Causes & Treatment

Preparing Your Mind and Body for IVF by Zita West Fertility Clinic

Eloise Edington | 4 Jun 2021

Today on Fertility Help Hub, we hear from a well-regarded boutique fertility clinic in Central London, the Zita West Clinic. They are renowned for their holistic approach at ZWC and people travel far and wide for their expertise as fertility specialists. Read on to find out their recommendations and tips on how to prepare mentally and physically for fertility treatment and IVF.

Words by Zita West Fertility Clinic

Every individual has a different story or history when it comes to embarking on their IVF journey. Some feel disappointed that it hasn’t happened naturally, whilst others have had IVF and are apprehensive about starting again. No matter what the history or background to doing IVF, we are asked the same 3 questions: What can I do to improve my chances of success? What do I need to do to prepare for IVF? How can I improve my egg or sperm quality?

www.zitawest.com | @zitawestclinic

“Our answers to these questions are what sets the Zita West Clinic apart from other fertility clinics – preparation at every level looks at the whole picture; we prioritise nutrition (as part of our package) and focus on the mindset of each patient.”

This is complemented by the scientific fertility tests and investigations that go alongside an IVF cycle. To give you the best chance of success, we also micromanage your cycle, monitoring how you are progressing. This allows us to identify any issues before they arise, correcting them along the way. Every fertility journey is different and when you decide that IVF is the right treatment for you, it can be an overwhelming time. Anita O’Neill, Clinic Director said:

“For individuals planning to go through IVF or struggling with fertility issues, it can be an uncertain and stressful time. It is important to have a strong and experienced team behind you, understanding the journey and giving you the best chance of success. Based in a townhouse in Marylebone, the Zita West Clinic is committed to exceptional patient care. We have a very unique approach, we take a look at your history and develop an individualised plan, designed to help support you not just medically, but physically, nutritionally, emotionally and psychologically. Before starting IVF, it is important that you prepare as a couple, emotionally and physically.”

Whilst preparing for IVF, we recommend that you:

Have a Nutrition and Supplement Plan

Good nutrition lays the foundation for egg and sperm health. Our highly experienced nutritionists help you focus and prepare a nutrient and fertility supplement plan that is tailored to you and your needs. When preparing for IVF, getting a good balance of nutrients helps to keep your body healthy and happy. Nutrients are essential for creating and maintaining healthy eggs and sperm, so eating a nutritious and balanced diet can make a big difference whilst you are on your IVF journey.

The Zita West Clinic provides nutrition consultations that ensure you are taking the right measures to get in the best possible nutritional health, focusing on five areas of nutrition:

· Gut Health

· Hormonal

· Blood sugar balance

· Acid-Alkaline balance

· Immune system.

Assessing and reframing where you are now and what you need to do in the lead up to IVF is key. This is also the perfect time to make any necessary lifestyle changes, including reducing or eliminating alcohol, stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Fertility supplements are often recommended when preparing for IVF, we can ensure that you get the right combination for you.

Work Towards a Clear Mindset and Manage Stress

The reality is that IVF can be more stressful for some patients than others and there is so much riding on a cycle emotionally. You don’t have control of your cycle but you do have control over how you prepare and approach it mentally and physically. Hypnotherapy and counselling support many of our patients, helping to equip them for what’s ahead. Although the stress of going through fertility treatment can’t be removed, there are ways that stress can be reduced or avoided.

You must dedicate time to care for your mind before starting IVF, as a positive state of mind equips you for IVF treatment. Write down all of the projects you are working on and how close you are to finishing them. Large-scale projects are likely to occupy your mind, so it is sensible to give yourself the time and space to prepare for IVF. It is also vital that a healthy work-life balance is worked towards. Taking regular breaks and getting plenty of sleep is a great way to manage stress and instil calm. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that focuses on you being intensely aware of what you’re feeling. This can be achieved through breathing exercises, as it can be a great way to help reduce stress and relax the body and mind, which is ideal when preparing for IVF.

Access Support

Always remember that you’re not alone through IVF, and it’s important to communicate how you are feeling to your loved ones, your clinic team or your fertility specialists. Fertility counselling can help you learn techniques that support you to get to your optimal mindset.

At the Zita West Clinic, we are committed to supporting you through your entire fertility journey. The Zita West Clinic uses a whole-team approach, with techniques including counselling, acupuncture, nutrition, fertility supplements, and hypnotherapy to ensure you’re in the best possible place to start your treatment.