Infertility

Accredited Senior Counsellor since 2007

ANZICA (Australia &NZ Infertility Counsellors Association) and 

FSANZ (Fertility Society Australia & New Zealand). 

Infertility does not discriminate and affects all genders. 

Antonia offers compassionate counselling during challenging and stressful times. Navigating treatment cycles, dealing with waiting periods, coping with discouraging results, and experiencing misunderstandings from the community or loved ones can be overwhelming. 

For those considering donated gametes, such as sperm, eggs, or embryos, Antonia provides specialized infertility counselling for both donors and recipients and the required report for your IVF clinic.

Additionally, Antonia can assist with surrogacy, a legal and altruistic option for individuals who cannot safely carry a pregnancy themselves, offering expert support and counselling throughout the process.

Infertility can be incredibly frustrating, as it involves something deeply desired yet seemingly out of one’s control. It can be emotionally draining and impact various aspects of life. Infertility often leads to misunderstandings from friends and family, who may not realise the challenges involved.

The stress from expectations, baby showers, and other triggers like miscarriages can be overwhelming. Individuals may experience a range of emotions, including:

• Grief and loss
• Frustration
• Loss of control
• Uncertainty
• Information overload
• Relationship and sexual difficulties
• Communication issues
• Guilt

Antonia provides both re-treatment counselling and donor implications counselling. Supportive counselling offers a chance to prepare emotionally and psychologically for the challenges of fertility treatment. 

Regulatory guidelines mandate that individuals seeking treatment with donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, or those considering surrogacy, must undergo counselling before starting their treatment. While the term "mandatory" might seem intimidating, counselling offers a valuable opportunity to address concerns, explore questions, discuss ramifications of using or donating gametes, and discuss the challenges and possibilities of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Counsellors must be accredited by ANZICA (Australia and NZ Infertility Counsellors Association). As an experienced member since 2007, I bring extensive knowledge and understanding to assist you through this process.

Some practical suggestions to consider; 

• Be realistic! Being positive does not get you pregnant. What can you do today to get through this stressful period?
• Internal health is in our control, infertility is out of our control and does not discriminate. Looking after inner health is one contributing factor that can have a positive effect on fertility. 
• Self care is vital. A challenging day may require more effort to get through. Phoning a friend, walking or making decisions like avoiding a baby shower on a day with negative results may  be helpful. However there are other times you will be able to enjoy your day without heavy emotions.
• Many people do not understand the emotional, financial and relationship issues associated with infertility. Having someone to talk to and support you  is invaluable.
• Introduce a well-balanced life. Infertility can be consuming, however be mindful of continuing social interactions, working, reading, light exercise and eat well.  A sole focus on reproduction, for instance, may come at the cost of intimacy. 
• Be aware of harmful toxins, like raw fish, foods left out, like deli meats, substances and caffeine. Be aware to not become afraid of germs or common aspects of life, as this protection can lead to unhealthy thinking. Be aware of treatments that may be suggested without evidence but contrary to fertility treatment.
• Taking Folic acid, like Elivit, is essential in preparing bodies for a healthy pregnancy.

• Supporter of Donor Conceived Australia, The peak body for donor conceived people in Australia. donorconceivedaustralia.org.au
• Counselling available for newly discovered knowledge of donor conception.
• Donor conception impacts recipients, donors, their families and people born with donated gametes.
• Counselling can discuss the social and psychological implications of altruistic donation, expectations, legislation, guiding principles, implications of genetic identity for parents and child /ren, relationships and future families. Counselling is recommended during the pregnancy for support if needed.

• Donor conceived people start as a baby (only a baby for 1 year) then a child who becomes an adult with sensitivities to their  conception and identity.  
• Always knowing the truth of their conception ensures healthy relationships absence of lies or shame. In fact, parents providing truth, guarantees trust, openness and pride that your children were conceived with intent of love and wanting. Dialogue with children from the moment they were born is backed by evidence based research in to the best interest of children.
• Antonia can assist with conversation, strategies and age appropriate dialogue ensuring open questions, clarification and truth.

• Altruistic (non-commercial) surrogacy arrangements are legal in Queensland.
• I am a qualified ANZICA counsellor, able to provide counselling and reports prior to the surrogacy arrangement commencing and post birth of a baby. A report is required to apply for a Parentage Order in Family Court.
• Both birth parents and intended parents must receive counselling from an appropriately qualified counsellor before entering into a surrogacy arrangement. 
• Counselling will discuss the social and psychological implications of the surrogacy arrangement and parentage order. For example, implications of genetic identity for parents and child /ren, costs, relationships, expectations, and hospitalisation. Counselling is recommended during the pregnancy for support.