Despite every success story you've ever heard (and thankfully there are lots of them), statistically there are actually many more tales of IVF (In vitro fertilisation) not resulting in a positive conclusion. Recent statistics state that on average IVF fails 70% of the time and it takes almost four-and-a-half years to conceive using it. The … Continue reading A few thoughts on IVF
It was World Mental Health Day earlier this week and as I studied the various articles appearing in the media, I found my mind going over and over the impact that infertility has had on me mentally over the years. Would I say I had a mental health "problem"? I guess it depends how you … Continue reading Infertility and mental health
I have contemplated this moment for such a very, very long time. And finally, though we're still rubbing our eyes in awe and disbelief, here we are. I picture every woman I love and know, as well as those I don't know, who are waiting for their babies or who are recovering from loss and … Continue reading The Baton of Breakthrough
This time last year our world was imploding for the third time in six months. We had already had two miscarriages at the beginning of the year and despite a positive pregnancy test after our IVF embryo transfer in May, by June the early scan showed that the pregnancy wasn't viable and we would miscarry … Continue reading What I have learnt since our last miscarriage
If you haven't already come across the beautiful voice of Kirby Kaple who sings with the American Christian band Housefires, here's the perfect introduction. Kirby wrote this song about her struggle with infertility (have a Google to find out more about her story). For me, this song perfectly summarises the pain and grace that those … Continue reading Hope don’t let me go…
How often do you give yourself permission to look back and consider how far you've come? Do you pay attention to the critcal voice inside your own head or do you listen to the kind voice of the Father that sees the effort, the overcoming, the faithfulness, the moving forward? Would you allow yourself to … Continue reading The battleground of faith
Over the last five years I've had the privilege of chatting with countless women about their infertility journeys, and I've been so grateful for their vulnerability, honesty and willingness to share what they've been through. It has encouraged me, renewed my faith and reminded me that I'm not alone. Through these conversations, I've noticed a … Continue reading Keep holding on
I'm so glad you've dropped by to read my blog. Below you'll find my most recent posts and if you have a rummage along the menu you'll also find a little info about me, a copy of the first post I ever wrote which explains my story and a page of useful resources. Helena x
I have been reluctant to write about this subject for a very long time now. Quite frankly, I feel I will only have earned my right to talk about it once I'm totally sorted on the topic. But earlier this week I received another email asking for advice on how to deal well with the … Continue reading Another dreaded pregnancy announcement…
There are good days and there are days when another wretched pregnancy announcement seems impossible to stomach and the tears of frustration and envy are never far away. There are days when the adoring photo of father with baby son plastered across social media feels like a cold, hard hand slapping across the face. There … Continue reading There are good days and…
