As the world is opening up and we are beginning to tentatively venture out to restaurants again (for the first time in many months), it may seem tempting to abandon healthy eating resolutions and let go a bit. For those of us trying to conceive or going through fertility treatments like IUI and IVF, and [...]
Spoiler—your fertility supplements may not be doing as much as you think. In an unpleasant twist, both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Paediatrics have reported that many of the popular prenatal vitamins being marketed to women don’t actually meet adequate nutrient levels for choline, folate, vitamin D, magnesium and iodine. That [...]
Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or not, it can be helpful to track and detect your ovulation to maximise the chances of getting pregnant. But tracking it yourself is no easy task, we know first-hand... To get the low-down, The Ribbon Box has turned to fertility specialists, Tempdrop (a wearable basal temperature sensor, [...]
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com Here on The Ribbon Box, to show you you're not alone, we have listed 10 celebrities who have struggled with infertility. These are ten U.S. celebrities who have travelled their own unique fertility journey to parenthood, including IVF, surrogacy, baby loss and adoption. These celebrities have shared their experiences in the hopes of [...]
The Ribbon Box has created a community for those who struggle with infertility, to share stories and experiences. It is our hope that we all work together to de-stigmatise infertility and open up the conversation to all who need to hear it. Today, Vaishali is sharing her story. She discloses her struggle with cancer, how the [...]
Camille Guaty is an advocate for Donor Conception and Co-Founder of Foster a Dream. We are grateful that she is sharing with out The Ribbon Box readers her personal trying to conceive story on making the decision to use an egg donor, advice to anyone looking for an egg or sperm donor and how her feelings [...]
In recent years, veganism has become a popular lifestyle choice for many people, but what does this mean for those trying to conceive? What's the deal with veganism and fertility, is it ok? Fertility nutritionist, Jen Walpole, gives us an insight into some of the key nutrients that might be missing on a plant-based diet [...]
If you tell your family and friends that you’re TTC (trying to conceive), chances are they will share their words of wisdom about how you can boost your likelihood of successfully conceiving. As attractive or tiresome as it may be, the idea of tailoring your diet and lifestyle for a healthy conception is backed by [...]
For those undergoing fertility treatment, the two-week period between an embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test is often referred to as the “two-week wait.” This is the final phase of IVF and, for most, it’s a time fuelled with uncertainty, questions, anxieties, doubts and expectations. You will most likely find it hard to resist [...]
Nutrition plays a vital role when you’re TTC (trying to conceive), from pre-conception to pregnancy, and even afterwards. In addition to becoming more mindful about your diet and lifestyle, your fertility specialist or nutritionist will most likely recommend introducing fertility supplements to your regime. However, when you begin strolling the shopping aisle (lined with supplements), [...]
Depending on different factors, IVF will take weeks, and surrogacy will take months. Today on The Ribbon Box, we hear from Dr Guy Ringler, from California Fertility Partners, who guides us through stages and timings of the IVF process, as well as surrogacy. Words by Dr. Ringler www.californiafertilitypartners.com | @californiafertilitypartners This is one of the [...]
We know that nutrition plays an important role in supporting fertility and IVF success, but what exactly should a ‘Fertility Diet’ look like? We reached out to Fertility Nutritionist Jen Walpole to advise us on what we should be eating when #TTC. Words by Jen www.jenwalpole.com | @jenwalpolenutrition The Mediterranean Diet This is the most [...]
Everything You Need to Know about Embryology Watch The Ribbon Box's Q&A webinar about: Embryo grading What embryologists look for in the lab for optimum IVF success Whether Day 5 transfers are more successful for IVF Egg Freezing vs. Embryo Freezing ICSI vs IVF The panel of fertility specialists from Laurel Fertility Care, include Head [...]
THE REALITY OF FERTILITY #FERTILITYUNSPOKEN WATCH EPISODE ONE - TRYING TO CONCEIVE We're excited to bring you the 1st episode in the series ‘The Reality of Fertility #FERTILITYUNSPOKEN’. This is a 5-part series with four women from across the globe with four different fertility journeys, who share the ups and downs…. Episode 5 will include people [...]
Mother’s Day has already passed in the UK but will imminently be upon you in the USA. We know just how gruelling Mother’s Day feels when you’re desperate to be a mother. Another reminder that you aren’t. With this in mind, we have turned to leading fertility counsellor / coach, Lisa Schuman from The Center [...]
In today’s fertility blog, we hear from femSense, the quick and simple ovulation detector test for those trying to conceive naturally. Read on as they cover temperature methods to track ovulation / your fertile window. Read on for 20% off (for a limited time only). Words by femSense www.femsense.com | @femsense_ The temperature method, sometimes [...]
