and dissolve emotional blocks to conception

Free class Tuesday 29th of March 1 pm GMT

If you are already on my mailing list you’ll automatically be invited if not sign up here https://embracefertility.co.uk/uncover

I feel sick and shocked and so angry about the events unfolding in Ukraine.

This podcast episode talks about how even if you don’t know anyone who is being personally impacted these events are impacting all of us emotionally and energetically.

I talk about what we can physically do to help and also what we can do emotionally to support our own mental health through this time and then send that out to those in need.

This is the free five day course I mentioned that I created in 2020, it’s not specific to fertility and it’s just accessed directly from this link. You will NOT be added to any mailing lists or receive any communication from me, it is a self lead course. Please share with any friends and family you feel may benefit:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5dayscalm/

Ways you can take action: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ways-to-help-ukraine-conflict/

Sharing this from the tapping solution:

We know that the current situation in Ukraine is weighing heavy on many of you, and you are reaching out to find Tapping meditations that will help you and others. ❤️

✨We have created a new Tapping meditation based partly on the Maharishi Effect, the idea that individual brain waves can affect the collective consciousness.

🕊Envisioning Peace in Ukraine and The World🕊

✨First we’ll recognize and acknowledge our own stress, sadness, anxiety or anger about what’s happening and begin to release it.

✨And from there, once we’ve reduced the intensity of what you're feeling, and have begun to create peace in our bodies and coherence in our brain waves, we’ll use that energy to envision a peaceful outcome. 🌍

If you feel called to do so, share this process with a friend or family member. It’s free for everyone to use as much as they want, and available in the Tapping Solution App which is also free to download.

🙏🏻 ➡️ https://bit.ly/EnvisioningPeace

Please do message me naomi@embracefertility.co.uk or https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility/ and share other ways we can do something/ anything to help.

Episode 83: We are back for another fertility expert interview series with my lovely friend Robyn Birkin. We met online a couple of years ago and bonded over our love of science backed mind-body techniques that stop you going back shit crazy while trying to conceive! In today’s episode Robyn shares her own journey through IUIs, IVF and miscarriage. Her experiences of mediating with monks and what happened on a surfing trip in Bail that changed everything. We then dive into:

How meditation has been put on a pedestal as a fix all Why meditation can actually make people feel worse if they are struggling with chronic anxiety or trauma What is better than meditation when you’re going through infertility or IVF

Feel Better Weekend "When infertility, loss and trying to conceive is so incredibly difficult - I wanted to create something that wasn't about improving fertility, or getting pregnant faster or supplements or detective work - none of that. Something that just focused on YOU. Because you matter. Your mental health matters. And if TTC is breaking you apart... or even if it just has really hard moments, you deserve to feel heard, supported and validated. Full stop. You deserve to invest your time and energy into yourself. You are worthy. Beautiful, incredible and amazing you. Of joy. Of happiness. Of support. Of self-kindness. Of having human experiences. Of not feeling like you need to be perfect allllll the time. All of it. So I've created an event and you are invited. I am.... still shocked, surprised, grateful and overjoyed that so many incredible colleagues have said YES to you as well, and are joining me for the Feel Better Weekend. Join us from 18 - 20 February for this FREE event where we'll share our best resources, tips and actionable steps to help you feel calmer, more connected and more empowered as you navigate infertility, loss and trying to conceive." - Robyn You won't want to miss this! Feel Better Weekend 18th Feb - Free ticket Meet Robyn For some people, having a baby is easy, but for others, like Robyn, it's a long and tough rollercoaster. Her journey starts off just like most of us. She thought having a baby would take no time at all. A year later, she found herself at the fertility clinic, and several ovulation inductions, IUI's, IVF cycles, OHSS and a miscarriage later, finally conceived.

Feel Better Weekend 18th Feb - Free ticket You can find Robyn here: https://robynbirkin.com Robyn also has more than half a million downloads of her podcast, The Fertility Warriors. Instagram: https://instagram.com/robynbirkin

First time visiting Embrace Fertility? Head over here to sign up for your freebies and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility:

Episode 82 : I’ve just spent a rather delightful hour at Sound Bath! In this episode I talk about what a Sound Bath is and then the importance and benefits of consciously choosing to relax our mind and body as deeply as possible.

I share some free relaxation resource suggestions and then talk about what to do if you find it incredibly difficult to relax and can’t even remember the last time you felt comfortable and at peace in your body.

Links mentioned:

https://embracefertility.co.uk/start-here

https://embracefertility.co.uk/store

https://embracefertility.co.uk/embrace

https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

Episode 81: Today I share the things I wish I’d known at 15 when I was put on the contraceptive pill for painful periods, at 19 when I was diagnosed with endometriosis and told it was highly unlikely I would be able to conceive without doing IVF. I share what I wish I’d known when I was pushed into doing repeated rounds of fertility treatments when I was really struggling with my mental health. And on Tuesday I will be running a free workshop in titled a How to double your chances of conceiving to share what I wish all of us knew about our fertility that is not currently mainstream information but should be! Come and join me www.embracefertility.co.uk/double.

Episode 80: In this first episode of 2022 I talk about my intentions for the support I would like to offer you over the coming months, including three free fertility summits I’m taking part in and a free class that I’m running on the 25th of January entitled

‘How to double your chances of conceiving.’

I talk about how most people set New Year’s resolutions and they’re all about adding something into your life or trying to remove something. Creating balance and making space for the new or replacing the things you are removing is a more sustainable way of setting your intentions for the year ahead.

I have big plans for 2022 and want to triple the impact that I made in 2021, so triple the amount of women being welcomed into The Embrace Fertility method or one-to-one sessions.

On that note I’m fully booked for both evening and weekend therapy slots until early April but I do have space to take on just two more clients with one-to-one sessions beginning now for support for the next 12 weeks.

The doors of a The Embrace Fertility Method are open now there is the next live round commencing on the 31st of January.

Email me if you would like information on any of the above naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

Sign up for the free ‘How to double your chances of conceiving.’ Class here www.embracefertility.co.uk/double

And sign up for the free summits I mentioned via the links below:

https://naomiwoolfson.krtra.com/t/CWSfZEuictdT

The Fertility Stress Solution and feel better weekend tickets will be launched approximately a week before each event so I will be sending those out to my mailing list when the time is right.

A little Christmas message for you as I’m out in the woods and thinking of you.

Episode 78: Expert Interview with Jennifer Robertson

Jennifer is a fertility coach and has helped women all over the world transform their mindset and take back control of their life in the midst of infertility.

She is also author of The Injustice of Infertility, a deeply inspiring and raw account of her own seven-year fertility journey.

Throughout her own fertility journey, Jen discovered that her old ways of pushing and working hard weren’t serving her. She is now using the lessons learned along the way to develop programs and support women throughout their journey to motherhood - from the moment they start trying to conceive, until they hold their baby in their arms.

Blog mentioned in episode: www.jenniferrobertson.co/blog/infertility-goals

"One day you wake up, and you don’t recognise the person you have become or the life that you’re leading. Once a confident, decisive and positive person, you now feel like the whole weight of the world is on your shoulders. You’re angry all the time and can’t be happy when other people are happy – in fact it makes you even more miserable. You struggle making any kind of decision, and you’re bitter and negative. It’s like you’ve added a filter of hopelessness to yourself and your life."

You can follow Jennifer on Instagram @msjenniferrobertson or @yourpregnancyhaven Or via her website www.jenniferrobertson.co or www.yourpregnancyhaven.coI am now an affiliate for the Pregnancy Haven so if you sign up then please do so via this link Naomi's link to Pregnancy Haven.

You can also download Jennifer's free video on how to find peace on your fertility journey here - www.jenniferrobertson.co/video-finding-peace-on-your-fertility-journey

________

For stress soothing tools at your fingertips and instant access to my; FREE MIND-BODY FERTILITY APP

Quick and easy ways to calm your mind and body while trying to conceive including:

♥ How to find relief from negative feelings.

♥ How to reset when you feel stressed.

♥ How the mind-body link impacts fertility.

visit www.embracefertility.co.uk.

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/embracefertility/

Facebook www.facebook.com/embracefertility

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC_61UHKAXtbrlVpGoN08BXw

Episode 77. Me: I was chatting to some of my friends today and the Christmas stress and overwhelm has commenced.

Husband: What is there to get stressed or overwhelmed about?

Little podcast for you exploring the various nuances of this conversation and what we can learn from it over the coming weeks as the Christmas frenzy builds.

I’ll be talking about how you can make the coming weeks easier by asking yourself what can I:

Delete? Delegate? Delay? and what do I really want to Do?

Holiday Survival Guide for those trying to conceive

Free 1 hour class - Instant access to replay

Sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk/hope or via link in my profile @embracefertility.

Are you dreading the weeks ahead? Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

You can't quite believe another ENTIRE year has gone by and you still don't have your baby.

