infertility reflections – The Cuckoo Mama

abc ivf and what to do if you think you might be infertile

August 21, 2019

We’ve probably all heard that age-old quip that “trying to get pregnant is the fun part”, but for anyone who thinks they might be infertile, that’s sadly not always the case. When it comes to suspected infertility it can, unfortunately, feel as though there is a distinct lack of guidance, so what options are available if you are struggling to conceive? … More abc ivf and what to do if you think you might be infertile

When it keeps on happening to others

May 9, 2019

Article first published by HuffPost UK Presenting a baby to the world is a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It’s a time of celebration, of pride, doting and wonder. Parents beam, despite the exhaustion, their worlds having changed after creating, and now cradling, new life. There’s unconditional love combined with sheer radiating happiness. Strangers smile … More When it keeps on happening to others

Redefining strength after infertility – An article for Fertility Smarts

April 29, 2019

Following on from proudly receiving the Blogger of the Month accolade, for Fertility Smarts, it was an honour to work with them and be featured on their inspirational and supportive website. For anyone living with infertility, or those supporting someone through this struggle, I’d highly recommend taking a look. Article first published by Fertility Smarts. … More Redefining strength after infertility – An article for Fertility Smarts

Mother’s Day – Two words. Ten letters.

March 29, 2019

Mother’s Day. To most of the world it’s merely two words made up of ten letters. Just another day to be found amongst the calendar year of special occasions. For the cynical, it’s a feat of commerciality, offering overpriced bubble bath and glittery cards. For the optimist, it’s a chance to honour, to praise, to … More Mother’s Day – Two words. Ten letters.

Beautiful people do not just happen

February 27, 2019

No one ever wants to fail and, when we inevitably do, it’s not something we enjoy. But why would we? Failure is distressing. It batters our self esteem and leaves us doubting our own worth. And it niggles; what if? what could? what now? It preys on our minds, constantly, ravaging our mental health and … More Beautiful people do not just happen

Frozen, fortunate and fighting

January 23, 2019

Four years ago, last week, my son was “defrosted”. This was the culmination of years of trying to conceive, multiple cycles of IVF, miscarriage and repeated heartbreak. Yet, with thanks to advances in reproductive science, he was created in a petri-dish, vitrified, thawed and is currently a very happy and active three-year-old boy. Medical science … More Frozen, fortunate and fighting

The other side of our story, by Hugh

January 12, 2019

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear” – Mark Twain. Thank you, my husband, for finding the courage to raise your voice with mine… I’m Hugh. One half of an infertile couple. The infertile half. I’m not much of a blogger and not usually one to write much at all … More The other side of our story, by Hugh

An unexpected ray of sunshine

December 27, 2018

It’s exactly five years ago, today, that I peed on a stick, to see whether we were pregnant, following years of “trying” and our first round of ICSI. I remember waking early, huddling in my parents’ freezing cold bathroom, peeing, then waiting. Waiting for that second pink line to appear. Waiting to see whether our … More An unexpected ray of sunshine

Huff Post UK, Michelle Obama, infertility, IVF & miscarriage

November 12, 2018

When Huff Post UK approached me to write a piece on Michelle Obama, miscarriage and IVF, I was completely honoured, overwhelmed and scared; I desperately wanted to give this courageous revelation the words it so rightly deserved. And so, I did what I do, and began to write. I think I cried through every sentence. … More Huff Post UK, Michelle Obama, infertility, IVF & miscarriage

Reflecting, accepting & screaming

September 16, 2018

Goodness me! It’s here again. Another year has passed and another birthday is fast approaching. And so I’ve, naturally, been reminiscing! About that tiny, and surprisingly hairy, new born I nursed, the infant I weaned and the babe whose hand I held as he learned how to walk. The boy who smiled, and laughed, who … More Reflecting, accepting & screaming

The Cuckoo Mama

IVF Survivor. Fertility Writer. Infertility Advocate.

Category: infertility reflections