Becky & Ben's Fertility Spotlight

In this final episode of the first season, we revisit the moments that resonated most with listeners. The thoughtful reflections from Julia, a donor-egg mum, were a big hit. Deeper emotions were explored by Gemma, a positive psychology coach who highlighted our natural abilities to survive infertility. Many were moved by our own story, and we recall the kindness of Sheila, our local taxi driver, w...

In this episode, we look back in time with feminist scholar Dr. Kate Angell, who guides us through infertility in history and literature. Accompanied by readings from Simon Taylor, Kate presents an alternative framework of love and creativity from key writers, musicians and political thinkers. From Greek goddesses to medieval composers, Romantic poetry to 20th-century novelists, this is a fascinat...

Does your vaginal microbiome help or hinder your reproductive health? We talk to Milena Mastroianni, a leading nutritionist with a keen interest in microbiome and optimising our bodies in the pre-conception period. Holistic therapies for infertility have, until recently, been limited to treatments like yoga, acupuncture and reflexology. But, as Milena explains, supporting the ‘good’ and treating t...

Can you optimise your chances of a successful embryo transfer? What can you really do in the run-up to this critical moment - and afterwards? In this episode, we share key tips that may just lead to a successful pregnancy. Your clinic will know some of them, but others are down to you. From embryo quantity to the ERA test, acupuncture to alcohol reduction, we explore ways you can improve the odds...

We're talking today about ultrasound scans, and we're joined by leading IVF sonographer Kate Richardson. Every fertility patient has them, but scans are more than routine assessments. The relationship with your sonographer is special: they're often the first and last person you see on your fertility journey. Emotional understanding and technical excellence are crucial. Fertility patients see their...

In this episode, we talk to Mike and Jess, a wonderful couple who bravely opted for donor-embryo treatment. After years of trying naturally, unsuccessful IVF cycles, and a devastating ectopic pregnancy, they chose a fertility solution that gave them the highest possible chance of success: embryo adoption. Both talk passionately about that decision and the emotional aspects of using donated eggs an...

How do we really survive infertility? We discuss coping strategies with Gemma Duffy, a positive psychology coach with a keen interest in IVF. Gemma explains how the capacity for resilience, strength and hope runs deeper in our characters than we think. Alongside traditional counselling, positive psychology coaching can help us to draw on these resources. We talk about our own childhoods, and how o...

How do male partners cope with IVF treatment? Meet John and Tim, two very different characters united by their experience as fertility patients. For John, a cancer diagnosis led to urgent IVF intervention. For Tim, successful treatment was followed by three years of frustrating twists and turns. Both talk honestly about the challenges they and their partners faced and the support they gave and rec...

Can you really improve the odds of embryo implantation? In this episode, we share hints and tips of how you and your clinic can maximise your implantation chances during fertility treatment. We look at diet and nutrition, asking if certain foods really help. We chat about taking time off before and after your treatment, and if it makes any difference. And we discuss the role of add-on treatments –...

We’re joined today by Julia, a donor-egg mum looking back at her long journey to motherhood. After numerous treatments, Julia and her partner Ollie travelled to Spain for donor-egg IVF. Their daughter, Eve, was welcomed into the world nine months later. Julia talks emotionally and humorously about the highs and lows of treatment, the deep bond with her longed-for daughter, and the hurdles and worr...

What’s the best way to truly own your fertility journey? In this episode, we talk about planning and preliminaries. Devising a game plan, from the very start, for the timeframe of your road to conception. (We might have succeeded after three years, not five, had we taken a more proactive and pragmatic approach.) Taking control with pre-emptive fertility check-ups, forward-thinking counselling, and...

Our opening episode asks the question: do family and friends really give you the support you need? We talk frankly and honestly about our long and difficult fertility journey, and what kept us going on the road to parenthood. You may be surprised. Dustin Hoffman and Mo Farah played their part, as did Sheila, the loveliest taxi driver in the Midlands. And who could forget Paul and Anthea, our wonde...

We’re on a mission to demystify fertility treatment. Here’s a preview of what’s in-store. Great guests, genuine conversation, emotional support and the information you really need. Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com Facebook: @fertilityspotlight Instagram: @fertilityspotlight Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...