Emotional Support & Wellbeing

Fertility treatment is not only a physical process. It can also bring a wide range of emotions - from hope and excitement; to anxiety; frustration; and uncertainty. This video explains the emotional support and wellbeing services available to you at Braetha, throughout your journey. It is completely normal to experience emotional ups and downs during fertility treatment. The process can feel unpredictable, and the waiting periods between stages can be particularly challenging. Many people tell me they feel pressure to stay positive, but allowing yourself to feel a range of emotions is a healthy and natural response. At Braetha, emotional support is considered an essential part of your care, not an afterthought. From your very first appointment, we let you know that counselling and support services are available and accessible whenever you need them. We offer access to a trained fertility counsellor - who provides independent; confidential; and non-directive support. The counsellor will never tell you what to do, but will help you explore your feelings and options at your own pace. This service is provided in line with HFEA guidance, and British Infertility Counselling Association standards. Counselling is available to you and your partner before, during - or after treatment. And you may attend alone, or together. Asking for support at an early stage helps to avoid emotions building to an uncomfortable level. When requested we aim to arrange support and counselling as quickly as possible. If your treatment involves the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos - implications counselling is a required part of your care under HFEA regulations. This helps you consider the legal, ethical, and emotional aspects of donor treatment, and is an important step in your preparation for this pathway. Beyond formal counselling, I am here as a consistent and familiar point of contact throughout your treatment. You are always welcome to request additional time with me, or your consultant if you need extra reassurance; information; or simply someone to talk to. Our fertility coordinator Elizabeth, also provides a consistent point of contact to ensure you can always get in touch with us if you have any concerns or questions. We also encourage you to care for your general wellbeing during treatment. Gentle exercise such as walking can help reduce stress and support your physical health. Try to keep yourself occupied with activities you enjoy during waiting periods, and lean on your support network of family or friends where you can. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or that you are struggling to cope, please let us know. We can arrange a counselling appointment, and can also signpost you to external organisations - such as Fertility Network UK; and the Donor Conception Network. Your emotional wellbeing is not separate from your fertility care. We are committed to providing a supportive environment, where you feel safe to ask for help at any time. Fertility Network UK also offers a helpline; information resources; and peer support groups. If you would like to speak to someone about the emotional aspects of your fertility journey, please let me or any member of the Braetha team know - we are here to help.