The Hidden Pressure of Infertility: IVF, Loss & Cultural Expectations | with Seetal Savla

Infertility can feel incredibly lonely. Add in cultural expectations, societal ideals, family pressure and the feeling that you're expected to follow a set path and it can make people feel isolated and make a difficult time even harder to navigate.In this episode, I'm joined by fertility writer, speaker and patient advocate Seetal Savla, who shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, multiple failed IVF cycles, miscarriage/loss and ultimately becoming a mum.As a UK born daughter of an immigrant South Asian family, Seetal also opens up about the unique pressures many women face within communities, where conversations around infertility, miscarriage and fertility treatment can still feel taboo. We talk about the expectation to be the "good girl", the fear of judgement, and why sharing our stories matters.Whether you're currently trying to conceive, going through IVF, grieving a pregnancy loss or simply feeling like nobody around you understands, I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone.In this episode we discuss:Seetal's six-year journey through infertility.Experiencing multiple failed IVF cycles and pregnancy loss.The emotional impact of unexplained fertility challenges and failed treatment.The pressures within South Asian and other similar communities.Growing up as the daughter of an immigrant family and the expectation to be the "good girl".Why infertility and miscarriage are still difficult topics to talk about in many communities.The shame, blame and isolation so many people experience during fertility treatment.Finding support through the trying-to-conceive (TTC) community.Learning to advocate for yourself throughout fertility treatment.Why peer support and sharing lived experiences can be so powerful.Pregnancy after loss and the anxiety that often comes with it.How writing, therapy and community helped Seetal cope.Why every loss matters, no matter how early it happened.If you've ever questioned whether your feelings are valid, felt left behind while everyone else seems to be moving forwards, or struggled under the weight of other people's expectations, this episode is for you.About Seetal SavlaSeetal Savla is a fertility writer, speaker, patient advocate and ambassador. Having experienced multiple failed IVFs and losses before becoming mum to a daughter, she is passionate about sharing her story to support, educate and empower others, as well as challenging stigma - particularly within South Asian communities. Connect with Seetal:Instagram: @www.instagram.com/seetalsavlaLinkedIn: Seetal SavlaSome of Seetal's published work:Pregnancy After Loss – Women's Health UK - https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/mental-health/a40020673/pregnant-after-loss/Six Lessons I Learned After Pregnancy Loss – Stylist - https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/miscarriage-lessons-support/930219Intergenerational Experiences of Miscarriage – Tommy's  - https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/my-grandmother-mother-and-i-intergenerational-experiences-miscarriageNavigating Infertility as a Woman of Colour – HuffPost UK - https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ivf-infertility-women-of-colour_uk_5ddd5b3be4b0913e6f74ca22Need help making confident fertility decisions?If you're feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, don't know what to do next, or you're considering fertility treatment abroad but want to make sure you're choosing the right clinic and country for your situation, I'd love to help.Book a complimentary call with me to talk through where you are now, what's holding you back, and how I can help you move forwards with more confidence.You can also explore my free fertility resources at yourivfabroad.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. It helps more people who are struggling to conceive find the support and information they need.Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclassFREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15minFREE Online fertility pharmacy introduction - Need an introduction to a specialist pharmacist for a no obligation quote for all your fertility medication at competitive rates and delivered globally?  yourivfabroad.co.uk/online-fertility-pharmacy-serviceYour IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop