For MyBabies: Let’s Talk Infertility

Posted on 3 June, 2016

IVF, adoption and surrogacy can be hard things to talk about.

Couples struggling to have children often feel isolated, despite the fact that one in six Australian couples suffer infertility. That’s why Lachlan Searle founded For MyBabies a fertility counselling foundation. Through the foundation, he aims to make other couples’ infertility journeys that little bit easier.

Lachlan and his wife Rebecca McGloughlin went through seven rounds of IVF before Rebecca became pregnant with their son. Tragically, Rebecca passed away in 2014 leaving Lachlan, their son and daughter behind. Lachlan was inspired to start For MyBabies because he believes it is a service Rebecca would have liked to have been available when they were going through IVF.

“Everyone’s journey is different,” Lachlan says.

“We experienced a period where it was difficult to talk to people about it. IVF is quite a consuming experience to go through. It takes over your whole life.”

For MyBabies has recently announced a new partnership with Relationships Australia to provide subsidised counselling sessions for couples to talk about infertility and learn strategies to cope with what can be a very stressful and emotional experience.

“The idea of this service is to give people another avenue to talk about the difficulties of what they’re experiencing and how it is impacting on their relationships, not just with their partner but with friends and family as well,” Lachlan says.

“The more people seek to talk to professionals, it can be positive for them and help reduce the stress that’s often a big factor in infertility.”

This partnership came about due to the obvious need for more support for couples experiencing infertility and the fact that Relationships Australia has over 50 years experience in dealing with counselling.

“We have been able to provide some expert training on the infertility side of things, but the reality is they already see people dealing with infertility, so to be able to partner with them is a fantastic start for For MyBabies,” Lachlan says.

The counselling program will start in July this year and is currently calling for patients to be part of the initial intake. The subsidised cost of the counselling is $60 per session for up to five sessions where couples will get reassurance and professional advice.

“Infertility is a bit of a silent journey,” Lachlan says, “so hopefully with this service people will feel comfortable and give Relationships Australia a call.”

To find out more, or to register for the pilot program, which includes up to five subsidised counselling sessions, contact Relationships Australia on 6122 7100 or email enquiries@racr.relationships.org.au.

Visit www.formybabies.com.au for more information.