Last episode, we talked about the practical side of IVF - who is eligible, what testing there is beforehand, and what the procedure actually entails. But we didn’t talk about any of the squishy human stuff: the ups and downs of being an IVF patient and parent. So this time around, we tackle the physical and psychological impacts of IVF, and some of the things you might want to consider before starting treatment.

In this episode:

• The idea that IVF might have some lasting impacts, something which Leila didn’t really consider while she was undergoing treatment
• The additional benefits of IVF, including genetic testing and bespoke medication
• How long the process takes, and how that feels when you’re in it
• How the treatment might change within and between IVF cycles
• The emotions you feel while undergoing treatment
• The emotions you feel after treatment
• How you feel physically during and after treatment
• How IVF mothers are treated as high-risk pregnancies, and the pressure for birth intervention
• The effects you feel after an IVF birth
• The possibility of longer lasting medical risks
• The likelihood of success with IVF treatment
• How you can support yourself throughout your IVF journey

We're back afer a short break over the holidays, and we're kicking off with a really special one. Leila's son Felix (the OG Science Baby) was brought into the world through the medical miracle that is IVF. But to anyone from the outside looking in (or thinking about going through it themselves), the whole process can be a bit of an overwhelming mystery. So in this episode, we break down the IVF process, from where it sits within the assistive reproductive landscape, to who is eligible, how to get referred, and the ins and outs of what's involved.

In this episode:

• Leila's IVF Journey
• Introduction to the acronyms of assistive reproductive tech: IVF, ICSI, IUI, IVI
• Additional interventions possible with fertility treatment
• Who is eligible for IVF, privately and funded by the NHS
• How to get referred for IVF
• Fertility testing
• Details of IVF treatment
  • Down regulation
  • Ovarian stimulation
  • Trigger Injection
  • Egg collection and sperm collection
  • Fertilisation and embryo development
  • Multiples and embryo freezing
  • Embryo grading
  • Embryo transfer
  • Progesterone pessaries
• Frozen embryo transfer

Being mums and trying to make a podcast means that sometimes, things don't always go to plan! This episode, that means that we have a full house and not a little bit of chaos. Kim and Stella, and Leila and Felix take a look back at the last few months since the launch of The Science Baby Podcast, read your comments and answer your questions. Expect terrible audio, questionable continuity, and lots of real life tangents!

In this episode:

• Welcome to my Codpast! Felix and Kim chat about what it's like to be 2, and we catch up on life and milestones
• We look back at the last few episodes and respond to your comments and questions:
  • Poop
  • Breastfeeding
  • Pregnancy Loss
  • Hair Loss
  • Weaning
  • Healing
• We answer your questions in a quick fire Q&A, and get some ideas for future podcast episodes!