Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast

I am with Dr. Christina Hickman from Avenue's Fertility Clinic to discuss the advancements in fertility treatments, particularly for individuals over 40.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding age-related fertility challenges, the role of technology such as PGTA and AI in improving outcomes, and the significance of mental well-being during the IVF journey.

We discuss:
Why IVF is not a guaranteed solution for age-related fertility issues.
How technological advancements have significantly improved IVF success rates.
How PGTA helps identify embryos with the right chromosomes, increasing chances of pregnancy.
How egg freezing can be a strategic option for women over 40.
Why mitochondrial health is crucial for egg quality and fertility.
How men's fertility issues are often overlooked but equally important.
Why individualized IVF protocols are essential for older patients.
Why mental well-being and joy during treatment can positively impact fertility outcomes.

If you'd like more support for IVF prep you can grab a spot on our ⁠Optimise Your IVF Outcomes talk here⁠

For more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

If you'd like more support for IVF prep you can grab a spot on our Optimise Your IVF Outcomes talk here

I am joined by fertility nutritionist Kirsty and fertility coach Carly to discuss the essential aspects of preparing for IVF.

We discuss
Why blood sugar stability is crucial for hormone health.
How gut health is essential for nutrient absorption.
That a Mediterranean diet can support positive fertility outcomes.
Protein intake is vital for egg and sperm health.
Why the three-month preparation window can significantly impact fertility.
How emotional health is as important as physical health during IVF.
Why setting boundaries can help manage emotional stress during the IVF process.

For more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

⭐️ You can down load Carly's free resources here & her IVF course is here.

Happy New Year and welcome to a brand new series of Don't Tell Me To RELAX!

We're kicking off 2026 with some sound advice from our very own a team of fertility acupuncturists. Having around 80 years of experience between them the team share their top tips for supporting individuals struggling to conceive.

We disucss

How to think of food as your first medicine, supplements second.
Why eating a balanced diet is crucial for fertility.
The benefits of warmth to alleviate menstrual pain and improve fertility.
How sleep affects hormone production and overall health.
Why open communication with partners is essential during fertility challenges.
How online support groups can provide community and understanding.
Why digestion is so important and where to go for support.

For more fertility support we have lot's to offer both online and in person-

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Don't Tell Me To RELAX!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fertility online community

❤️ Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fertility support and information

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a Discovery Call to find out about working with us 121

💛 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 121 in one of our clinics around the UK

***BONUS CHRISTMAS EPISODE***
We are releasing this in the middle of Christmas in case anyone is looking for some extra emotional support during this time.

I am with one of our affiliate acupuncturists, Danielle Croft from Banbury, to discuss the emotional challenges faced during fertility journeys and how Chinese medicine can provide support.

We discuss

How fertility journeys can evoke a range of difficult emotions.
Why anger is a natural response to fertility challenges and should be expressed.
How finding joy is crucial for mental well-being during fertility struggles.
How worry and overthinking can be managed by setting boundaries and focusing on self-care.
Why grief is a valid emotion in the context of fertility and should be acknowledged.
The ways connecting with something greater can help cope with grief.
How movement and exercise can help release pent-up emotions like fear and anger.
You can download Danielle's resources here.

For more fertility support, we have so much to offer — both online and in person:

💛 ⁠Join our Don’t Tell Me To RELAX! fertility community⁠ for ongoing support, webinars, and a space where people understand.

❤️ ⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠for fertility tips & support.

🧡 ⁠Book a Discovery Call⁠ to explore how we can support you 1:1 and answer any questions about working together.

💛 ⁠Work with us 1:1 ⁠in one of our clinics across the UK for personalised, evidence-informed fertility care.

I am with Fertility Nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during the festive season, when you are trying to conceive.

We chat about societal pressures surrounding drinking at Christmas, the impact of alcohol on fertility, and provide practical advice for making informed choices.
We discuss
Why the festive season can be sp emotionally charged
How the research indicates that alcohol can negatively impact fertility outcomes.
Moderation is key; under four drinks a week is advisable for those trying to conceive.
How it's important for both partners to be on the same page regarding alcohol consumption.
Why enjoying a drink without guilt can have positive emotional benefits.
Why maintaining healthy habits during the holiday season can support fertility efforts.
How research and evidence can help couples make informed decisions about drinking.

Here is a link to one of the research papers referred to.

For more fertility support, we have so much to offer — both online and in person:

💛 Join our Don’t Tell Me To RELAX! fertility community for ongoing support, webinars, and a space where people understand.

❤️ Follow us on Instagram for fertility tips & support.

🧡 Book a Discovery Call to explore how we can support you 1:1 and answer any questions about working together.

💛 Work with us 1:1 in one of our clinics across the UK for personalised, evidence-informed fertility care.