Supporting Yourself Through Your IVF Journey
Going through assisted reproductive technology is never an easy process. Heck, even the process of investigating whether ART such as IUI or IVF is needed isn’t an easy process.
Firstly, what is ART, IUI, and IVF? I mean, you just tackled all abbreviations for TTC (trying to conceive) and now there are a bunch more to consider. Where do you start, how do you start and how do you cope?
To start you off see below, but if you’d really like to dive in, check out my blog on TTC terminology.
ART – Assisted Reproductive Technology
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
I remember bursting out in tears in the doctor’s office at the thought that we might need to do IVF, over a year before it was confirmed that we needed to. Thanks to Covid, I found out in a telephone consult and due to time changes, I attended alone and had to wait hours to tell my husband. Thankfully my bestie was a phone call away.
When going through struggles with infertility (or really anything) it’s so important to have a support system. Be it family, friends, or if you aren’t wanting to share, a good counsellor to talk to. Here are some simple tips to help you support yourself through the stressful and intense time that can be during ART.
Support. Surround yourself with people who understand, who you can talk to and be open with. What this looks like can be different for everyone. For some it is family and friends, for others, it is a psychologist or counsellor, or it may even be an online support group.
Meditation. This can be an important tool to ground and refocus during stressful times. It has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and reduce stress. We all know how stressful ART can be, so anything that reduces cortisol (produced during stress response) and helps to induce feelings of calm, is a blessing. A great app to use during your journey is Mindful IVF – the main ones are free and incredibly calming.
Nutrition. Nourishing your body is also nourishing your mind. Ensure you are eating as many nourishing foods as you can (because sometimes the side effects of the medications can make you feel unwell or have cravings for different foods). Go easy on yourself, make things as easy to prepare as you can.
Movement. Exercise is incredibly important for many different reasons; improving lymphatic flow and immune function, releasing endorphins and reducing cortisol. The key during ART cycles is to be gentle. Don’t start anything new and especially not anything vigorous. Yoga, Pilates, gentle walking, or even stretching are all great options.
Hydration. Hydration is especially important during ART, it can help to reduce side effects of medications such as headaches, it may assist with reducing the risk of OHSS, and is important for optimal function of every system in our body.
Above all, Self Care. Take time to do what you need to do to help refill your cup. Going through ART can be very taxing on you, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Having self-care practices in place allows you to replenish and nourish yourself by doing little things every day. For some it might be baths (before transfer), massages, foot spas, pedicures, manicures, walks in nature, singing, dancing at home, taking 10 minutes for yourself with a book, and a cup of tea. Whatever it is, take 10 minutes, just for you every day.
Take the time to do what you need to do, be kind and gentle to yourself. Your body is doing incredible things and you should be proud of what you are accomplishing, you are great, no matter the outcome.
Yours in harmony and health,
Rachael xx
