Infertility Counselling

[boredoftrying]

Just wondering if anyone has ever had counselling for infertility and if so did it help?

We tried for 3 years with unexplained infertility for my ds and then started again when he was 3 months old, it will now be 5 years in December and I can't take it anymore!

I have all this guilt about my son being an only child plus this crazy longing for baby number 2 and I need to make it all go away, I cannot keep trying for much longer but I really think I need some kind of help to stop. Do I sound mental? I certainly feel it!!

Just wondering if some counselling would help or if it's something I need to do myself.

Thanks x

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would be talking to this charitable organisation, the details of which I have put below:-

//www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

[Hoophopes]

I used the counsellor linked to the Ivf clinic which was helpful which gave a few free sessions with each cycle.

[SorryMyLollipop]

I know that a few years ago the NICE guidelines were that NHS hospitals should provide infertility counselling for people using their infertility clinics. In my experience it didn't happen.

I accessed alternative general counselling through a local charity. I told my counsellor that my main "issue" was infertility and we focused on that. I found it really helpful.

I think one of the misunderstood things about secondary infertility (not from my experience but from talking to others) is that people think you're lucky to have a child but in reality, like you said, you feel guilt that they are an only child. Good luck x

[Phineyj]

I think you could see the counsellor attached to an IVF clinic privately - I think it's best to see someone cognisant with the issues. Mind you having said that, I saw a truly terrible counsellor who was supposed to be an infertility specialist, and then saw someone I found online who wasn't a specialist but was great. My advice would be, only continue if you are quite happy with them after the first session and remember you are the custome. Yes it was very helpful when I found the right counsellor.

www.bica.net/ this is an organisation with listings.

[freelancescientist]

You could also access the British Infertility Counselling Association www.bica.net who have contact details for Accredited (ie state registered) counsellors who have special interest in infertility counselling. It can be difficult to find someone qualified to talk to if you are not undergoing treatment but BICA counsellors will see you wherever you are in your 'journey' and some do telephone counselling if they are not geographically close to you.

[Phineyj]

The customer I meant!

[boredoftrying]

Thank you for the replies I will have a a look through the links/info you have all provided.

We aren't having any fertility treatment and never have done (DH really not up for it). Will have a look around and try to find someone as I think it would really help, having a bad day today!

x

[Mindfulmumatobe]

I did amindfulness-based stress reduction course through my fertility clinic and the change the way I view everything! I write about it in my blog:

mindfulmumatobe.blogspot.co.uk/

And there are also links on their to free meditations and how to access mindfulness courses to your doctor etc.

Good Luck. xxx