You're putting so much pressure on yourself to be pregnant by the end of 2021 you might actually implode.

And you're not sure how you are going to get through the celebrations, the social gathers and the never ending cheer.

I've got you. In this episode I talk about the four options you have for how you go into the holiday season. Also talk about the free class that I’m running this week.

Holiday survival tips for those trying to conceive

Free 1 hour online workshop

Thursday 18th November 1pm GMT London.

8am EST 9pm AWST

Sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk/hope or via link in my profile @embracefertility on Instagram.

Episode 75: Something a little different for you today. Last week I have had two clients reach out to me, both who were mid IVF cycle and both had been given bad news from their clinics. Information that means that although they are still in the race their chances had diminished.

Both were struggling with how to cope with the racing thoughts and what ifs? that come part and parcel with the phone call from the clinic.

I was going to make a personal video for each of them as that is how I usually support clients but thought in this instant I would record as audio and the advice might help others as well.

Notes what I talk about:

Step 1 : CBT the hell out of your thinking. Look at what type of thoughts you are having. Many of those I imagine are time travelling back into the past or into the future Are you creating a story? One that is a complete nightmare and scaring you? Question those thoughts, Is it true? Is it helpful? Until the clinic say it is the end you are still in the race.

Step 2 : Distract yourself and do everything you can to turn your mind to any other topic. Reach for your Lego, paints, remote, there are times when we DON'T want to numb out and we want to embrace our thinking and work with it/through it, midway through a cycle IS NOT that time. Just do what you can to distract your thoughts and cling on for the ride.

Step 3 : Remind yourself why you are doing this, really zoom out and think about the bigger picture. Even if this cycle is not successful that does not mean that you will never become a mother. Even if it’s your last cycle and you have told yourself this is your absolute last chance in reality there are other decisions that could be made. However now is not the time to be making those decisions to keep focused on the fact that you just need to keep plodding through this cycle and deal with the outcome when you actually get there. Beginning to grieve an unsuccessful cycle before you actually get there is not the best use of your time and energy right now.

Step 4 : Bring a sense of safety to your body. Practice techniques to bring you back into the present moment like the balancing breath, the self hug, Yoga, Quantum Flow or really simple EFT Tapping on the thoughts that are causing you most distress I let this go, it’s safe for me to let this go, I choose to let this go.

EFT Tutorial and info:

https://embracefertility.co.uk/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/

All of the techniques above are ones that I teach in the Embrace Fertility Method. If you would like to know more about what it’s like to be supported by me please reach out and let’s have a conversation Naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

______

Are you wondering how you will get through the next 7 weeks?

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

Are you putting so much pressure on yourself to be pregnant by the end of 2021 you might actually implode?

You can't quite believe another whole year has gone by and you still don't have your baby?

Free 1 hour online workshop

Holding onto Hope

Holiday survival tips for those trying to conceive.

Thursday 18th November 1pm GMT London.

8am EST 9pm AWST

Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk to sign up.

Episode 74: Fertility Expert Interview Series.

If anyone has watched 'Comedians in cars getting coffee" you will know the vibe I am intending to create with these fertility expert interviews!

Like-minded people coming together and talking about a host of topics that they are incredibly passionate about.

Each of the six fertility experts that I’m going to be introducing you to over the coming weeks has something very valuable to bring to the table.

We kick off this week with the lovely Monica Cox of Finding Fertility.

Monica is a top Holistic Fertility Coach and Infertility Warrior who helps woman get to the bottom of their unexplained infertility so they can increase their chances of getting and staying pregnant.

Author of the best-seller Baby & Me mindfulness journal & host of the highly popular podcast Finding Fertility, she dedicating to inspiring woman to look beyond their infertility diagnosis and take control of their health through clean eating and simplifying their lifestyle.

In this interview Monica shares her own journey and how a friend suggesting she meet with a functional health coach began an exploration into her diet that and lifestyle that lead to uncovering obscure food intolerances and flagging up dietary health issues that Monica had been coping with that she hadn’t realised could be drastically altered through simple changes.

Monica dealt with unexplained infertility, several miscarriages & failed IVF's before becoming an IVF mom & getting pregnant natural even though the doctors said there was nothing she could do to improve her situation.

This is an informative and fun interview, we cover Natural Killer Cells, how Yoga can suck for A type personalities, how even foods we label as healthy can cause intolerances, and how your Insta handle and the way you label yourself can have such a huge impact on your mindset and mental well-being.

I may have bought a little mascot along because both Monica and I are slightly obsessed with 🦩🦩🦩. Check out the episode on your favourite podcast player now just search for Embrace Fertility, go to my YouTube channel or hit the link in my bio.

Follow Monica @findingfertility and download her three step guide to taking the right steps and improving your chances of getting in staying pregnant today at www.findingfertility.co.

Monica's Programmes. I receive an affiliate payment if you join Monica's Fertility Food programme via this link at no additional cost to you. If you are interested in the below use the discount code 'EMBRACEFERTILITY'

Fertility Food

________

For stress soothing tools at your fingertips and instant access to my;

FREE MIND-BODY FERTILITY APP

Quick and easy ways to calm your mind and body while trying to conceive including:

♥ How to find relief from negative feelings.

♥ How to reset when you feel stressed.

♥ How the mind-body link impacts fertility.

visit www.embracefertility.co.uk.

Episode 73: I’d just had one of the most powerful therapy sessions of my life!

Part of my professional commitment as a hypnotherapist myself is to ensure that I am attending to my own emotional needs and getting therapy on anything I find triggering in the sessions I do with my clients. This is to ensure that I am not bringing my own BS to the table while supporting others.

This session was on something that happened to me months ago. Something that I have worked on personally with emotional freedom technique. I’ve also discussed it at length with my closest friends and found much healing and resolution.

However I knew that there was something more as I’ve been exhibiting signs of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) from similar events that were triggering flashbacks and sending me into stress response.

Let me say right now that this was not a physically traumatic event but one that was purely emotional. One at the time I found upsetting and jarring but then put it under the rug and carried on.

Why is it that even as a therapist working in this field I still give more credence to the physical rather than the emotional?

The beliefs that I took on during that event included:

I don’t matter It is not safe to voice my opinion I am a failure I am not enough

Hmmmmm do you think that these beliefs playing in the background of my unconscious are helping me to live my best life and serve my clients (and you) to the highest of my ability?

NOPE

Tears, shaking, sweating, anger, fear.

Voice them, feel them release them install the antidote phrases

I matter It is safe to voice my opinion I am successful I am enough

I now feel empowered, renewed, buzzing, strong.

The part that is replaying in my head again and again is when my therapist Gill said;

“When I last saw you I remember thinking to myself that you’re clothes and your opinions did not match your posture. You dress with confidence and are passionate about your beliefs but your body was in a state of collapse.”

Wow! In this episode I share an update of what’s been happening for me in the 10 days since this session.

I invite you to join me in one of my homework practices which is simply to stand with my legs slightly further apart!

I explain all in a second half of the episode and would love to hear about your experiences. Email me Naomi@embracefertility.co.uk or on message me on Instagram @embracefertility.

_____

For stress soothing tools at your fingertips visit www.embracefertility.co.uk for instant access to my;

FREE MIND-BODY FERTILITY APP

Quick and easy ways to calm your mind and body while trying to conceive including: ♥ How to find relief from negative feelings. ♥ How to reset when you feel stressed. ♥ How the mindbody link impacts fertility.

_____

I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility. My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally!

On this podcast I offer emotional support and share mind-body techniques to help you feel calm and confident and ultimately find yourself again while waiting for your baby.

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.

Visit https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching for more details and email me to set up a free video call to any questions you have about being supported by me naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

Follow me on Instagram @embracefertility (www.instagram.com/embracefertility) and Facebook. (www.facebook.com/embracefertility)

Episode 72. “I just feel so jealous and angry all the time. This isn’t me. I want to move past this.”

“I can’t stop crying. Infertility is all I ever think about and it’s impacting my work and my relationship.”

“I am terrified of getting pregnant again and can’t imagine ever getting past that six week scan.”

“I want to energetically align with conceiving and call in my baby but I feel like I’m stopping it from happening.”

“When the doctor told us we would have to use donor sperm I thought I was going to throw up. I feel so alone as my partner won’t talk about it.”

“I want to connect to my faith again, I feel like God is punishing me and I’ve lost hope that we will ever have a family.”

Above are some of the reasons that women decide to commit to their own emotional nourishment and join The Embrace Fertility Method.

My job as your therapist is to meet you where you are and understand your model of the world. That is, how you view the world and the life you are living.

We start our work together understanding what your beliefs are:

About your body About yourself and the things you say to yourself. Your spiritual beliefs Your beliefs about trying to conceive, fertility treatments, pregnancy, labour and birth and parenthood.

Our unconscious mind is programmed to keep us safe and it takes its job incredibly seriously.

