Becky & Ben's Fertility Spotlight – Details, episodes & analysis

Positive pregnancy test after IVF treatment? Fantastic. Now comes the next challenge – the pregnancy itself. Many fertility patients are in their late 30s or early 40s, and pregnancies in this age group require close care and monitoring. We speak to renowned fetal medicine specialist Ruwan Wimalasundera, senior consultant obstetrician at London’s University College Hospital. We discuss the medical risks associated with older mothers, specifically relating to multiple pregnancies and the complications that can occur. These include preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes, and we stress the importance of single embryo transfers to reduce these pregnancy risks. We also talk about the positive aspects of having children later in life. From surgery in the womb to emotional support in the consulting room, this is a reflective interview with an outstanding doctor in tune with the challenges and joys of IVF pregnancies.      

Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com/

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What foods should you eat when trying to conceive? We meet functional nutritionist Hayley Paul, who takes a science-based approach to food, drink and dietary planning. We ask if fertility patients really need to eat pineapple to boost their pregnancy chances. We discuss the ‘superfood’ label: beetroot, maca powder and green tea all score highly. And we look at the benefits of full fat dairy products, antioxidants and other important food groups. Overlooking all of this is Hayley’s strong interest in good digestion, gut health and the nature of food absorption. A detailed and fascinating look at the ways we can optimise our conception health – and, crucially, our potential baby’s health too.                                                             

Official podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com/

Hayley Paul: https://www.habitude.co.uk/

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is IVF treatment open to same-sex female couples? In the UK, yes – and, thankfully, in many other countries. We speak to Hannah and Maria, two gay parents who had IVF – with the help of a sperm donor – over a decade ago. Back then, their decision was pioneering. Today, it’s more mainstream. We discuss their decision to have treatment, how they chose their donor, the support of their families, Maria’s decision to donate her eggs, and integrating their two children into the wider community. Two wonderful mums, who seized the moment on their path to parenthood and never looked back.    

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are donated eggs right for you? They were for us, but every patient is different. We launch season 2 with a frank discussion about egg donation. The decision to have it takes time – nobody makes it quickly or lightly. The key issues? Developing a positive mindset, tackling prejudice and entrenched views, trying not to overthink donor matching, and integrating a donor-conceived child into your life. We look back at the challenges we faced. Thoughts went deep; emotions ran high. But we kept communicating. Fertility treatment is, after all, one long conversation. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to season 2 of the podcast – created by patients, for patients. We’re rethinking IVF, giving you the tools and techniques to get you through. Here’s a taster of what’s coming up. More wonderful guests and pragmatic advice – presented with sensitivity and emotional intelligence by Becky and Ben. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of the first season, we revisit the moments that resonated most with listeners. The thoughtful reflections from Julia, a donor-egg mum, were a big hit. Deeper emotions were explored by Gemma, a positive psychology coach who highlighted our natural abilities to survive infertility. Many were moved by our own story, and we recall the kindness of Sheila, our local taxi driver, when things got tough. Everyone’s favourite ‘tech’ episode featured sonographer Kate, who talked about the importance of warmth and sympathy. And actor Simon Taylor returns to read The Solitary Reaper – a moving poem about loss that hints at better times ahead. To lighten the tone, we end with Ben’s Michael Caine impression, but the less said about that the better. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight              

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look back in time with feminist scholar Dr. Kate Angell, who guides us through infertility in history and literature. Accompanied by readings from Simon Taylor, Kate presents an alternative framework of love and creativity from key writers, musicians and political thinkers. From Greek goddesses to medieval composers, Romantic poetry to 20th-century novelists, this is a fascinating discussion about female success, sacrifice and solidarity. We hope this 'alternative abundance of life' will inspire women struggling with infertility and childlessness. These voices offer us comfort and strength – real women who lived fulfilling and remarkable lives in the face of convention, tragedy and loss. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Extract from O Viridissima Virga by Hildegard of Bingen, performed by Grace Davidson (soprano). From the album Sacred Chants. Label: Signum Classics. Used with permission.            

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your vaginal microbiome help or hinder your reproductive health? We talk to Milena Mastroianni, a leading nutritionist with a keen interest in microbiome and optimising our bodies in the pre-conception period. Holistic therapies for infertility have, until recently, been limited to treatments like yoga, acupuncture and reflexology. But, as Milena explains, supporting the ‘good’ and treating the ‘bad’ in our vaginas is a sensible thing to do. What’s more, microbiome is not limited to the vagina or gut: it’s present in sperm, too. A fascinating discussion on a new and intriguing science – and the research behind it.  

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

https://www.habitude.co.uk/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you optimise your chances of a successful embryo transfer? What can you really do in the run-up to this critical moment - and afterwards? In this episode, we share key tips that may just lead to a successful pregnancy. Your clinic will know some of them, but others are down to you. From embryo quantity to the ERA test, acupuncture to alcohol reduction, we explore ways you can improve the odds of a successful embryo transfer as a fertility patient. One thing's for sure: a proactive approach to your mental and physical health, as we found out, makes a big difference.

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're talking today about ultrasound scans, and we're joined by leading IVF sonographer Kate Richardson. Every fertility patient has them, but scans are more than routine assessments. The relationship with your sonographer is special: they're often the first and last person you see on your fertility journey. Emotional understanding and technical excellence are crucial. Fertility patients see their wombs, and their embryos, sooner and more often than women who conceive naturally. As Kate points out, the role of sonography in some ways frames and defines the fertility treatment process. The technology helped IVF develop – and every pregnancy is unique. 

Check out the podcast website: https://fertility-spotlight.com

Facebook: @fertilityspotlight

Instagram: @fertilityspotlight

https://www.thebirthcompany.co.uk/

Producer: David Roper, Heavy Entertainment 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.