Teacher Suzy (not her real name) shares her story. My husband and I married in the summer of 2017, excited to start the next chapter of our lives together. We spent the first year “being married” and enjoying all that life had to offer and both knew that we would then start trying for a …
When your headteacher calls during egg collection Read More »
We need to destigmatise reproductive health in the workplace, otherwise, as a consequence women suffer. The stigma around reproductive health applies to, but is not limited to: menstruation, menopause and fertility treatment. When women menstruate they are to do so quietly. Come to work, take paracetamol and bring a hot water bottle if you must, …
I was invited to talk to Shuaib Khan of Teacher Hug Radio. Shuaib, who admittedly knew little about infertility said he felt ‘inspired’ after the conversation. We discussed: 1)National Fertility Awareness 2) What school leaders could be doing to better support their staff going through fertility treatment 3) The best way for teachers to prepare for …
Pregnancy test adverts show the happy heterosexual couples hugging over the ‘pregnant’ message that appears on the tiny screen they hold in their hands. They fail to show a diverse range of realities: the lesbian couple distraught after another failed self insemination, or those grieving after their 8th failed round of IVF. The message …
The misleading messages of fertility in the media and in our schools Read More »
Lucy (not her real name) is a teacher in a private school, who needed assisted conception to become pregnant, as she is in a same sex relationship. The road to their baby was both literally and metaphorically long, with an 8 hour road-trip to the fertility clinic and 6 years of unsuccessful attempts. What were …
Share statistics. Including statistics can add a persuasive and quantifiable facet to training which will only support it. 1 in 6 people are dealing with infertility, 50% of infertility in couples is male infertility, fertility has declined in the western world in the last 40 years. What would the statistic be amongst staff? 2. Explain …
The blog post this week has been written by teacher Lisa (not her real name) whose school had a policy in place for staff undergoing fertility treatment. The problem was that the policy was flawed in ways which added distress to Lisa and an already challenging personal situation. Lisa’s story I was confident that I …
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person” Mother Teresa Creating a fertility network is a great way to provide support to both male and female colleagues going through baby loss, infertility and other fertility struggles. It is also a step closer to starting a conversation with senior leaders about introducing a …
How to create a fertility network in your school Read More »
The burgundy book is 20 years out of date. When it is updated, the chances are that paid leave for fertility treatment will be included. False economy A GP will sign an employee off work without hesitation for an entire cycle of fertility treatment, which including the two week wait (post embryo transfer) can be …
Why employers should give paid leave for fertility appointments Read More »
