Mindfulness is a surprisingly powerful tool in any woman’s journey, particularly a journey where there is no definitive ending and you are riding the waves, dealing with each motion as it comes to you.
IVF, is still taboo subject. The start of this journey is indescribable for any couple, as emotions and experiences differ so widely. You have gone through many struggles, BUT you have taken a step in a direction to help you to start your next chapter. It may feel like a huge step backwards having to seek help from professionals, but in actual fact you are taking a positive leap forward by understanding your needs.
Now, you embark on your IVF treatment being made aware of the physical aspects, like you are about to become your very own human pin cushion. What they don’t discuss with you is the impact that it can have on your mental wellbeing, and this can have more of an effect on your body than you could ever realise.
You could be walking down the street and nobody would have any idea what you, or your partner are going through. You individually carry on with your day to day lives, completely as normal, and keep a smile stuck on as though you don’t have a care in the world. You mingle amongst other couples, friends or strangers, and you all seem outwardly as though you are just ‘doing life’. This, on your part, is quite a skill – bravo! But that smile isn’t going to win you any awards, so how are you actually feeling?
Your feelings matter, and we are here to tell you that you need to feel. IVF can have a huge impact on your mental well-being, and they actually make a difference to your journey. The studies behind this may be small, but they have a valid point . Throughout your IVF cycles, if you are able to stay calm, remain confident and practice your mindfulness, you have a higher chance of pregnancy success. Our bodies are extremely intelligent and pick up on every single emotion we feel, so we need to start working with it.
Let your feelings flow through you, like a trickle of a stream or a gush of a waterfall. Listen to what your body is telling you to do; cry, laugh inappropriately, talk, be calm, feel angry, swear. If you don’t allow your emotions to come through, they will become trapped making you stressed, anxious and less understanding of your own circumstances. Experience what life has to offer back to you whilst you take this journey, and trust that it will provide you with comfort in whatever form you need it to.
Find your fertility buddy in a trained coach, or a best friend. At SWWC Nina Is a trained fertility coach and she can adapt to support you as you need it. Nina offers emotional support, mind/body techniques and coaching in a unique blend that suits you and your circumstances. Freedom Fertility Coaches know how to listen to make sure you feel heard. You are guided without being told what to do, and are asked the right questions to help you uncover the answers that are already there deep down inside of you. It’s time to give all the power back to you and help you take control of your life again. Through a series of small, manageable steps, you can own your fertility journey and be the boss of it.
We don’t need to tell you how overwhelming this journey is, because you are the ones living it. However, we can help to release you from your emotional prison and feel a form of freedom that you haven’t allowed yourself before. It’s time to start living again.