If a client has the following beliefs then our work is to begin to unpick and reframe. Saying these things to yourself on a regular basis be that consciously or unconsciously are a recipe for anxiety, self-doubt and sabotage.

My body is broken Last time I got pregnant I miscarried, I can’t cope with that disappointment again. I’m not strong enough to lose another baby. I hate my body when I put on weight Childbirth is painful and I may never recover physically. Women die during childbirth. Having children broke my friend's marriage and now she is struggling to raise her kids on her own. What if I’m a terrible mother and turn out to be just like my mum?

Safety first.

Iff it does not feel safe for you to conceive, be pregnant, give birth and become a parent. Your subconscious mind may be trying its hardest to keep you safe.

This manifests in anxiety, overwhelm, sabotaging your own attempt to conceive be that by indulging in activities that could negatively impact your fertility such as excessive exercise, drinking or overeating.

Or maybe it’s more subtle, maybe it’s picking that fight with your partner when you know you are ovulating. It’s delaying the appointment at the clinic as it just doesn’t feel safe to start having those conversations.

In the final day of the three day workshop I ran last week I included a guided visualisation where I asked the participants to imagine each stage of trying to conceive, getting pregnant, going into labour, giving birth, holding their baby for the first time and then imagining their child at various ages right up into their 30s.

At each stage I asked the question;

“Is there any resistance here? Does this feel safe?”

Sometimes it’s as simple as working through your fears consciously, journaling about them, mismatching them with the technique I taught on day two with the PROP statement.

Then spending time visualising what you want, seeing it going well and feeling good. This instructs your mind and body that this is what you want and it is safe for you to want it. Most importantly it is safe for you to have it.

Other times we need to go deeper, we need to create a strong foundation of safety within your mind and body, we need to bring in energy work such as emotional freedom technique or AMDR to reprogram the neural pathways in your mind to release past trauma. Message me for more info naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

I’m running a free mind-body fertility event this week would you like to join me?

‘From Surviving to Thriving’.

♥ Day 1 : Living in survival mode. Does it feel like you are living in a constant state of uncertainty? In this workshop I’ll explain how going through infertility impacts our brains, nervous system and mental health.

♥ Day two : Reset. Re-educate. Reaffirm

I will show you how to calm your body and soothe your mind to bring instant relief.

I’ll explain the science of why this type of work is so powerful and can help you FEEL BETTER AND MORE IN CONTROL no matter what’s going on for you right now.

♥ Day 3 : Thriving

I will guide you to experience a powerful guided visualisation and I’ll explain how to use the techniques I've shared to thrive during infertility.

‘From Surviving to Thriving’. 3 x 40 minute workshops Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtimes 1pm BST.

Sign up now to reserve your free place via the link in my bio @embracefertility or www.embracefertility.co.uk/thrive.

If you are already on my mailing list then you will get the zoom invite on Wednesday morning.

Episode 70: Today I share a case study of working with a fertility client and the type of shift that is possible using the mind-body techniques I specialise in.

I also talk about how next week I’ll be hosting a brand-new three day event to inspire and uplift. This is for you if you feel like you are on a hamster wheel. If month after month goes by and it feels like nothing is happening. You’re scared of it never happening and the not knowing is excruciating.

Client Testimonial:

What did you think of the technique?

The different parts of the technique were helpful in their own way. Just talking through negative beliefs and identifying them, saying them out loud is a relief in its own but going through them and finding an antidote statement helped to open my mind to the possibility. When I have negative beliefs it can be difficult to think anything is true outside of the belief so working through them and finding an alternative statement was eye opening. When I think about my life without the negative beliefs my body felt much more at ease. When starting the bilateral tapping a whole body relaxation occurred which allowed my mind to be clear, moving to the butterfly tapping literally did feel like there were new connections being made in my body. Although so much of this was working on my mindset and thoughts around time and our fertility journey it really became more of a whole body experience.

What happened for you in terms of a mindset shift during the session?

Initially my mind was occupied around the passing of time and the continued months that passed without a positive pregnancy test. After the session it was not that this thought was erased but when I had the thought there was no negative feeling associated with it. I could think it but I did not feel connected or defined by it, and it did not give me the same emotions of sadness, failure, hopelessness that the thoughts brought on before. I shifted more into a mindset of opportunity and hope while feeling I could be more present and not as preoccupied by these thoughts.

How are you feeling now looking back on the session?

I'm feeling hopeful again and much more present. Looking back on the session I can see how my thoughts and beliefs do not necessarily have to be my truth.

How do you feel now when you think about the original negative scenarios?

I feel they are untrue. I feel my mindset is stronger in a way, that these thoughts can come into my mind but I can let them go without them causing a cascade of negative emotions that then impact my attitude, mood and feelings about our fertility journey.

From Surviving to Thriving - 3 Day Mind-Body Fertility Event

♥ Day 1 : Living in survival mode.

Does it feel like you are living in a constant state of uncertainty? In this workshop I explain how going through infertility impacts our brain, nervous system and mental health.

♥ Day two : Reset. Re-educate. Reaffirm

I will teach you how to calm your body and soothe your mind to bring instant relief.

I’ll explain the science of why this type of work is so powerful and can help you FEEL BETTER AND MORE IN CONTROL no matter what’s going on for you right now.

♥ Day 3 : Thriving

You will experience a powerful guided visualisation and I’ll explain how to use the techniques I've shared to thrive during infertility and double your chances of success.

Sign up now to reserve your place at www.embracefertility.co.uk/thrive.

Email me with any questions naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

Episode 69: Going through infertility can be emotionally traumatic, add in invasive medical procedures, investigations and surgery and our bodies can experience physical trauma.

Having specialised in mind-body fertility therapy for the past eight years I have supported women (and on occasion their partners) through infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, low sperm and azoospermia diagnosis, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, IUIs, IVF, ICSI, miscarriage, stillbirth, epitopic pregnancy, seveve morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum),pregnancy anxiety, birth preparation and birth trauma.

I spent last weekend in London adding Applied Movement Desensitisation & Reconsolidation (AMDR) to my training alongside Cognitive Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Part of my commitment as a member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy is to continue my professional development and ensure I am able to offer my clients the very best in terms of the latest techniques and mind-body science and understanding.

In this podcast episode I talk about how the brain reacts when we experience a traumatic event and how we can the use AMDR to clear that trauma physically and emotionally.

I share what this technique is capable of helping with and talk about the case study I worked on at the weekend and the shift my partner experienced.

I work with women across the globe and tailor our sessions to meet your needs. If you are interested in finding out more about using Hypnotherapy to cope with infertility and support your fertility then see my article 'Can hypnosis get you pregnant?' https://embracefertility.co.uk/can-hypnosis-get-you-pregnant/ and visit my coaching page https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching.

I currently have availability to take on 4 new clients for support September through to early December. Contact me to book a free confidential chat naomi@embracefertility.co.uk.

Episode 68: When someone starts working with me I always ask them if they have any concerns or fears around being pregnant, going into labour or giving birth. Our popular culture teaches us that birth is painful and in most cases an emergency scenario.

Think of three birth stories you know and I imagine at least one will be from a film or TV show. Our subconscious mind’s sole purpose Is to keep us safe and so if you have fears of childbirth it can be hugely beneficial to clear those fears while trying to conceive.

In this episode I talk about how you can clear those fears we education and energy work.

Emotional freedom technique tutorial video: https://embracefertility.co.uk/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/

Hypnosis for pain management : https://embracefertility.co.uk/hypnosis-for-pain-management/

The first week of my Embrace Bump to Baby hypnobirthing course is free here: https://embracefertility.co.uk/bumptobaby/

My pain-free labour and waterbirth at the birth centre https://embracefertility.co.uk/my-personal-experience-of-labour-and-birth/

My super quick unplanned, unassisted homebirth in the bath https://embracefertility.co.uk/evies-unplanned-unassisted-home-birth/

Are you telling yourself that you are ok when you’re really not?

One of my biggest regrets while ttc was living month to month pushing myself telling myself it would all be okay as soon as I got pregnant.

But I didn’t get pregnant 44 times!

And once I got pregnant and then I miscarried.

If someone said to me that I would be trying for 46 months I would have got myself support so much sooner.

In this episode I talk about:

Coaching questions you can ask yourself to check how you really feel.
Things you can do to be supporting yourself now.
Reasons why you might be holding back from getting support
Reasons why it’s a really good idea to get support before you really need it.

Here are the resources mentioned in the episode https://embracefertility.co.uk/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/

https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching/

Due to the fact that the episode was getting really long I’ve split out the detailed section about clearing fears of labour and birth and you can catch that as the next podcast episode.

Sign up for my mind-body fertility freebies at www.embracefertility.co.uk.

Hands up who likes feeling out of control? This has been a theme this week with clients and I talk about the repercussions of trying to gain control of an uncontrollable situation.

