One in six Australian couples struggle with infertility challenges, and this number is on the rise, according to the Department of Health. From increasing stress levels to environmental factors and shifting lifestyles, the jury is still out on the exact reasons behind increasing fertility rates among both women and men. Infertility can be a heavy burden to bear, triggering many issues, including relationship challenges and even depression.

While many people who dream of having children, but find themselves unable to do so, are turning to such alternatives as surrogacy and adoption, In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is among the most popular option for most.

However, many women about to undergo IVF face intense stress and pressure throughout the process, often not knowing if they will even conceive and unprepared for the changes their bodies are about to face. We look at how hypnotherapy has been used as an effective tool in the IVF process, boosting conception rates and allowing patients to deal with the stresses of the process.

Whether you’re part of a couple that has learned that infertility is stopping you from getting pregnant or are a single woman ready to embark on the child-rearing adventure, the realization that comes with not being able to have children can come as devastating news.

Thankfully, however, we have found a proven method that allows people who dream of watching a little human grow up to experience the same joy and wonders that come with natural conception – IVF.

What is IVF?

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves the process of assisting with the fertilization process by removing a woman’s egg from her ovaries and then physically inseminating it with sperm in a laboratory setting. Once fertilized, the egg – now called an embryo – is returned to the womb, implanted and left to grow and develop.

IVF requires extensive evaluation and even hormone therapy before the actual procedure commences. Once complete, careful monitoring is needed to ensure that the healthy embryo is attached to the womb and growing.

The Challenges of the IVF Journey

IVF can require multiple implantations or ‘cycles’, and clients can use either their own or someone else’s eggs and sperm. IVF is also an expensive procedure, ranging from $5 000 to $9 000, depending on the needs of the client and the number of cycles required to conceive successfully.

These physical stresses and financial pressures can detract from the magic of pregnancy and lead to significant mental health challenges that can lead to the body struggling to conceive. Failed implantations can also trigger feelings of depression and regret, not to mention many peoples’ fear of needles (for more on this, see our Hypnotherapy & Overcoming the Fear of Needles blog).

Hypnotherapy and IVF – Unlikely Partners that Work

Hypnotherapy is ranked as one of the most effective, proven stress-management therapies in existence. For thousands of years, pregnant mothers have used hypnotherapy to manage their journey, from conception to childbirth.

Today, hypnotherapy is used for fertility treatments, not only for IVF but to help women and couples manage anxiety and negative thoughts associated with the risks of surrogacy, adoption or IVF. By allowing the body to ease and the mind to embrace positive feelings towards the IVF cycle, hypnotherapists work to place their clients in a state that helps the uterus to relax and fosters a sense of loving happiness and motherly instincts towards the embryo.

In one case study involving 98 IVF cycles, hypnotherapy dramatically increased the rate of successful IVF implants while showing marked improvements in the patient’s attitude towards the treatment. After all, a happy mom means a happy baby.

It Doesn’t End In the Maternity Ward

Once a successful IVF pregnancy has run its course, post-partum depression and childbirth recovery can present a raft of new challenges, especially for new moms. At Hypnocare, we’re ready to walk with you throughout your IVF pregnancy, from that first consult to the months after your baby has been born.

Hypnocare’s therapists are trained to deal with the complex needs of moms and dads-to-be alike. IVF can be a challenging life moment – let us help you to deal with it.