Ep 47 – Fertility and the Workplace

This week on the podcast I interview Cat Strawbridge, a fertility advocate and host of the Finally Pregnant Podcast, and Frankie Hockham, Fertility Network UK volunteer on infertility, pregnancy loss and childlessness. Infertility is a disease that affects 1 in 6 couples, the majority of whom are in the workforce, however it is not an issue that is talked about or well supported in organisations in the UK. We discussed: Our personal experiences with fertility treatments, loss and pregnancy while working How you can communicate your fertility situation to your manager or employer What you can do to get the support you need from your organisation Practical ways leaders can proactively support team members or colleagues having fertility treatments or dealing with infertility I hope this episode shines a light on the effect infertility and fertility treatments has on individuals in the workplace, gives both those affected and those supporting helpful tips and encourages you to take action to improve fertility policies in your organisation.  If you would like support with infertility, fertility treatments, loss or childlessness, please reach out to The Fertility Network UK and use the resources they provide on their website: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ If you’d like to know more about fertility in the workplace, visit: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/trying-to-conceive/fertility-at-work/ MORE ABOUT CAT Finally Pregnant Podcast host, community leader and fertility advocate Cat Strawbridge is a fertility patient who has experienced multiple rounds of fertility treatment and sadly pregnancy loss. Cat now supports the trying to conceive (TTC) community and those who are finally pregnant and parenting after infertility and loss. Cat has worked with corporates to embed fertility policies, education and training to staff and managers and supports to all those affected by infertility and loss. Finally Pregnant Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finally-pregnant/id1463544731 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryingyears/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catstrawbridge/ MORE ABOUT FRANKIE Like so many, Frankie has been affected and impacted by infertility and pregnancy loss. Throughout her fertility journey, she was struck by how isolating the experience can be and how unprepared they were for what was to come due to lack of support and information. On sharing her story, several our friends, colleagues and even family came forward to talk about their secret struggles with fertility. Because of this, Frankie became a volunteer for the Fertility Network UK and now speaks publicly to raise awareness of infertility, pregnancy loss and childlessness. Frankie wants to help ensure others realise that they’re not alone. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheska1981/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/francescahockham   Carla forgot to mention that she wrote a book on what she learnt from her fertility treatment called Whilst I was Waiting.  You can buy that on Amazon kindle at https://rb.gy/fzspbe   INFLUENCE & IMPACT  Find out more about my 12-month group training and coaching programme for female leaders who want to become brilliant at influencing, tackle self-doubt and make more impact at work. Don’t miss out, enrolment closes 21 May.   https://www.carlamillertraining.com/influence-impact-apr-21   Follow me on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamiller1/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiscarlamiller//     HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PODCAST?   Subscribe  Share this episode with a friend  Leave a review     I would love to hear you feedback on this week’s podcast. Please leave a review or come say hello on social!  Thank you for listening, see you next week!