What happens in a consultation?
One of the questions we always ask a new client is, “What do you want from a consultation?”
Typically the answer is education, support and advice on how to improve your chances of getting pregnant. So many couples have lost sense of the direction they are going in, don’t know what the next steps should be, and are looking for a plan of action with someone to help them pull all of the strands together.
We never assume that what we have done with one couple will suit another. Every couple is different in what they need and what needs to happen next, so we will always work out an individual approach for your situation.
With advances in science and technology, treatments for fertility issues have become highly medicalised. We understand that tests and investigations are essential, but trying for a baby presents challenges at every level in many other aspects of your lives – we describe fertility as a ‘whole body event’. So, in making a diagnosis, we take a holistic approach, reviewing everything else going on in your lives: lifestyle, diet, your relationship, emotional health and wellbeing.
Our aim is to help you create a workable plan of action that is manageable, affordable and individual to you. We might suggest therapies such as acupuncture or hypnotherapy, for example, and we always look at nutrition.
“Our aim is that you leave a consultation feeling that you have been listened to, have had your questions answered, and have an appropriate plan of action within a clear timeframe.” Zita West
Most importantly you should be feeling better about what’s ahead and more confident, knowing which direction you are going in.
What happens next?
Once you have made an appointment, you will receive a detailed questionnaire to fill out prior to your visit to the clinic or your video conference consultation if you prefer. The questionnaire covers your medical situation, nutrition, emotional health and well-being, stress, your relationship, and tests you have done and haven’t had done. We like to do this in advance because it helps us concentrate on the most critical things for you when we see you and come up with a practical fertility plan of action.
Consultations are available with Anita O’Neill and Jane Knight.