I am so wound up today that I have stuck my wellies on my feet and set off into the woods for the second time today as I know I need to shift my mood, shift my mindset, from one of frustration and anger to bring myself back to neutral and then set my intention of how I would like to feel and re-focus myself. This podcast is a live example of the shift you can experience in just a short period of time when you choose to embrace your emotions and take positive action to support yourself rather than allowing a negative mindset to put a cloud over a full day.

Episode 64: Very honest chat about how although infertility is not your fault there is a huge amount you may be doing that it’s not serving you and how taking radical responsibility for your own life can create shifts on a conscious, subconscious and energetic level. www.embracefertility.co.uk or @embracefertility to contact me.

Episode 63: One for the guys today. “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel disappointed, angry, devastated that you are not a dad yet.”

I’ve put together a free resource list for guys going through infertility which includes advice how to support yourself emotionally through infertility, information on how using visualisation can lower stress levels and work with your subconscious mind, how to overcome performance anxiety when you need to give a sperm sample, film suggestions and online support groups. Check it out here www.embracefertility.co.uk/partners if you have any suggestions of Insta accounts or resources you think I should include please comment below or message me @embracefertility.

Episode 62: On the podcast this week I am sharing one of my favourite visualisations where I guide you on a journey into your future to imagine being a family of three and you and your partner putting your child to bed and reading him or her a story. I start by sharing the benefits of using visualisation and how to clear any emotional or energetic blocks that you may uncover by listening.

NOTE: Only listen to these MP3s when you can safely relax, do not listen whilst driving or operating machinery. This track is safe to use whilst trying to conceive and once pregnant however by choosing to listen you agree to take full responsibility for your own well-being.

Listen to this one with your partner if he/she is open to doing so and discuss what type of parents you intend to be afterwards.

For more info on the five steps of The Embrace Fertility Method visit www.embracefertility.co.uk/programs/

Something a little different this week. For those of you that attended my free masterclass on Tuesday you will know I lost my voice towards the end!

I don’t want to skip recording a podcast this week though so instead of walking in the woods and talking I’m simply walking in the woods and invite you to join me and imagine enjoying the sounds of nature around us as we walk in companionable silence.

I hope you are doing okay this week do you message me on Instagram or Facebook and let me know what you thought of this little time out in the bluebell woods.

Episode 60. Today I am talking about how we can get stressed about being stressed, worried about being worried and anxious about being anxious. I talk about how we can change our relationship with stress and how to tune in with your intuition. Come and join my free class on Friday to explore this further www.embracefertility.co.uk/freeclass.

Episode 59 Trigger or Happy?

In this episode I talk about what a trigger is in regards to mindset and your emotions.

I talk about: - What happens when you are triggered by an external event. - How you can recognise your own triggering internal thoughts. - How to begin to work through triggers and clear them. - How to minimise your chance of being triggered in the first place. Do you come and join my mailing list to download the three minute reset MP3 I talk about in this episode. Www.embracefertility.co.uk

Episode 58 This is truly an amazing, inspiring and uplifting episode for everyone who is currently trying to conceive not just those who are considering donor conception. Meta is a donor conception coach who helps family-focused, responsible, and thoughtful women and couples who have found themselves facing a journey to parenthood they had never imagined: using donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryo. Meta and her husband Michael went through their own infertility challenges and after four IUIs and three rounds of fresh IVF, they achieved their dream of a family through using donor eggs.

In this 50 minute interview Meta shares: * How she felt when her doctor first suggested that they should move to donor eggs. * How at that point she said “No I’m not going to do that.” * She talks us through how she felt at each stage of the process; getting on the donor waiting list, being matched to a donor, going through the treatment cycle alongside their donor, finding out she was pregnant with twins, when she first saw her girls after giving birth and now she is a mum of two almost 5 years olds. * Why she thinks we need to open up the conversation around donor conception. * How choosing to use a donor is a big decision and you need to be in the right frame of mind to make that decision and how to do that.  Check out the podcast episode now just search for Embrace Fertility on your fave podcast player or watch on the Embrace Fertility YouTube channel. Both can be accessed via my website via link in my profile @embracefertility. Meta has been featured in multiple podcasts, has spoken at the RESOLVE Midwest Family Building Summit and founded a community of families who used a donor. Meta has a free, Essential Donor Checklist that you can download here: https://ae-collective.mykajabi.com/pl/259144 Follow Meta on Instagram at @metagetman https://www.instagram.com/metagetman/ where she shares content daily and does a weekly Q&A where she answers any and all questions. Through her ecourse, The Donor Downlow, Meta helps her clients go from isolation, loneliness, and fear of the donor process to hope, confidence and excitement for building their families, more info on that here:

First time visiting Embrace Fertility? You can learn about my 12 week course here www.embracefertility.co.uk/courses and 1 to 1 support here www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

Head over www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here sign up for your free '3 ways to stress less and enhance fertility using the mindbody link' ack which includes a powerful 3 minute Mindset Reset MP3 and the first chapter of my book and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility.

Episode 57 Suffering is Subjective.

It’s National Infertility Awareness Week in the US and thousands are sharing their personal experiences of infertility, fertility treatments and pregnancy loss.

It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing your own journey to others and even feeling jealous that “She only struggled for X months” or feeling guilty that others have been through so much more than you.

Suffering and pain however are subjective and cannot be measured by the amount of months someone has been trying to conceive or the number of failed treatment cycles they have had. Even if someone has suffered multiple miscarriages the actual level of suffering they experienced we can never fully comprehend.

This is due to the fact that outside experiences cannot make us feel a particular way, even an event as emotive as pregnancy loss.

We only ever experience life through the lens of our own thinking.

It is not what is happening to us but how we perceive what is happening to us. So two women who on paper appear to have identical stories will each be experiencing their own reality through the lens of their beliefs, past experiences, mental state in that moment and their predictions of the future. Listen for more.

Getting beyond excited about new people joining The Embrace Fertility Method today. I am packing up the welcome boxes and they will be posted out tomorrow with our first group call on Tuesday evening. Www.Embracefertility.Co.Uk/embrace for all the details.

More of a news update than my regular podcast episode. Hope to see you at the class tomorrow. Www.embracefertility.co.Uk/start-here and Www.embracefertility.co.Uk/blog for list of resources when you are starting a fertility treatment cycle.

Episode 54 : Coping with Mothering Sunday Sharing some tips of how to get through this weekend when the whole of the UK has gone mothering mad! Here is the jealousy article I mentioned https://thefertilitytribe.com/blog/6-ways-to-deal-with-pregnancy-envy-during-infertility.

Based as many of my podcasts are on something which has happened in my own life and then reflecting on how I used mind-body tools or techniques to help the situation.

This one starts off with a story about my partner and I and how he allowed me a full seven minutes to be angry about a shocking situation before telling me to move on and let it go!

If you have listened to my podcast before I know I occasionally rant but this one I deliberately waited and recorded a week after the original incident so this is more of a reflection and I share four steps of positive actions you can take if your partner (or friend or family member) really doesn’t get what you’re going through right now. Www.embracefertility.co.uk/partner-doesn’t-get-it

Three powerful ways to use journalling while trying to conceive

Let me start by saying journalling is just a fancy word to describe using a pen and paper to write things down as part of your own personal development.

I have been journalling since I was eight years old! Writing plays a big part in how I express myself and get in touch with how I really feel about things.

Today on the Embrace Fertility podcast I share how to use journalling to support yourself and your fertility.

Number One : Use journalling to rant, pour out your heart, express anger. I mention the study that I’ve linked below on why this is so beneficial not just in the moment but for our ongoing emotional and physical health.

Number Two: Keep a gratitude journal to express love and gratitude for things that happened in your past or the present moment. Then connect in with what you want to bring into your life and use writing to help you raise your vibration and get yourself energetically aligned with what you want.

Number Three: Your journal can be yourUu very own fertility coach, ask yourself questions and then question your responses to your answers.

Good coaching questions to ask yourself are:

Is that true? Who taught me that? Is this helpful? What do I really want? Do I want to keep this belief? What is beneath that?

Study I mentioned: Writing about emotions may ease stress and trauma https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/writing-about-emotions-may-ease-stress-and-trauma

In the study it notes that writing in this way can make you feel worse which is why I suggest teaming it with EFT tapping. You can watch a tutorial video on how to do this over at https://embracefertility.co.uk/eft-tapping-for-infertility-and-fertility/.

For your freebies go to www.embracefertility.co.Uk/start-here.

A super short episode today talking about how you can start to recognise when you’re really not okay (enter impression of Ross on friends!) and three ways you can help yourself to reduce stress and feel better in the moment. As in right now today. Hop over to www.embracefertility.co.uk to download your freebies and then come and follow me on Instagram @embracefertility. Xxx

Continuing our interviews with fertility experts.

This week is Nicola Salmon, a fat-positive fertility coach and author of “Fat and Fertile”.

She helps fat folks navigate getting pregnant in a weight-obsessed world and advocates for change in how fat people are treated whilst accessing help with their fertility.

Nicola uses her unique fat positive framework to support people in finding their own version of health without diets, advocate for their bodies, relearn how to trust their body and believe in their ability to get pregnant.

In this interview we cover:

Why our society deems fat to be unhealthy?
How that impacts fertility and fertility advice
How that impacts us on a personal level
3 things you can do to combat the issues around this

Connect with Nicola:

To follow Nicola on instagram: www.instagram.com/fatpositivefertility

To follow Nicola on facebook www.facebook.com/fatpositivefertility

Nicola's website www.nicolasalmon.co.uk

To learn more about Nicola's book http://nicolasalmon.co.uk/fat-and-fertile-book/

To sign up for The Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant http://nicolasalmon.co.uk/guide

First time visiting Embrace Fertility?

Subscribe for weekly inspiration and regular fertility expert interviews then head over www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here to sign up for your free 'Fertile Thoughts Activation Pack' and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility.

THIS IS FOR YOU IF YOU

🍍Want to feel sure that you are doing everything you can to support yourself and your fertility

🍍Are feeling overwhelmed by the strength of the emotions you are experiencing

🍍Are looking for ways to feel good now even before seeing that positive pregnancy test

I’m on a mission to share the powerful techniques that can turn your fertility journey around.

Hit link in bio @embracefertility on Instagram now or go to www.embracefertility.co.uk to sign up and get instant access to day 1 straight to your inbox now.

A mini one for you today. Www.embracefertility.co.uk.

Don’t let anyone tell you how you should be feeling this year, embrace those emotions, they are real, they are valid, they are yours, you need to feel them

AND

know that you do not need to be controlled by your emotions, feel them, understand the message they are bringing to you and release them.

If you have absolutely no idea how to do that then please do check out all the free resources I offer on my website, podcast and YouTube channel.

You can journal, you can use emotional freedom technique tapping, you can use meditation and hypnosis MP3s to shift the emotions that are not serving you and bring you relief.

I’ll be back in a few days with my response to the #infertilityisagift #infertilityisnotagift from the point of view of someone who experience post-traumatic growth following infertility, surgery, IVF and miscarriage BEFORE I fell pregnant and as a therapist who is now on a mission to share the techniques that can ease the pain and anguish of infertility during it so you don’t need to wait in order to feel relief.

My intention is to speak to the collective pain and anguish of a community who has arguably just lived the hardest year of their lives going through infertility during a global pandemic. 😷 add to this the fact that the run-up to Christmas is the hardest week of the year when you are struggling to conceive and or dealing with pregnancy and baby loss and the climate was primed for an outpouring of grief and anguish.

Sending so much love to each of you and for the last time if you haven’t yet watched my Coping at Christmas workshop and let yourself melt into the 30 minute deep relaxation and guided fertility visualisation at the end go and do so now xxxx Go to www.embracefertility.co.uk for instant access.

I have absolutely loved recording these fertility expert interviews and we are finishing the year strong with my friend and colleague the wonderful Sarah Holland the Fertile Mindset® Coach. Sarah will forever hold a very special place in my heart as she invited me to speak at one of her Fertility Summits when I was just starting out and it gave me such a boost of confidence.

Diving Deep into the Power of Fertility EFT

This interview is not your usual introduction to emotional freedom technique it is a deep dive into the potential of this powerful technique and we include examples from both our own lives and those of our clients.

Here’s a little taster of what we talked about:

Why EFT is so valuable as a fertility support tool.
The many ways EFT can be powerful at every stage of your fertility journey.
How we've both felt and seen EFT work in action and the amazing outcomes.
The important differences between self-guided EFT and practitioner-led EFT, and how you can get the best results.
Quick and easy ways to start using EFT to bring big results for your mindset and emotional wellbeing.

All about Sarah Sarah Holland is the Fertile Mindset® Coach and has a unique, effective and empowering approach to fertility support. Working in the world of fertility since 2001, and having experienced fertility challenges herself, she pioneered the use of EFT Tapping specifically for fertility support. With the Fertile Mindset® approach to coaching, support and emotional healing she has helped thousands of people negotiate the emotional rollercoaster of fertility issues. Sarah believes it is possible for anyone’s fertility journey to become a much more positive and fulfilling experience, and that by recognising and supporting the emotional aspects of fertility, the path to parenthood can become more successful in every way including creating a family.

Sarah is based in the U.K. and her support is available worldwide via zoom consultations and within her membership, the Fertile Mindset® Sanctuary which has both free and paid levels of support.

Having experienced her own fertility challenges Sarah is now a mum to two boys through both birth and adoption.

Join Sarah’s free membership

Begin our own Fertile Mindset® journey today by joining Sarah’s free membership in the Fertile Mindset ® Sanctuary here: www.fertilemindset.com/sanctuary

You can get in touch with Sarah at www.fertilemindset.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FertileMindset and Instagram at fertile_mindset

Learn more about Emotional Freedom Technique in this EFT Tutorial

You can learn more about EFT in my article here and watch a tutorial video to get you started with this technique.

You can learn about my 12 week course here www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace and 1 to 1 support here www.embracefertility.co.uk/coaching

First time visiting Embrace Fertility? Head over www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here sign up for your free 'Fertile Thoughts Activation Pack' which includes a powerful 3 minute Mindset Reset MP3 and the first chapter of my book and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility. You will also receive an invite to:

Simone was already a yoga instructor when she had a miscarriage after trying to conceive for a year and a half. Yoga and meditation were a huge part of her healing process, so much that she became certified to teach yoga for fertility and miscarriage so that she could share this healing with others. Now she works online as a fertility coach, helping her clients become more resilient, empowered and connected to their authentic selves, using fertility yoga and meditation as tools, as well as mindset, breath work, and mindfulness techniques. In this interview: We talk about:

Healing your relationship with your body
Listening to your intuition as a powerful resource
Connecting to your womb
Understanding that everything is temporary
Feeling your emotions and pain in the present moment
Following your menstrual cycle - how you exercise, your feminine strengths
Having a positive relationship with your period

All about Simone Simone L'Abbé is supports women on difficult fertility journeys so that they can cultivate resilience, empowerment, and self-connection. She uses a combination of mindset, meditation, mindfulness, intuitive movement, breath work, and fertility yoga to help her coaching and group program clients connect with their most authentic selves.

Dec 7-11, 2020 Simone is hosting a free event in her private Facebook group. The Resilience Retreat for Empowered Fertility Warriors includes 10 sessions with experts so that you can become more resilient and empowered on your fertility journey. You can learn more and register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/resilience-retreat-for-empowered-fertility-warriors-registration-129342437713

To access your free Fertility Journey Self-Care Bundle, visit http://feelfully.ca (The bundle includes a downloadable fertility visualization album, a guide to finding ease, and an intro to yoga for fertility poses)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelfully.ca/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredfertilitywarriors

Website : http://feelfully.ca

First time visiting Embrace Fertility? Head over to https://embracefertility.co.uk/start-here/ to sign up for your free 'Fertile Thoughts Activation Pack' and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility.

Two years into trying to conceive, after our first treatment cycle fail I was suffering from anxiety depression insomnia IBS and panic attacks. I knew that the stress I was experiencing was caused by the fact I was unable to get pregnant but was this stress now impacting my ability to conceive and causing infertility?

Determined to find out I started researching the link between stress and infertility. What I discovered was fascinating. In this 20 minute except from my workshop 'Fertility and Your Mind the Science' I share:

Why, once you decide to start trying to conceive, it feels like you are constantly surrounded by pregnant women and babies. PS this is due to your Reticular Activating System!
How the stress, anxiety and depression levels in women undergoing infertility treatment is the same as women who have cancer HI,V or heart disease.
The truth behind the impact of stress on your fertility.
The worrying reality of trying to stay positive and forcing yourself to relax that can actually backfire and lead to chronic anxiety and depression! Why we have negative emotions for a reason.
How thoughts create a physical reaction in the body. Ps If you would like to check out the slides that accompany this workshop this page happens to have a rather crude sketch of an erect penis to quite literally illustrate my point! Visit the Embrace Fertility YouTube channel to check out the video version of this podcast.
An explanation on how before a feeling there is always a thought.
And how our mind is like a massive library storing all of our past experiences and the beliefs we made in that moment that shape our decision-making and lives today.
How the body naturally resets itself to rest, digest, heal and reproduce but chronic stress can leave you living in freeze, flight or fight.
The trying to conceive stress cycle and how it can be so damaging to your fertility.
The missing piece of the fertility puzzle and how to break the cycle.

More about the studies mentioned in this podcast and to learn how to break the cycle then go to https://embracefertility.co.uk/embrace/ and get started.

Ps There is swearing in this episode and I already mentioned the willy!

A little love notes talking about embracing all emotions during Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and an invitation to my free coping at Christmas workshop this Sunday 29th of November 3pm EST / 8pm GMT. You can sign up here www.embracefertility.co.Uk/start-here. In this episode I quote the lovely @xojennijune Who was my podcast guest two episodes ago.