We hear from Bee, who in her thirties discovered she is donor conceived. Bee talks about how she feels about being donor conceived, as well as the positives and negatives of donor conception.
Cervical mucus (or fluid) tracking is one of the most powerful tools for increasing awareness of your fertility. In fact, it is estimated that abnormalities in cervical fluid may account for 3-8% of subfertility in women. Fortunately, this is information our bodies are already giving us every day! By practising body awareness and using your [...]
We’re delighted to introduce you to one of our successful applicants of our recent Fertility Clinics vs. Covid campaign initiative. Jenn has been successful with a free round of IVF at CNY Fertility and, for NIAW in the States (National Infertility Awareness Week), she shares her story of baby loss and the heartache and pain [...]
For NIAW (National Infertility Awareness Week) in the States, today we hear from Linny Stone, a certified relationship coach, who has actively advocated to help people create and maintain overall wellness, through a combination of holistic and mindset tools. Linny has personally suffered baby loss - four miscarriages - and has been diagnosed with APS [...]
<img src=”https://theribbonbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1_kegg-product-size-ttc-help-fertility-specialists.jpg” alt=”kegg-product-size-ttc-help-fertility-specialists.png”> In this article we hear from the fertility specialists at Kegg Tech, who have created the world’s first intuitive 2-in-1 fertility tracker. They will be delving into the topic of tracking your Cervical Mucus using their fertility app, and why it is important for women who are TTC to use kegg to […]
At The Ribbon Box, we get many readers wanting to understand the meaning of an embryologist and why embryology is such an important part of the IVF process and for IVF success. So, today, we hear from trusted fertility clinic, Laurel Fertility Care (LFC), who have a supportive and highly experienced team of fertility specialists […]
Today on The Ribbon Box’s blog, we hear from the fertility specialists at Ure Centro Gutenberg (in beautiful, sunny Malaga, Spain), about the process, variables and importance of the embryo transfer - a critical stage within an IVF cycle. Our partner fertility specialists also discuss what needs to be taken into account and why sometimes [...]
Today on The Ribbon Box, we hear from FutureYou Cambridge who discuss the important topic of fertility supplements when trying to conceive. In particular, they discuss CoQ10 and fertility (or Co Enzyme Q10), which is becoming increasingly recommended for women undergoing IVF treatment. www.futureyouhealth.com | @futureyouhealth CoQ10 and fertility must-knows If you have been trying [...]
In today’s fertility blog, we hear Anna Buxton's trying to conceive journey, from miscarriages, IVF and being diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome, to having three children via surrogacy. Here is where Anna has found vocation. Hear Anna’s personal fertility story, from process, gaining fertility answers, family decisions, to what she wished she had known at the [...]
Oral contraceptives often referred to as ‘’the Pill’ are one of the most commonly used contraceptives when trying to prevent pregnancy. For many women, the first step when you decide that you are ready to start trying to conceive will be coming off the pill. Preparing to start a family is a big deal, therefore, […]
Today on The Ribbon Box, we hear from Nicola Salmon, AKA Fat Positive Fertility, who is a Fat-positive fertility coach, author, activist and speaker. In this fertility blog, she highlights the strain and extra pressure a fertility ‘diet’ can have whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or via IVF / fertility treatment. Why is so […]
In this IVF blog, we will be hearing from Fertility Clinics Abroad on why Spain is becoming the number one destination abroad when it comes to trying to conceive and looking for egg and sperm donors. Over to Fertility Clinics Abroad, for the lowdown. fertilityclinicsabroad.com | @FertilityClinicsAbroad Fertility abroad and the changing landscape Did you [...]
On The Ribbon Box today, we hear from our partner fertility clinic, Harley Street Fertility Clinic (HSFC), about their egg-sharing programme, which allows two separate groups of women to provide fertility help to one another, reducing costs and helping those trying to conceive achieve their dream of a much-wanted baby. Words by Harley Street Fertility […]
Today on The Ribbon Box, we hear from Suzie Devine, who is a women’s health and fertility nurse, founder of Binto, wife, dog mom and advocate. Suzie shares her own personal trying to conceive journey. From finding out she had endometriosis and what this meant for her, to how it led to her founding personalized [...]
I am the founder of The Ribbon Box and a mother to three kids, thanks to sperm donor conception. My husband has Klinefelter Syndrome, which means he has azoospermia (no sperm), therefore making him infertile. From this early age, we’re making sure to share with our children everything about their conception – in an age [...]
If your TTC (trying to conceive) journey has led you to IVF treatment at a fertility clinic, you will undoubtedly be feeling a whole heap of emotions - the main one being hope. For many TTC warriors, IVF offers the chance to be optimistic about possibilities again. So, how do you ensure you’re giving the [...]
