The emotional journey for couples trying for a baby can be extremely turbulent even
at the best of times. The discovery that you may need to seek additional medical
support to boost your chances of conception, as well as any resulting treatment
that may be advised, can sometimes intensify obstructive negative feelings.
It is so important that both men and women have someone they can talk to about their
concerns. This may be a partner, a parent, a sibling, a friend or a colleague. It
really does not matter, provided you can trust someone and feel comfortable with
them, which is all that may be needed. However, many couples do not feel comfortable
confiding in friends and relatives. This is especially true in India where infertility
is still considered as a major social stigma and IVF as taboo. This is where counselling
can help. Fertility counselling is a process through which individuals and couples
have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings and beliefs in order to
come to a greater understanding of themselves and their present situation.
Your emotional response to your situation can have a real impact on your approach
to dealing with it and thereby also affect the IVF outcome. It is not always easy
to keep negative feelings at bay when trying for a baby. Emotional upheaval, uncertainty
and feelings of doubt and failure can at times arise and need to be tackled in a
scientific and sensitive manner. Past or present experiences with treatment or spouse
can also create blocks that prevent the optimal emotional circumstances for conception
to take place.
The right combination of counselling, emotional/moral support, acupressure, yoga,
meditation, music and hypnotherapy can be crucial for some in helping to overcome
difficulties in relationships, sexual life, stress management and coping with delayed
conception.
Often, a single session of counselling can be hugely effective in helping you to
work through some of these issues, whereas in other cases multiple sessions may
be more appropriate. You can be seen on your own or with your partner and although
most counselling is done face to face, telephone / e-mail counselling is also available.
You might want to share your anxieties and fears with our counsellors before you
begin the IVF treatment.
Confidentiality: Whatever you discuss during your counselling session is confidential.
No information will be disclosed to anyone without your permission (even to your
partner if you so wish).