Fantastic interview talking all things mindset, thoughts and feelings.

All about Kezia

"Through my own journey through secondary (in)fertility I was introduced to therapy and then mindset work – both in their own ways changed my life and change my experience of infertility. Therapy helped me to see that there was a missing link between infertility and its impact on mental health. Mindset work helped me to put into practice what therapy describes in theory. I now use both in my work to help women through their journey of infertility.

I wrote Flipping the Script on Infertility to share what I discovered through my fertility struggles, I take you on a journey of self-therapy and mindset practices that will really help you to discover who you are and why infertility is impacting you in the way that it is.

I am a true believer that no matter the outcome every woman deserves to know she is worthy and find fulfilment in her life today and every day.

All the best

Kezia x"

Connect with Kezia Author of Flipping the Script on Infertility

Instagram: @theinfertilitycounsellor

Facebook: @theinfertilitycounsellor

Twitter: kezia_okafor

First time visiting Embrace Fertility? Subscribe on Youtube for bi-monthly fertility expert interviews and head over here to sign up for your free 'Fertile Thoughts Activation Pack' and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility.

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON INFERTILITY - Taking Back Control of Life and Purpose

Every week for the next month I will be bringing you fantastic interviews with fertility experts.

This week is Jenni June and we are talking about healing after loss:

Jenni's words: I first discovered Reiki healing after my 2nd Ectopic Pregnancy. I was in the depths of my pain after losing a very wanted pregnancy and losing my last fallopian tube. Not knowing where to turn, I found a Reiki healer and was curious to try anything to help me move forward in my grief. What I was surprised by is how much that one decision changed my life… I walked out of my appointment with feeling like the heavy brick that I had settled on my chest after loss, lifted! I could take a full breath in for the very first time in a long time!

Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. It heals by flowing through the body’s energy field (aura) and charging it with positive energy. What’s so special is that energy has no physical boundaries, so while we are all stuck in our homes, you can receive a healing treatment from anywhere in the world!

Energetic/ancestor Blocks

We are all energy and our bodies hold onto stress and trauma is many different ways. I often see in my clients that their chakra centers are energetic blocked. In one particular case, it was blocked by ancestor trauma or trauma from a past life. Reiki healing works to break up the blocked chakras and clear them with positive energy that helps you move beyond- to heal and to live with a radical love for yourself again!Benefits of Reiki after loss or through Infertility:

Cleanse, balance and strengthen the energy body: clearing blocked or stagnant energy, restoring the normal flow of energy and reinforcing the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Focus on the Sacral Chakra, the energy point just below the belly button that governs the reproductive organs.
Help you step off the stress rollercoaster and return to a place of mental and emotional peace while trying to conceive.
Release the negative energy of past events and emotional trauma that may be a barrier to conception.
Deeply relax the mind and body to let go of the stress and anxiety of trying to get pregnant.
Replace your doubts and fears with positivity and love for your amazing body.

All about Jenni Jenni June is a Pregnancy Loss & Infertility Coach, a Reiki Practitioner and a Meditation Instructor. She supports those who have experienced an invisible loss- the loss of a pregnancy or the dream of having a child either through miscarriage or infertility. Guiding her community through all stages of the healing journey, she holds loving space for them to discover whole body healing, learn how to release fear & anxiety through mindfulness and the help of Reiki. When working with Jenni, her clients experience high levels of confidence, inspiration, growth and move into the next stage of life with a fierce love for themselves and a connection to their body after loss.

Connect with Jenni Instagram: @XOJenniJune

Facebook: XO Jenni June Coaching

Website: www.XOJenniJune.com

Connect with me:

www.embracefertility.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/embracefertility/

https://www.facebook.com/embracefertility/

The worry, the dread, I would feel especially during those treatment two week waits.

In this episode I talk about a neurolinguistic programming technique you can do yourself at home to help transform your worry to hope.

This is one I did have a client last week and it is so powerful.

“It felt like I turned the splodge of worry I had that was stopping me from feeling any kind of hope or excitement into gravity boots, that could help keep me grounded but that I could also choose to take off and allow myself to fly.” * * FREE ‘Fertile Thoughts Activation Quick Start Pack’ sign up now for instant access and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking while enhancing your fertility. or go to www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here

Recorded 10 days ok before lock down announced but ties in rather nicely.

Wow total telling off at the weekend from one of my oldest friends.

The stories we tell ourselves while we are trying to conceive go something along the lines of this; I’m not getting pregnant and that means X, I don’t have a baby and that means X I’m not a mother yet and that means X. The end of these sentences can be things like * I’m broken * My body has failed me * I am worthless * Maybe I don’t deserve to be a mother These stories torment us and cause sadness, anxiety and depression.  In my latest podcast episode I share how I have been telling myself my own stories in regards to my recent 'failed' launch of the Embrace Fertility Method 12 week course. I talk about how I set the intention to welcome a group of 10 into this new round of the course and when towards the end of the launch it look like that was not going to happen I started telling myself lots of stories about my worth, about my ability as a therapist, my ability to market and communicate the service I offer. So many stories that simply are not true, my worth is not dictated on how many of you decided to join the course this time round. But it’s so hard when you work in a field that is so emotive and important to me. * I want to serve * I want to share what I know and * Help the women who need my support. Once I could detach my worth with the outcome I was hoping for I was able to regroup and see the opportunities that had arisen from what I was viewing as a “failed” launch. Yes I haven’t had the number signup that I had hoped for but I have: * Connected with so many of you amazing women over the past month. * Created the five day fertility mindset coaching workshop which has had such amazing feedback from so many of you. (Thank you xxx) * I have learnt so much about myself and what my true values are. * And the best bit, I am now putting together unique transformation 1 to 1 coaching and therapy packages for those women who feel that the course wasn’t right for them at this time but know they want to move forward from where they are today. You can visit my coaching page here: https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching/

Unique transformation packages If you benefited from watching the fertility mindset coaching videos and feel like you want to explore what is possible for you when you decide to put yourself and your well-being first, if you are one of those women who feels ready to move forward from where you are now then please do you reach out, my one-to-one support is as unique as you are, take a look at my coaching page and then book in for a free 30 minute chat. "Even though we only spoke for half an hour I found it hugely beneficial. It was also lovely to have a proper chat and feel your passion and energy live and for real!" - Heather Book your free clarity call now: In our 30 minute video call together, we’ll get crystal clear on what you are struggling with at the moment, how you would prefer to be feeling and how to move you towards that goal. At the end of the call, if it makes sense we can have a conversation about working together.  Check out my coaching page here https://embracefertility.co.uk/coaching/ with information on: * What fertility coaching and therapy is * How it can help support you during this time and * more testimonials from previous and current clients. “It was a real relief to be able to get some of the stuff off my chest to someone who completely understands and always has tools to hand to help. I like the range of techniques – it’s so helpful to have a mix of things to return later to depending on what feels right at the time.” - Beth

“A few years from now the spot on your chest, which throbs with pain, will be the same place where your kids will fall asleep. & at that moment, your heart will be at peace.” This made me cry as resonates so much with how much pain I was in while going through infertility. After seeing this post from @Prayhopewait I have recorded a rather impassioned podcast talking about it. The weight of the longing and the depth of my desire to be a mother when faced with year after year of nothing but negative results.

It hurt so much as the discord between life I wanted and the life I had just seemed so unfair and illogical.

In the podcast a talk about how although it feels like the only way you’re ever going to be okay is when you have your children I know that it’s possible to feel better NOW in the waiting.

I’ve decided to go live on Instagram at 8pm Tuesday evening to talk about this in more depth and how to allow yourself to feel. I’m not just feel better but really feel all of the emotions that are raging inside of you. I’m going to talk about how embracing those emotions is the key to releasing them and moving through them to a place that is far more empowered and soothing.

Thank you to @fertilityconversations for sharing the original image. Join me at 8pm @embracefertility Instagram.

In the fifth video of my five day fertility mindset series I talk about creating and how I went down the rabbit hole of trying to manifest a baby after watching the film 'The Secret'. I ended up manifesting ovarian cysts, massive arguments with my partner and depression!

Once I had trained as a therapist and was devouring psychology texts I understood how films and books like 'The Secret' just scrape the surface of what is going on for us consciously, unconsciously, physically and energetically.

In this podcast introducing the video I talk about:

🦄 Toxic positivity and the importance of understanding how the unconscious works 🐴 Why using visualisation IS so powerful to create the life you want once you understand the science behind it 🦓I then take you through a guided visualisation for you to feel into the energy of what you want to create and what you want your life to look like one year from today.

You can catch up with the videos on replay now.

And if you are interested in really diving into this come and join us for 'The Embrace Fertility Method' my 12 week mind-body course that starts again on 12th of October.

Link to both in bio.

