Ashley: Finding Peace in the Process. The Layers of Building a Family Through IVF.
Ashley shares her remarkable journey through IVF, international moves, and a picture perfect birth which she was encouraged to share. Her story demonstrates how resilience, support networks, and finding peace in unexpected circumstances can create beautiful pregnancy and birth experiences despite complex logistics.
- Started trying to conceive naturally before turning to IVF after a year
- Completed two rounds of IVF with traditional Chinese medicine support
- First son conceived during second fresh IVF cycle
- Moved internationally while five months pregnant when husband took job in England
- Gave birth standing up at Bethesda Hospital in Basel with doula support
- Her first birth was "exceptional" and "picture perfect" according to her, her midwife and doula and she was encouraged to share this story
- Moved to England with two-month-old baby to begin new chapter as family of three
- Underwent three failed embryo transfers during COVID summer
- Successfully conceived second child through complex coordination between Switzerland and England
- Second birth more challenging due to baby's position, requiring an epidural
- Navigated postpartum periods with family support while managing international transitions
- Made conscious decision about remaining embryos, hoping to help another family
- Emphasizes importance of community support throughout fertility and birth journeys
Ashley's Resources
If you're going through infertility or birth preparation and would like to connect, Ashley is available to support others on similar journeys. Reach out through the contact details below.
As a people professional, coach and educated psychologist, Ashley uses a solution and strengths-focused approach based in positive psychology to support working parents and anyone confronted with fertility issues. Find her on LinkedIn to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eU22zWtH'
- https://www.kinderwunsch.ch/ - comprehensive fertility resource in Switzerland, particularly this page
- https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ - UK based
- https://resolve.org/ - US based
- https://fertilitysupport.org.au/ - Australian based
- link for working professionals in CH: https://familyforward.ch/en/#available-resources
- https://www.fertility.ch/en/
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The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more.
00:00 - Untitled
00:01 - Introduction to Ashley's Story
04:27 - The IVF Journey Begins
09:01 - Pregnancy and International Moves
17:02 - First Birth Experience at Bethesda Hospital
29:27 - Second IVF Journey Between Two Countries
43:36 - Second Birth and Postpartum Comparison
57:46 - Difficult Decisions and Finding Closure
01:01:22 - Final Reflections and Conclusion
