Queensland Family and Fertility Support
Narelle Dickinson, Clinical and Health Psychologist
This certainly isn't a new resource, but it is worth remembering as it such a great little mindfulness app, especially made for pregnancy - and it is free!. It has been developed by the clever people at Beyond Blue and can be downloaded to any device https://www.mindthebump.org.au
If you are trying to have a baby, or have just found out you are pregnant, you might be hearing all types of words that describe different forms of pregnancy loss. All the jargon can get really confusing and scary. I like this simple summary of the different terms that are used to describe the… Continue reading Confused by the different terms that describe pregnancy loss?
I rather like this short but useful guide to choosing a surrogate https://www.gayswithkids.com/7-tips-for-gay-men-to-consider-when-choosing-your-gestational-carrier-2465988294.html It was specifically written for gay men, but most of the points apply just as well to heterosexual couples and single women choosing a gestational carrier. I actually like the final point best of all... "Make sure you genuinely like your carrier… Continue reading Choosing your surrogate
I was quite horrified to read of a recent case in the USA where a prominent politician offered significant financial inducement to female staff to act as gestational surrogates for himself and his partner, then harassed and threatened them when they refused to agree to the arrangement. https://morningconsult.com/opinions/a-cautionary-tale-when-sexual-harassment-and-surrogacy-collide/ Australian surrogacy legislation differs from what is… Continue reading Surrogacy – when is it not ok?
Many women feel traumatised by their experience of giving birth, but then feel compelled to minimise their experience "it wasn't that bad" or struggle to admit how the birth experience has impacted on them. Things might have ultimately turned out ok for mum and baby, but the birth has left them with a significant trauma… Continue reading Dealing with a traumatic birth
November 12-18 is Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week. The Week is intended to raise awareness about perinatal anxiety and depression, including signs to look for and where to go to seek support. Support is available if you are struggling through a pregnancy or postpartum - for help to find it, you can start your search… Continue reading Did you know it is Perinatal Disorders Awareness Week?
I often speak to women undertaking fertility treatment who feel quite confused about what their AMH level means. Ovarian reserve tests look at three hormonal biomarkers known to give a good indication of the number of remaining eggs: anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B. Most women understand that AMH is an approximate… Continue reading What does AMH actually tell us
If the answer is yes, it is critical that you understand the potential implications of using a known donor. The risk of using a known donor, without a clearly defined donor (vs FATHER) relationship, have been recently and catastrophically demonstrated in this situation, where a woman (who does have a partner) has discovered she has… Continue reading Are you considering using a sperm donor?
Abnormal Pregnancy Decision Support Australia (APDSA) was developed by a team of psychologists. We became aware of a gap in Australia in the support available for women and couples making decisions about their pregnancy following a diagnosis of fetal abnormality. This website was informed by research gathered from the literature, interviews with women who have been… Continue reading Support available for families who receive a diagnosis of abnormality during pregnancy
I have written quite a lot about the experience of losing a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, but haven't really said much about what it is like AFTER... when everything is "supposed" to return to "normal". For so many of the women I speak to about their perinatal and neonatal losses, returning to… Continue reading What happens after?