"For me, this course felt more scientific and effective. The practices give an immediate feeling of relief and get straight to the point. We spend so much time working on and trying to control our bodies in the pursuit of fertility and sometimes this is actually at a detriment to the mind. It seems the mind is the most ignored organ in the fertility struggle. Other things I have tried I wasn't sure I believed in, this worked for me in providing relief from the pain and releasing that sense of constant battle." - Becky

What if it was that easy to feel better right now? What if you could release the tension you feel in your throat or your chest or your stomach when you think about your fertility?

In todays video of my free five day fertility mindset coaching workshop I’m going to be teaching you how to not click but tap your fingers in order to change how you feel both emotionally and physically.

It may come as a surprise that women undergoing infertility treatment experience the same level of stress, anxiety, and depression as women who have cancer, HIV, or heart disease.

I can identify with that statement; while infertility is not life threatening it does threaten your life. The future you have planned that includes being a parent and a grandparent may not be possible and that realisation is terrifying.

Enter Emotional freedom technique - EFT tapping which has been proven to significantly reduce stress.

Tapping is the perfect tool when faced with infertility and can be used to control anxiety, as pain relief – both physical and emotional, for clearing limiting beliefs about your body, conception, pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood and for installing new positive affirmations to make you feel empowered.

When we consciously slow down and check in with our bodies, our thoughts and our feelings by using EFT we open ourselves up to a wider perspective.

Go to www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here and receive a video on how to get started with this technique and another with a guided visualisation to uncover conscious and unconscious blocks to conception.

Totally getting goosebumps about sharing #allthethings with you. Today at 5pm my free fertility mindset coaching workshop begins, make sure you are part of it, go to www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here. In this episode I share why this course is NOT just a mindfulness course.

I woke up today and for a split second everything was okay. Then the anxiety hit me. My stomach felt tense and knotted, my shoulders were up around my ears and I haven’t even sat up yet and I felt slightly nauseous. . The list of things that needed to be done or changed or eradicated was immense. I got up and after a few moments remembered that my experience is not created by what is going on in the world around me but by the thoughts I am having about those things. . This made me feel slightly better and reminded me that I have the power to choose. I could choose to continue living in the reality of needing to: * get to the end of my to do list  * eradicate COVID-19 and infertility   * Get the right results back.   It reminded me that I could choose to step out of my negative thought loop and so I reached for a technique from my mental tool kit. . This morning I chose Rise Up a new techniques that I created for an Embrace Fertility Method member as she was struggling with the Drop Through version that I share in the course. . I didn’t even sit down or close my eyes to work through this technique I just talked myself through it as I went about my day and after a few minutes found relief. The tension dropped from my body, my mind cleared and my breathing became full and unrestricted. . In this podcast I talk you through the technique and I will be creating a full guided visualisation video of this technique as part of my free five day fertility coaching workshop that I’m running for the 21st of September. Come to www.embracefertility.co.uk to sign up.

When push comes to shove and the shit seems to be flying at you from all directions do you: . A. Decide it’s all just too much so crumble and get flattened by all the shit or B. Decide that you can and will ride through this and prioritise the things you know you need in order to be able to do that? . To be completely honest I have not been prioritising the things I know I need because it’s just felt too much, too many other things seem more important in the moment so I stick myself on the bottom of the list and push on through. . This is not acceptable and if I let even just a few days go by where I’m not prioritising the space and time I need for me then I easily feel overwhelmed and vulnerable in the face of the flying shit. . I have to choose time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time again that I am important and I need what I need. . What do you KNOW that you need in order to keep yourself balanced and happy even in the face of the flying shit? . If you have absolutely no idea or maybe you know but don’t know how to actually make it a sustainable part of your everyday life then come and join my free five day fertility workshop where we were talking about how to ensure you are nurturing and nourishing not just your fertility but your well-being and happiness. . We get started on Monday 21st of September, sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk to ensure you receive the daily videos.

A 10 minute episode today discussing the way talking or even thinking about having a baby can become a trigger for anxiety, grief and anger in the same way seeing pregnant women or babies can. . The deeper you go into infertility the more painful your own thinking can become and your unconscious mind may begin to try to protect you from pain by encouraging you to turn away from bumps, babies and allowing yourself to even imagine yourself being pregnant or a mum. . You are in essence turning away from what you most want. . I talk about how to drop through these feelings and tune into a place of being open and receptive to what you want. . I share a mini desensitisation exercise that you can do in the comfort of your own home to help reprogram your unconscious mind from saying no to what you want to saying yes. . Subscribe for weekly love notes. . Follow me @embracefertility for inspiration and insight into how to enhance your fertility using the mind body link.

It’s my habit to listen to guided meditation recordings or hypnosis recordings as I like the structure, direction and intention behind them. However there is part of me that craves sitting with myself, craves silence. I go through periods of avoiding it though as my mind can be so busy, so loud. I have to re-cultivate that habit of giving my mind time to settle.

If you’ve never just sat before then start off with my four minute Reset Button MP3 to get you started but then after listening for seven days try setting a time on your phone for just four minutes and just sit. (You can download this for free from www.embracefertility.co.uk.) Your mind may wonder, you may need to bring it back to your breath every split second but that’s okay it’s called mindfulness practice for a reason.

In this new podcast I talk about how to move yourself from depressive low mood thinking to a space of calm contentment in just a few hours. Www.embracefertility.co.uk.

Infertility for me was like the tiger in the room I would wake up and for a split second everything will be fine and then I’ll remember I am in theatre and the giant tiger would jump on my back and stay with me all day long. I was living in a chronic State of stress and it was only when I started having panic attacks on the London underground that I realised how bad it had got. In this episode I talk about why listening to my reset button MP3 for just 3 1/2 minutes a day can improve your quality of life and your chances of success.

💣TRUTH BOMB TIME💣 . Funny isn’t it how synchronicities show up in our lives. Last Saturday I totally lost it and ended up sobbing on an Instagram live and it took me by surprise. . I decided to save it as an IGTV video and emailed it out to my entire mailing list! I did this because I want to show you that it is okay and normal to have big huge emotions. . It’s okay not to be okay. . The synchronicity was that on the following Monday my business coach challenged me to share with you the one thing I really don’t want you to know about me. . The one thing that makes my toes curl and heart race in my chest because I’m trying so hard to hide it. . Two things immediately sprang to mind, two things that made me feel physically sick and my mind shout “Don’t be ridiculous never tell them” . So I hit record and tell you about both of them in my latest podcast! The reason why I’m doing this is because the whole reason why I started Embrace was to share my own personal experiences of going through infertility and how using mindbody techniques such as mindfulness and emotional freedom technique were helping me navigate the rollercoaster of emotions I was experiencing. . It started out as a blog that very much was my journal and as the group grew and I started running fertility support meetings I knew that I wanted to be able to help more and in a deeper way. . I retrained as a therapist and for the past seven years this is what I have done. (Alongside creating and caring for two tiny ginger humans.) . If I stop being open and honest with you then I am not only doing you a disservice but doing myself a disservice because I will have forgotten that emotions are here to redirect us, to show us what is going on in our minds and bodies. . Some of you may listen to this and and unfollow me but some of you will listen and breathe a sigh of relief that it’s okay. We are human, we feel, we struggle, just because I’m a therapist, just because I’m a mum doesn’t mean that I’m living in this bubble of peace and harmony.

I’ve just come for a quick walk after a client session and I am feeling all the feelings. I’m excited and inspired and I feel so so grateful that I get to work with women in this way at such a deep level. That I get to facilitate the transformations that occur from looking at your thoughts, your beliefs and your habits. How these impact how you are feeling and your decision making and therefore your life. I’m so blessed that I get to do this work. If you would like to find out more about working with me then go to www.Embracefertility.co.uk/start-here, check out the techniques I share and then book a free 30 minute clarity call and we can chat about how I can support you further.

Mini episode on Father’s Day here in the UK, support for the guys, how the differences in how men and women deal with infertility based on my personal experiences and those of my clients and how that can impact your relationship.

For fab podcasts and accounts to follow hosted by blokes check out @ittakes_three @pursuingfatherhood @them_ancave @theeasybit @themaleinfertilitypodcast @infertilityman

Check out www.embracefertility.co.uk for loads of free support/ideas/downloads.

Recorded at the beginning of June 2020 and sharing what I’m choosing to do at this time to add my voice to the anti-racism conversation. Follow any of my social media feeds for images, links and info on what you can do. @embracefertility on Insta and Facebook and embracefertile on Twitter. Check out this article https://www.motherpukka.co.uk/the-silence-was-deafening/, https://instagram.com/thesullivanslondon?igshid=18hykfjvapkd1 and https://instagram.com/courtneyahndesign?igshid=ptvv10amf92f

I’m walking today down the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire and it’s a raised winding footpath completely engulfed in trees. I feel very safe, very held and that is the topic of today’s podcast. . I created the Embrace fertility method as that is what I needed myself, the first version of the course was written and recorded while I was going through infertility and IVF myself. . At the time I wanted to be surrounded by other women who not just understood me completely and without judgement but wanted to support themselves and learn how they could do that. . I’m launching the new and improved Embrace fertility method next Monday, the 1st of June. . This course will run for 12 weeks and include bi-weekly group coaching calls alongside the Embrace Circle private support group. . Check out www.embracefertility.co.uk/embrace and if any part of you feels drawn to learn more come and join us for the next three weeks for just £49 and see if it’s for you and if not I will refund your money.

Join me this Sunday at 4pm for a free masterclass and fertile thoughts activation process. Sign up at www.embracefertility.co.uk/start-here

Does this podcast need more explanation than that? I think not just hit play!

Www.embracefertility.co.uk

Just relax. Stay positive. Just don’t think about it. One of my most read blogs is on this very subject and involves swearing!

In this episode I talk about how trying to stay positive can actually have a detrimental impact on your well-being. I share how I ended up going down a rabbit hole of fertility visualisations, affirmations and law of attraction teachings and how instead of getting pregnant as promised I got more and more anxious.

When I trained as a cognitive hypnotherapist I learnt the science behind how techniques such as visualisations and affirmations work and why they hadn’t worked for me in regards to getting pregnant.

You need to use them as the last step in a five step process. I talk about this process and how you can start practicing today.

Go to www.embracefertility.co.uk after listening.

Today I talk about creating big picture vision and then focusing down on how you would like to be feeling and why.

I get a bit passionate and I go a little David Attenborough in this one.

You can get instant access to your FREE ‘Fertile Thoughts Activation Quick Start Pack’ and find relief from anxiety and repetitive negative thinking sign up here: https://embracefertility.co.uk/start-here/

About how you respond in a crisis about how you reach out or turn away from what you might need at this time. What would you like to learn what would you like to gain from this time?

I’ve done it, my 20,000 word Embrace Fertility book proposal is done and I hit send.

In this quick update I talk about why I am writing a book and why I held off publishing that first draft seven years ago.

I invite you to share what your biggest achievement is this week, that might just be getting out of bed and having a shower each day. but acknowledging what we are doing empowers us to do more.

Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk/mindbodysectets for free workshop mentioned.

How’s everyone feeling about week two of lockdown? I am putting together this free mini course to share the techniques that I am finding indispensable at the moment. Join to learn simple ways to calm your mind and body. We start today. These powerful techniques, that range from 20 seconds to 20 minutes, will not only allow you to feel so much better in the moment but will bring your body out of stress response therefore building your resilience. Join group now: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5dayscalm

Just a quick note to say I’m running a free online workshop tomorrow Wednesday 25th of March at 8 pm sign up to my mailing list at https://embracefertility.co.uk/free-online-workshop/ I’ll be sharing more coping and comfort techniques and we will do you a beautiful grounding meditation to bring us to a place of calm. I hope you are all well.

I published a blog yesterday which includes my self-soothers video of simple acupressure techniques you can use to soothe your mind and body during this time. These techniques are very easy to do and have the added bonus of boosting your immune system. Check out the blog for the free video and link to sign up to the emotional freedom technique tapping video. https://embracefertility.co.uk/coping-and-comfort-in-troubled-times/

The importance of mothering yourself while trying for baby.

Starts with a behind the scenes at how and why I record the Embrace Fertility podcast as I filmed this episode for IGTV. You can go check out that episode now follow me on Instagram @embracefertility.

In today’s episode I ask ‘When did you last do something that was purely to bring you pleasure and joy in this moment?’ No ulterior motive, no ‘I’m doing this because I’m going to increase my chances of getting pregnant’? When was the last time you really did something that was just for you? . I talk about how on my own journey through infertility I got to the point where everything I did was in the pursuit of getting pregnant. I was meditating, doing fertility yoga, acupuncture, I was doing ALL THE THINGS in the hope that this would then reach saturation point and I would become pregnant. . It also meant that any time I did something that was purely to have fun it was tinged with guilt that maybe I should be doing one of the conception enhancing techniques instead. . On previous blogs and podcasts I’ve talked about how if you want to get pregnant and become a mum because you imagine it will make you feel happy, fulfilled and content when it happens then surely allowing yourself to feel those feelings now is just as important. . Stop putting your life on hold. It is possible to not only live your life whilst waiting for your baby but love your life. I know because I did it.

In this episode I talk about the difference between desperately wanting to get pregnant and feeling empowered and impassioned on your journey to motherhood. I discuss how desperation has negative connotations - imagine a friend desperately wanting a boyfriend or desperately wanting a job and how that would impact their behaviour. I explain how you don’t need to dial down your desire for a baby but you instead dial down your fear that you may never get to have a baby. These are two very different things and this is where Embrace Fertility steps in, this is where I step in and say this is possible for you. www.embracefertility.co.uk

For me it was 15 minutes ago.! I decided to record this podcast to share about the unexpected outburst I just experienced and the learning I took from it as well as the benefits of everyone allowed themselves to have a really good cry.

Yes I know, when I first found this out I was like WTF!

Everyone tells us to relax and stay positive while we are trying to conceive but trying to do so can actually have a very detrimental effect on your well-being and physical health and therefore a knock-on impact to your fertility and chances of conceiving.

I’m going to be talking more about this along with the science behind your fertility and your mind in my free masterclass on Wed 12th Feb.

If you are listening after that date then come and join my mailing list and I will send you the replay of the masterclass. Www.embracefertility.co.uk

Our minds are powerful and are unable to distinguish between real or imagined. I demonstrate this with a simple exercise at the beginning of the podcast where I ask you to imagine cutting open and then biting into a lemon.

I talk about how many of us going through infertility can wake up and immediately start thinking thoughts like “What if I never get pregnant?” “What if I never get to be a mother?”

I talk about how this takes your body into stress response and then discuss simple techniques you can start to utilise to counterbalance this and bring your mind on board to support you in conceiving and carrying the baby you long for.

My next free masterclass is on Wednesday, the 12th of February at 8 pm come and join my mailing list for your invite. Www.embracefertility.co.uk.

This week something happened that completely threw me. I was in floods of tears, feeling overwhelmed and shook up. I turned to the mindbody techniques that served me so well while going through infertility and the ones that I keep coming back to time and time again to rebalance and find comfort.

In this episode I talk about how we can take charge of our emotions in our lives through simple decisions and actions. I suggest ways you can do that too.

At the end of the podcast I invite you to email me and let me know what you think about this topic. You can do that by signing up for your free fertility support pack at www.embracefertility.co.uk and hitting reply when you get my email or by emailing me directly at naomi@embracefertility.co.uk

Yes you. You dipping into podcasts looking for…......... What are you looking for? The answer? A distraction? Connection?

When it comes down to it we are all just looking for, no scrap that, desperately longing for connection.

Connection with ourselves, our partners, our purpose.

When we don’t have connection we are lost, stunted, diminished.

When we have it we are in powered inspired uplifted.

I made a conscious decision to leave my much longed for children for you. http://www.embracefertility.co.uk/

It’s so tempting at this time of year to set ourselves a massive list of new years resolutions of all the things we want to change about ourselves.

Instead bring a new habit to your daily life, ask yourself before each decision you make “Is this nourishing or depleting?”

While I was trying to conceive I pushed myself at work as a way of coping with infertility and it lead to burnout. As I started to tune in to my body I learnt how to nurture myself rather than deplete my energy.

I spent 15 minutes making myself a delicious pot of porridge with fresh berries, nuts, seeds and cinnamon and I set out into the woods to eat it. I got chased by a huge dog and now the porridge has no flavour.

In this episode I talk about the emotional and physiological changes experience by our bodies when we go into stress response and how this can impact our experience of infertility.

Go to www.embracefertility.co.uk for your free fertility support pack and mindful meditation.

Now it’s December I thought I would share some tips for coping at Christmas while trying for a baby. In this episode I talk about how it’s okay to decide on short notice if you want to attend Christmas parties or gatherings. I talk about simple mindbody techniques that you can use to overcome overwhelm and bring your body back into rest and relaxation.

The blog I mention is ‘Happiness on hold ‘which can be found at https://embracefertility.co.uk/ill-be-happy-when-im-pregnant-vs-what-can-i-do-to-feel-better-right-now/.

The IVFbabble article ‘10 ways to respond to ‘When are you having a baby?’ will be added once it goes live on their site.

Signup at https://embracefertility.co.uk/mindbodysecrets/ to join me for my free masterclass ‘Coping at Christmas while trying for a baby’ which will be on the 8th of December at 8pm GMT London time. In this free online masterclass I’ll be sharing simple yet powerful mindbody techniques to bring your body out of stress and how to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically during this season.

Introducing the mindbody techniques that brought me back to myself after hitting rock bottom due to infertility. I was suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and depression. For you free fertility support pack visit www.embracefertility.co.uk.