For some, the pandemic has been a chance to maintain a social life virtually, without the pressure of dealing with inquisitive loved ones sparking sensitive conversations or the pain of attending social gatherings surrounded by babies and children. For others, it’s only meant isolation from much-needed support and caused the delay of fertility treatment. Whether [...]
Today on The Ribbon Box, our lovely reader Yasmine Say, founder of Say Fitness Personal Training opens up about her struggles trying to conceive and the complete mental change she has had as a result of her fertility journey. Over to Yasmine www.sayfitnesspt.com | @sayfitnesspt I would say that I describe myself as a typical [...]
For some, the pandemic has been a chance to maintain a social life without the pressure of dealing with inquisitive loved ones sparking sensitive conversations or the pain of attending social gatherings surrounded by babies and children. For others, it’s only meant isolation from much-needed support and caused the delay of fertility treatment. Whether the […]
When there is an unspoken expectation of intimacy – especially around key calendar events such as Valentine’s Day or your birthdays – the romance and affection of intimacy can be masked and become uncomfortable pressure for those of us riding the waves of the TTC voyage. At The Ribbon Box, we understand that what is [...]
When I was personally trying to conceive and going through IVF, I was very cautious about all the potentially harmful substances going into and onto my body, as little is known about the effects on IVF success rates. It’s very easy to feel like you’re missing out morale-boosting pampering because you don’t know where […]
Having personally had scans at CRGH, we are delighted to be sharing more information on well-regarded fertility clinic, CRGH (the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health). Based in Marylebone, London, they have helped welcome a serious number of babies into the world! We are definitely keen to hear more and about how they’re operating during [...]
As donor conception is close to our hearts, having used a sperm donor personally, we thought it would be useful to create a fertility blog where our readers’ questions are answered by the sperm and egg bank experts, Cryos International. Read on to find out about donor sperm pricing, the donor sperm selection process, as [...]
In the dark days of winter lockdown 2021, here in the UK and much of Europe, it is hard to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel, particularly if you are TTC (trying to conceive) and on a disrupted fertility journey. The Covid numbers reported to us constantly (on every news feed) are [...]
Last year we spoke live with the wonderful @chilliesandclothes, who gave top advice about what to think about when dressing during lockdown and keeping your spirits up. She explained how adding a splash of colour or accessory can lift your mood, and we are personally in agreement. You can watch back her advice on seasonal […]
In this fertility blog we will be hearing again from headteacher Lisa Sharrock – find her on Insta as Still a Mama – about her fertility journey when trying to conceive. This time she will be talking about how life and parenting is after dealing with a devastating loss, and what advice she can offer […]
In this fertility blog we will be hearing from Founder of Fertile Hope Yoga Erin McCollough on the benefits of yoga when it comes to fertility and trying to conceive. She will be delving into the importance of a mind and body connection that yoga can create, as well as yoga’s ability to boost your [...]
Everything feels better as a community - power in numbers. That’s why we love sharing readers’ journeys as they are trying to conceive. This week we hear from Ruth, AKA The Infertile Diaries and how complicated the journey has been to date for her and her husband. No doubt if you’re going through fertility treatment [...]
Australian Gail Pascoe, discovered from Australia that her nine year old daughter has over 100 siblings after Gail used a US sperm donor. After researching for six years, she is in the final stages of writing a detailed end-to-end guide-book to help others using an egg or sperm donor avoid similar pitfalls and to enable [...]
Sadly, baby loss affects one in four women. It's a shared experience for us here at The Ribbon Box, and is something we talk about a lot alongside practical pointers for navigating, and up to date expert support. Miscarriage Hope Desk - a beacon of support Today we're asking the incredible Allison Schaaf, the founder [...]
We’re delighted to be talking to one of our partner fertility clinics about IVF treatment abroad during this dreaded ongoing Covid-19 era. Fertility Port are based in Prague and continue to offer fertility help to so many people, even during this time. Fertility Port have an impressive team of fertility specialists. Let’s hear from […]
Toyah and Ricardo candidly share their unsuccessful experience of trying to conceive, a heart-breaking male infertility diagnosis and moving onto donor sperm through Cryos International. Over to Toyah and Ricardo. Toyah and Ricardo from The Netherlands were dreaming of starting a family together. When the time was right, they began trying for a baby. After [...]
Top male infertility factors, addressed Making the decision to start a family can be difficult, as couples now consider their circumstances and desires for the future in greater detail than perhaps ever before. The decision to abandon contraception and start actively trying to conceive can take months, or even years, for some. With this difficult [...]
Back in the summer of 2020, we re-shared on Instagram the wonderful news that Anna, (AKA @annagetscozy) and her husband, Jeremy, have finally had IVF success. This story resonated greatly with our followers, so we asked if they’d share their IVF story in a blog article. Over to Anna. The beginning of our TTC story [...]
