A WOMAN from South Wales who has welcomed two children through IVF, is sharing her personal IVF journey to encourage more open conversations about the emotional and financial challenges many families face when trying to have a baby.

Carli and her husband Aaron, are proud parents to Blake and Ellis who were both born via IVF.

Carli and Aaron chose to try and start a family when Carli turned 30 but they experienced fertility struggles. "At that time, it felt like everyone around me was falling pregnant, friends and colleagues – and when you're struggling to conceive, it can be a very difficult time."

The couple decided to pursue private IVF treatment rather than face potential delays through NHS pathways. However, like many hopeful parents, they faced another major challenge, the cost. "IVF is a huge financial commitment and there's no guarantee it will work. That uncertainty can create a significant amount of stress before treatment even begins."

To help manage the financial risk, they joined Access Fertility's multi-cycle IVF refund programme, which offered up to two treatment cycles and the reassurance of a partial refund if treatment was unsuccessful. "We didn't know how my body would respond to treatment or whether it would work. Knowing there was a financial safety net helped reduce some of the pressure. It meant that if the treatment wasn't successful, we would have options moving forward."

Since becoming a parent through IVF, Carli has noticed a growing number of people confiding in her about their own fertility struggles. "People are often reluctant to talk about IVF. It can still feel very hush-huh, but having support from people who understand what you're going through can make a huge difference to your mental wellbeing. Not enough attention is given to the emotional impact, and yet it can be a rollercoaster of hope, anxiety, disappointment and uncertainty. There were times when I really had to draw on the coping techniques I encourage others to use in my professional role."

Throughout treatment, Carli has prioritised self-care, including journalling her experiences in an IVF positivity planner. "My advice is to be kind to yourself. IVF can affect every aspect of your life, emotionally, physically and financially. Don't be afraid to ask for support and talk about how you're feeling."

Ash Miller, CEO and Founder of Access Fertility, said: "The financial uncertainty surrounding fertility treatment can add considerable stress to an already emotional journey. For many patients, access to programmes that provide greater financial certainty, such as refund programmes, can help reduce some of that burden and allow them to focus on treatment and their wellbeing."

Carli hopes that by sharing her story, more people will feel empowered to seek support and discuss the realities of fertility treatment.