Infertility Support: How to Protect Your Relationship During IVF (Ep. 438)

Today’s episode covers infertility and its impacts on a couple. We recognize that these challenges can be stressful on a relationship, and our goal is to provide as much support as possible to couples facing these scenarios. Join us to learn more! Rebecca Reddin is a psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and certified perinatal mental health specialist with Postpartum Support International. She runs a private practice, Mindful Roots Counseling, and has worked for 15 years with individuals and couples within the tender transition to parenthood. She is the founder of The Perinatal Mental Health Institute, which provides education and training around mental health challenges to perinatal providers worldwide. Rebecca is a member of The Irish Fertility Counsellors Association and has specialized training in the unique impact of infertility and fertility challenges on relationship dynamics, believing that this is an essential part of perinatal work. She is a board member of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Special Interest Group for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and is Ireland’s Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Rebecca is passionate about advancing support and advocacy for all those navigating the transition to parenthood.  Show Highlights: Foundational elements of infertility, which can be different for each couple The statistics: 1 in 6 individuals struggle with their fertility (Only about 10% will not be able to conceive after 2 years of trying naturally.) Defining infertility Testing for infertility (hormones, structural problems, and “unexplained” infertility) Issues Rebecca covers with her clients Feeling like infertility is “all my fault” The partner’s perspective on infertility Relationship success AFTER infertility challenges The differences in grief processes from person to person Benefits of couples counseling on an infertility journey The immense mental load of infertility (needs to be shared by both partners) Being proactive in protecting yourself and your relationship Rebecca’s suggestions to couples Resources: Connect with Rebecca Reddin: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices