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A couple of weeks ago I spoke to the brilliant Hannah Pearn, who is a fertility acupuncturist and host of the ‘Don’t tell me to relax’ podcast (and recent winner of the Best Fertility Podcast in the EFS Fertility care awards).
We chat about the role acupuncture can play in supporting people through infertility and fertility treatment. Together, we explore some of the common myths surrounding acupuncture, how it works alongside conventional fertility treatment, and why many people find it beneficial not only for their physical health but also for their emotional wellbeing.
Hannah explains how acupuncture can support fertility by helping to optimise your health before treatment, reduce stress, improve sleep, and create space to focus on your overall wellbeing. We also discuss the importance of preparing your body ahead of IVF where possible, the role of lifestyle factors such as nutrition and inflammation, and why acupuncture should be seen as one part of a holistic approach rather than a miracle cure.
As well as talking about the physical aspects of treatment, we explore the emotional side of the fertility journey and why having someone to listen, reassure and guide you can make such a difference. Hannah shares practical advice on choosing a qualified fertility acupuncturist, what to expect from your first appointment, and how acupuncture can support both women and men throughout treatment.
Whether you're curious about acupuncture or wondering if it's something that could help you, this conversation offers balanced, evidence-informed guidance to help you decide what's right for you.
The reality is that, sadly, more IVF cycles end without a pregnancy than result in one. That doesn't make receiving a negative result any easier, particularly when you've spent weeks or months building up to that moment and allowing yourself to imagine what life might look like if it worked.
When you first start IVF, you imagine it’ll be full of hope and a team of people helping you move closer to your dream of having a baby. And while that’s true, what most people don’t talk about is how IVF can slowly chip away at your sense of dignity.
In this latest conversation in my ‘Taking Control’ series, I’m joined by the lovely Julianne Boutaleb, Perinatal Psychologist, to talk about the emotional impact of infertility and the things we can do to protect our mental wellbeing along the way.