WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE NOT EXPECTING:

A SEMINAR FOR NEW PATIENTS

It is known that patients who are educated on the potential psychological and physical impact of infertility before accessing ART interventions experience decreased overall distress and increased coping while pursuing treatment. With this seminar, we aim to empower patients through education and provision of resources, while reinforcing the experience of their ART clinic as a provider of warm and supportive care. Provided to new patients and those exploring infertility treatment options, this seminar will:

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• Educate patients on the potential mental health implications of infertility 

• Explore the possible impact on their relationships (partners, family, friends, and co-workers)

• Provide overview of the physical commitment they can expect undergoing ART (which can be especially important for patients who may have a trauma history)

• Offer strategies for how they can best cope and maintain wellness throughout their treatment process  

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE NOT EXPECTING:

A SEMINAR FOR NEW PATIENTS

MONTHLY PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

In an effort to provide continued support to ART patients throughout their infertility treatment process, we are available to host a monthly group focusing on different themes/facets relevant to the treatment process. These rotating topics may include, but are not limited to:

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• Stress management, including education on mindfulness, movement, and relaxation techniques

• The impact of infertility on relationships and how to seek support from loved ones

• Getting through the holidays (Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.)

• Grief and how it pertains to infertility, miscarriages, and failed ART attempts

• The importance of self-care and tips on establishing a self-care routine

MONTHLY 

PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL

SEMINARS

LOVING SOMEONE WITH INFERTILITY:

A SEMINAR FOR LOVED ONES

Social support has been shown to be a highly protective factor for patients experiencing infertility. In fact, patients who report unsatisfactory social support from their partner and/or loved ones tend to terminate treatment earlier than those with positive social support. The education and guidance we offer to families and friends could be an invaluable supplement to the direct support offered to patients. In this seminar, we:

• Educate patients’ loved ones on the myths and facts surrounding an infertility diagnosis and its treatment

• Normalize the complexity and range of areas that can be impacted (social, work life, family relations, relationship with spouse, lifestyle, etc.) 

• Share some of the language and terms one might use when discussing treatment options 

• Offer tips on how best to offer support to the patient

• Provide resources for further self-education 

LOVING SOMEONE WITH INFERTILITY:

A SEMINAR FOR LOVED ONES

STAFF SUPPORT & EDUCATION

We believe that providing support to the staff of Reproductive Endocrinology clinics could offer tremendous benefit to workers who experience the daily stress and grief inherent to this field. We understand that working with patients experiencing anxiety, anger, and loss on a daily basis can have a tremendous impact on those working to help them. However, thoughtful education and support can protect staff from burnout, increase overall job satisfaction, and decrease staff turnover. In support of your staff we can offer seminars, groups, or one-on-one consultation to:

• Educate on the typical psychological transfer of emotion when working in this field, “compassion fatigue,” and the importance of self-care

• Offer skills to help respond to patients’ heightened emotions, expectations, and possible miseducation (e.g. “Dr. Google”)

• Educate and offer support around issues of vicarious grief, loss, trauma, and hopelessness

STAFF SUPPORT &

EDUCATION