With the festive season upon us, new research shows that 90% of people trying to conceive find Christmas and New Year the most challenging time of year to cope. To help, TFP Fertility UK is hosting a ‘Coping at Christmas: Fertility Virtual Event’ offering those on their fertility journey special help and advice.
The virtual event, on 13th December at 5.30pm, will be hosted by TFP Fertility UK’s Clinical Psychologist Dr Marie Prince, who has over 20 years’ experience including fertility counselling along with The Ribbon Box, a platform that offers resources for the ‘trying to conceive’ community. Together, they will be answering questions shared by participants before and during the live stream held on Instagram.
ONS data reveals that September is the most popular month for births, suggesting December is the month with the highest conception rate in the UK. Dr Marie Prince, comments: “December and January can be a pressurised time of year for those navigating their fertility journey. Being invited to more social occasions and surrounded by families with children can be very emotional for those trying to conceive, especially as 1 in 5 (23%) make it a milestone occasion when they’d hoped to be celebrating with a pregnancy or new baby.”
The research also revealed that 93% of people trying to conceive are dreading being asked baby questions by family and friends during the festive season.
“If you know any couples or single people who don’t have children, or might be planning to grow their family, it’s good to be mindful that they may be going through a private fertility journey. Refraining from the “when are you having children / when is the next on the way / are you dating anyone” questions for example, will help reduce stress and expectations,” Ms Prince continued.
Eloise Edington, Founder and CEO at The Ribbon Box also comments, “We welcome those trying to (or preparing to) conceive to join this virtual event. Whether you have questions about how to manage social events and questions at this time of year, handling the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fertility or those who might be considering treatment, this community will offer support and insight so no one feels alone”.
For those wanting to join the free ‘Coping at Christmas: Fertility Virtual Event’, simply visit @TFPFertilityUK or @fertility.theribbonbox on Instagram on December 13th at 5.30pm for the livestream.
