Fertility Coaching: The power of emotions

By Reproclinic Editorial Committee
 
A fertility treatment (be it IVF or artificial insemination, with own gametes or from a donor) is a medical process that, very often, ignores a tremendously important aspect: the emotional dimension of bringing a baby to this world.

 

These processes usually come with many emotions: from the happiness of creating a family to more difficult emotions such as fear, stress, anger, a feeling of injustice, guilt, loneliness, lack of control, jealousy, etc. (the list is long)

 

There is no clinical evidence that stress or emotions produce infertility - or that, on the contrary, being more relaxed gives better results. But we can't ignore the fact that our emotions and the way we live a difficult situation have a considerable effect on our body.

 

If you look at the positive side, this also means that “managing” these emotions will have a positive effect on your general well-being - both psychological and physical. This is where Coaching can be a significant help.

 

At Reproclinic, we have a holistic vision of fertility. We consider it our responsibility to take care of this emotional part in the same way that we treat the medical part. "Because for us, not only is it important to help our patients get pregnant: it is also key that their experience be as human, sensitive and delicate as possible." says Dr. Arqué, medical director at Reproclinic. "We want to offer our patients a safe space, where they can share their fears, emotions and difficulties and where they feel accompanied and supported in every step of the process."

 

 

EMOTIONAL FERTILITY COACHING: WHAT IS IT?

 

At Reproclinic, we want to take care of the emotional well-being of our patients before, during and after their fertility treatment. This is why we propose the support of Stephanie Toulemonde, a Fertility Coach specialized in emotional coaching during fertility treatments.

 

A Fertility Coach is like a copilot: it is a person who accompanies you throughout the process, who takes you by the hand and never lets go of it, so that you always feel understood and cared for.

 

Through practical exercises, visualizations and questions, a Fertility Coach helps you find within yourself the resources you need to address the process with more confidence and positivity. We all have the resources within us, but sometimes we are so overwhelmed by emotions that we simply can’t see them: your Coach’s job is to guide you on the path of self-knowledge to help you identify and use your own resources.

 

 

IN PRACTICAL TERMS, HOW CAN EMOTIONAL COACHING HELP YOU?

 

Managing emotions

Do you sometimes get overwhelmed by emotions that you can’t control? You're not alone, most fertility treatments are authentic roller coasters of emotions.

A Fertility Coach will not analyze these emotions (as a psychologist would do) but help you in a very practical way not to let them take control. In other words, to reach a better emotional balance.

 

In this regard, Fertility Coaching is an excellent alternative for those who do not want to start a therapy but need a practical and proactive guidance.

 

 

Feeling supported at any time, even in the most difficult moments

A fertility journey is like running a marathon. It can be long and difficult, with many illusions and, unfortunately, many disappointments.

 

Many patients feel alone, almost “abandoned” after a negative result: a Fertility Coach is here to support you at every moment.

 

 

Putting things into perspective and avoiding obsession

For many of us, the desire of becoming parents is at center of our life and takes over everything else: professional career, friendships, hobbies, travels, personal projects, etc. The difficulties to have this baby get emotionally harder yet.

 

A Fertility Coach will help you put things into perspective, get back the illusion for other aspects of your life and have projects beyond the “baby project”.

 

 

Making decisions in a conscious way

Fertility treatments sometimes make us face very difficult decisions (egg or sperm donation, being a single mother, using your preserved oocytes, etc.)

 

A Fertility Coach will guide you on the path of self-knowledge, help you identify your priorities and what is really important for you. This will empower you to take conscious decisions, knowing why you take them and why they are the correct decisions for you (even though they may hurt).

 

 

Communicating with your family, friends and colleagues

It is not easy to communicate while undergoing fertility treatments: taboo, shame or the feeling of not being understood can isolate us from others, even from our close circle.

 

A Fertility Coach will provide you with a comprehensive and judgment-free listening and help you decide who to talk to, when and to which extent, as well as identify what you expect from others, in order to avoid disappointments.

 

 

Taking care of your couple relationship

We all know the impact fertility treatments can have on couple relationships, and the importance of taking care of this aspect. But it's easier said than done and it’s not always simple to help and support each other when you don’t feel well yourself.

 

Through individual or couple sessions, a Fertility Coach can help you communicate better and take care of each other.

 

 

Taking care of yourself, without feeling guilty

To conclude, hiring a coach is simply deciding to take care of yourself, to put yourself at the center of your priorities and to take command of the process - without feeling guilty for it.

Because right now, what matters most is you: it is important that you live this delicate moment in a more positive way, that you feel relaxed and that you address the process with strength and confidence.

 

 

ABOUT OUR COACH STEPHANIE TOULEMONDE

Stephanie is a certified professional coach (CPCC, Certified Professional Coactive Coach), specialized in emotional coaching during fertility treatments.

 

She is a mother of 2 thanks to IVF (ICSI) treatments. After this personal experience, she decided to dedicate herself to help and accompany women and couples in their fertility journeys.

 

She is French and lives in Barcelona, where she provides emotional coaching sessions in Spanish, French and English.

 

Do you live in Barcelona? You can meet in person for coaching sessions in the centre of Barcelona.

 

Do you live abroad and come to Barcelona for fertility treatments? You can have coaching sessions by Skype while you are in your city or country of origin, and then have a person you fully trust in Barcelona when you come for the final phase of the process.

 

 

Stephanie is also co-founder of She Oak, a non-profit association that provides global support to people in assisted reproduction treatments (whether they live in Barcelona or abroad).

 

More Information: www.stephanietoulemonde.com

 

Medical Director at Reproclinic
Specialist in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine