National Fertility Awareness Week

National Fertility Awareness Week aims to increase understanding around the problem of infertility and recognise the 1 in 6 couples it affects.

November 2016

1 in 6 couples find the path to becoming parents a stressful and far from straight forward one.

This week’s National Fertility Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and increase understanding around this issue.

At Tommy’s we understand that becoming a mother or father is not a given and that the journey to parenthood is a difficult one for many couples.

There are many reasons why pregnancy doesn’t happen easily for everyone and why, sadly, for some couples having a baby doesn’t happen at all.

Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples.  That means that if it is not affecting you then it is almost certainly affecting someone you know.

Our Tommy’s midwives get calls and emails from women and men about fertility on a daily basis.

‘Life’s path simply isn’t straight forward when it comes to having a baby and it is bewildering when we finally intend to start a family and pregnancy doesn’t happen. The stories I have the privilege of listening to are moving and meaningful. The journey towards parenthood for many couples is fraught, painful and intensely stressful. It involves agonising waiting, unlimited reserves of patience, guarded emotions: hope, courage and despair.’ Tommy’s midwife, Anna.

Being faced with repeated setbacks on your road to parenthood is mentally and physically stressful. It is important to be aware of the psychological effect these experiences can have and seek help if you need it.

Falling pregnant after a period of uncertainty and disappointment can also be tough. The pressures and expectations from those around you to be happy, glowing and grateful can be exhausting or upsetting.

If you are struggling either during pregnancy or in the conception period you can read our tips for looking after your emotional well-being at these times.

National Fertility Awareness Week is a chance to highlight the difficulties some parents face and give support and understanding to the 1 in 6 couples struggling to become parents.

 If you’ve been affected by infertility you can read our information and tips on how to get your pregnancy off to the best start here.

If you need to talk to anyone about what you’re going through, our Tommy’s midwives are trained in bereavement support and available 9 – 5, Monday – Friday on our free pregnancy information line 0800 01417 800.