Increase your well-being during the fertility period

Practical tips from the webinar with our fertility coach Katharina Appia. 

• Acknowledge emotions: Feelings such as sadness, anger and pain should not be repressed. Accept that these feelings are there and find ways to deal with them.  
• Reduce pressure: Take the pressure out by distracting yourself with other activities, getting into flow, writing or talking to trusted people.  
• Seek external support: seek a safe space, be it with friends, couples therapy or professional help. It is important to talk to someone who is understanding and supportive.  
• Reflect and do check-ins: Do regular check-ins to see where you are, what your goals are and what price you are willing to pay. Reflect both individually and in partnership.  
• Energise: Find out what gives you energy, be it yoga, meditation or other activities, and allow yourself regular downtime to boost your well-being.  

Don’t forget about life during fertility treatment: Make sure that your life is not solely defined by the treatment. Enjoy other aspects of life as well and treat yourself to beautiful moments and experiences. 

You want to know more? Here is the summary of all topics discussed at the webinar: 

The conception period can be challenging, especially if you’ve already had a few IVF attempts.  

Here are 5 tips to improve your wellbeing:  

• Keep calm and soothe your self-system: In moments of despair, it is important to stay calm and soothe yourself. Tension is detrimental to your well-being.  
• Communication: Talk to your doctor about your situation. Discuss chances and options. Also talk to your partner to find solutions together.  
• Take breaks and pause: Take time for silence. Listen to yourself and your gut feeling. Even walks in nature can be inspiring.  
• Consider and set boundaries: Every cycle counts, but pay attention to your physical and mental state. Take a break if you feel distressed or exhausted. Talk to your doctor.  
• Find individual solutions: Every person is different. Find out what works for you. Be mindful and listen to your inner voice.  

Be mindful of yourself and improve your well-being during the fertility period. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor. 

The decision about having a baby: The role of the partner  

The question of how to proceed with infertility treatment can lead to uncertainty and conflict with your partner. Here are some tips to help you manage the situation:  

• Understand your partner’s question: try to understand why your partner may have concerns or reach a point where they do not want to continue. Clarify the background and the meaning of the desire to have children for both of you.  
• Open communication: Talk openly and honestly about your own wishes and needs. Show your partner how important the issue is to you and listen to his or her perspective as well.  
• Seek compromise solutions: If there are disagreements, try to look for compromises together. A temporary break, limited further attempts or alternative ways to parent might be options.  
• Ask important questions: Think about alternative options. Is it possible for a child to come into your life in another way? What impact would a separation have on your desire to have a child?  
• Seek support: At such a crucial stage, it can be helpful to seek professional support, whether through coaching or couples therapy. A neutral companion can help to work through the questions and feelings together.  

Ultimately, the decision is individual and must be made by each couple for themselves. It is important that both your rational level and your emotions are taken into account. Talk to your partner and seek professional support if necessary to make an informed decision. 

Physical and mental energy during infertility treatment  

• It is important to listen to your body and recharge your energy to best support your fertility treatment. Here are some recommendations:  
• Take breaks: A break does not have to mean the end of treatment. It is about listening to your body and recognising when it is sending signals that it needs a time out. Use this time to recharge and do something you enjoy.  
• Create flow experiences: Find activities where you get into a flow state where you are in positive focus and not constantly thinking about infertility treatment. This can include sports, meditation, singing or creative projects. These flow moments can positively affect your energy and focus.  
• Pay attention to body signals: Listen to your body’s signals. If you are not physically or mentally fit, it may be a good idea to take a break from treatment to regain your strength. Being in good physical and mental shape can create positive energy for the next cycle.  

Recharging your batteries and taking breaks are important aspects of maintaining your well-being during fertility treatment. Listen to your body and find ways to restore your energy. 

Balancing and seeking alternative paths during infertility treatment. 

The question of what to do next after several unsuccessful attempts is understandably stressful. Here are some considerations that can help:  

• Reflect on your own price: Ask yourself what price you are willing to pay. This is not only about financial aspects, but also about your relationship, your mental and physical health. Consider again and again whether the current path is still right for you.  
• Connect with yourself: Connect with yourself regularly and consider how things could continue for you. Does it make sense to try again or are there alternative paths that could work for you? This self-reflection can take the pressure off and open up new perspectives.  
• Openness to other options: It can be helpful to talk to your partner about alternative ways to parent. Adoption is just one example here, but it is about being open to other possibilities and exploring together how your life could be different.  
• Create safe space: Find a protected space where you can share and feel safe. This can be with friends, in a partnership or through professional support such as counselling or coaching.  

During this challenging time, honesty, openness and creating a “safe space” is essential. 

Supporting the partner during fertility treatment  

The question of how to navigate this emotional and goal-oriented chaos as a partner is important. Here are some considerations:  

• Empathy and patience: be empathetic and patient. The rollercoaster ride of emotions can be challenging. Show understanding of your partner’s hormonal and emotional changes and take time to be sensitive to her needs.  
• Make decisions together: Make decisions together and keep the dialogue open. Do not underestimate your own role and responsibility. Regularly question where you are as a couple and how you are both doing. Make sure that your partner is not alone in making decisions.  
• Breaks and communication: It is important to also take breaks and consider together what is okay for both of you. Sometimes a break in treatment or a moment of pause can help you find yourself again and come out of your grief. Open communication about your own needs and boundaries is crucial.  
• Outside support: Seek support from professional couples therapists or coaches if needed. These neutral people can help you have difficult conversations and relieve emotional pressure.  

It is important to support your partner during infertility treatment and recognise that this can also be challenging for you as a partner. Be patient, empathetic and open to making decisions together, and use professional support when needed to facilitate dialogue. 

A recommendation from Katharina to end on a high note 

Train yourself to keep trusting, even when fears and negative thoughts arise. Trust that you are strong enough and have inner and outer resources to get through the childbearing period well, regardless of the outcome.  

Note: This blogpost does not offer medical or therapeutic advice. Arrange a consultation with our doctors here or coach to discuss your individual situation.