Breaking the Silence – The Emotional Toll of Fertility Issues
Fertility issues is more than just a medical journey, it’s an emotional, psychological, and societal challenge that millions face, yet few openly discuss. The road to parenthood can be filled with obstacles, heartbreak, and hope, but too often, these struggles are minimised or swept under the carpet.
In this episode, we explore the realities of fertility issues, the emotional toll of pregnancy loss, and why workplace support for fertility treatments like IVF is essential. I also share my own experiences, what I’ve learned, and the importance of living in the present while navigating this journey.
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Helena Tubridy, a former midwife turned fertility coach and therapist who has been helping people conceive for over 30 years. Helena specialises in fertility coaching, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy to support individuals and couples through one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Her work has changed countless lives, often against the odds, by addressing not just the physical aspects of conception but the emotional and psychological factors that play a crucial role.
Helena and I discussed the profound impact of fertility struggles, the immense pressure placed on individuals trying to conceive, and how society often overlooks or misunderstands this journey. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and recurrent pregnancy loss remain taboo topics, leaving many to suffer in silence. But why? Why do we, as a society, find it so difficult to acknowledge and support those going through this?
The Emotional Toll – Why We Need to Talk About Pregnancy Loss
One of the most difficult aspects of fertility issues is the grief that comes with pregnancy loss – a grief that is often invisible, unrecognised, and dismissed. Miscarriage and stillbirth are devastating experiences, yet people are expected to move on as if nothing happened. There are few spaces for open conversations, fewer still for support, and almost none in the workplace.
For many, fertility struggles don’t just affect their personal lives, they impact their professional lives as well. The emotional weight of trying to conceive while balancing a career is immense, and for those undergoing IVF, the process is physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It’s a journey that requires understanding and compassion from employers, something that is still severely lacking.
Here’s Why We Need to Talk About It
Fertility issues don’t just exist at home. They follow people into their workplaces, affecting productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. Yet, despite this, infertility remains a largely unspoken issue in professional environments. Women and couples embarking on IVF often fear discrimination, lack of support, or even job loss if they openly discuss their fertility journey.
The reality is that starting a family shouldn’t cost anyone their job. Workplaces must evolve to provide better policies, including:
✔️ Flexible working hours for medical appointments
✔️ Mental health support and counselling services
✔️ Paid leave for fertility treatments
✔️ A culture of openness where employees feel safe discussing their journey
Supporting employees through their fertility journey isn’t just the right thing to do, it benefits organisations, too. Companies that offer fertility benefits and create a compassionate work culture see increased employee retention, loyalty, and overall morale.
Living in the Moment – My Journey & What I’d Do Differently
Through my own experiences with pregnancy loss, I’ve learned a powerful lesson, it’s too easy to become consumed by the future and lose sight of the present. When you’re trying to conceive, every month feels like a countdown, every setback feels like failure, and life can start to revolve around what hasn’t happened yet.
Looking back, I wish I had allowed myself to be more present, to live more fully in the moments in between. The fertility journey is incredibly difficult, but finding ways to still experience joy, connection, and fulfillment along the way is vital. It’s something I encourage anyone facing this path to consider. Don’t let the struggle define you. Don’t let life pass you by while you’re waiting for the future.
Breaking the Silence & Moving Forward
It’s time we stop treating fertility issues, pregnancy loss, and fertility treatments as shameful or taboo. The more we talk about these issues, the more we normalise them, and the more we create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone. If you’re in a workplace that lacks support, start the conversation, and if you’re feeling like life is on hold, take a deep breath – be kind to yourself, and remember to live in the now.
For more on this conversation, listen to my latest podcast episode with Helena Tubridy, where we unpack these crucial issues in depth.
Have you experienced challenges with fertility in the workplace? Have you felt unsupported or unheard? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below.
If you or someone you know is experiencing anything discussed in this episode please visit our website for numbers to all Supports & Help HERE
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