The Daily Try

Starting something new on your fertility journey can bring a flood of questions: Is it working? Should I feel different? Did I make the right decision?In this episode, Lara explores why your body may need time to adjust to new supplements, medications, routines, or fertility protocols—and why a lack of immediate answers doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Everyone responds differently, and progress rarely follows a neat, predictable timeline.You’ll hear gentle reminders to trust the decisions you’ve made with your clinician, resist the urge to interpret every twinge or symptom, and give yourself permission to wait for more information. Lara also shares a simple journaling practice to help you notice patterns over time and arrive at appointments with useful questions and observations.If you’re stuck in the uncertainty of “has it worked yet?”, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a little patience for the process. You don’t need all the answers today—just take care of yourself one day at a timeFor more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription Got a question/comment or feedback?  Dropme an email at [email protected] and I can answer it on the podcast

When it feels like everyone else is moving forward while you’re stuck in the waiting room of fertility, comparison can be painful. Pregnancy announcements, IVF updates, new homes, holidays, and carefully curated social media feeds can leave you wondering, “Why not me?”In this compassionate episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the invisible timelines we create for our lives—and what happens when reality doesn’t follow the plan. Drawing on her own fertility journey, she reminds you that taking longer, changing direction, or facing the unexpected doesn’t mean you’re behind.You’ll be encouraged to step away from the scroll, notice what’s real and good today, and challenge the belief that you’re late to your own life. Your path may not look the way you imagined, but it is still yours—and there is no single schedule for becoming who you’re meant to be.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription Got a question/comment or feedback?  Dropme an email at [email protected] and I can answer it on the podcast

When fertility advice doesn’t line up, it can leave you wondering who to trust—and whether you’ve missed something important. In this episode, we explore why different clinics and clinicians may interpret the same information differently, especially when there’s more than one possible path forward.Lara shares her own IVF experience, including the frustration of discovering an infection only after her first unsuccessful cycle and questioning why it hadn’t been identified sooner. She explains why changing direction doesn’t necessarily mean earlier care was wrong, and how fertility treatment often involves adapting based on your individual history and response.You’ll also hear practical questions to ask, including: What are the benefits and risks? Is this essential or optional? What happens if we wait? And how does this recommendation fit my goals?A second opinion isn’t being difficult—it’s a way to feel informed and supported. Your care should make sense to you, and you deserve to be part of the decision-making process.Plus, find out how you can send in questions for upcoming episodes with a board-certified OBGYN and fertility nurse.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription Got a question/comment or feedback?  Dropme an email at [email protected], and I can answer it on the podcast

When you’re trying to conceive, it can feel like you need to try everything: supplements, special diets, acupuncture, pineapple, post-transfer chips, new tests, and endless fertility “must-dos.” But more isn’t always better—and not every popular tip is supported by evidence.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, we explore how to separate what may genuinely help from what simply adds pressure, expense, or anxiety. Discover why pineapple, hot chips after embryo transfer, and putting your legs up the wall may not improve your chances—and why something can still offer emotional support even if it doesn’t directly affect fertility.You’ll learn practical questions to ask before adding another treatment or purchase to your fertility plan, including: Is there good evidence? What are the costs and downsides? Can my clinician help me understand it? And do I have the emotional capacity for this right now?You don’t have to pursue every possibility to prove you’re trying hard enough. Being selective is not giving up—it’s protecting your energy, finances, and wellbeing while making the best choices you can with the resources you have.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Starting a new fertility supplement, medication, or protocol can bring a wave of doubt—especially when your body responds in an unexpected way. A changed temperature chart, delayed ovulation, spotting, nausea, or simply feeling different can send your mind into overdrive.In this episode, Laura explores how to navigate that spiral without letting late-night Googling or alarming online stories take over. Drawing from her own IVF experience, she shares why one unusual symptom or cycle isn’t proof that something has gone wrong—and how to tell the difference between gathering useful information and feeding anxiety.You’ll learn how to track symptoms clearly, what questions to ask your clinician or pharmacist, when to seek advice, and why you shouldn’t change prescribed treatment based on forum posts or AI answers. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded to treat yourself gently while you wait for clarity.Because your body isn’t a machine, and fertility journeys rarely follow a perfectly predictable path.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

A text message can arrive at exactly the wrong moment—especially when you’re navigating fertility challenges. A pregnancy announcement, baby shower invitation, intrusive question, or well-meaning check-in can stir up emotions you weren’t prepared for.In this supportive episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara reminds you that you don’t have to reply immediately—or at all. You’re allowed to put your phone down, take a breath, protect your emotional energy, and respond when you feel ready. Discover simple ways to acknowledge a message without overextending yourself, ask for space, keep your reply brief, or choose not to respond.Your time, attention, and energy are limited—and looking after yourself isn’t rude or selfish. Give yourself permission to reply later, respond simply, or say nothing until you’re in a better headspace.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Fertility treatment can leave you feeling constantly on alert—checking symptoms, tracking apps, anticipating appointments, and preparing for the next result. But when every cramp, twinge, or wave of nausea feels like a clue, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by uncertainty.In this gentle Sunday episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores how to give your nervous system a much-needed pause. Drawing on her own IVF experience, she shares why symptoms—especially during treatment—aren’t always reliable indicators, and how progesterone once convinced her that a transfer had worked.This episode isn’t about fixing your feelings, decoding your body, or perfecting your fertility routine. It’s about creating a small moment of safety and calm. From enjoying a cup of tea while sitting down, to taking five slow breaths or noticing what you can see and hear around you, Lara offers simple ways to interrupt the constant sense of urgency—even if you only have 10 minutes.You can’t erase the uncertainty, but you can give yourself permission to rest within it.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Some days, even the simplest plans can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re navigating fertility treatment, recovering from procedures, managing medication side effects, or simply having a difficult day.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara offers a gentle reminder: you’re allowed to cancel, change your plans, or take things at your own pace. Learn how to listen to your body without guilt, negotiate with yourself when a little connection or fresh air might help, and create an “escape plan” that gives you flexibility.Whether you choose a shorter catch-up, skip the part that feels hardest, or stay home for intentional rest, there’s no need to earn your downtime or prove that you’re coping. Tune in for reassurance, practical ideas, and permission to choose what feels most caring today.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

You don’t need a mini degree in IVF to advocate for yourself.When you’re trying to conceive or navigating fertility treatment, it can feel as though you’re expected to understand every acronym, hormone level, medication, test result and embryo grade. Being informed can be empowering—but constantly researching and decoding your care is exhausting, too.In this episode, Lara explores how to stay involved in your fertility journey without feeling responsible for knowing all the answers. She discusses why test results don’t always point to one immediate conclusion, the importance of context and expert guidance, and how lifestyle factors may play a role in fertility.Most importantly, you’ll learn practical ways to get the clarity you deserve: prepare questions before appointments, ask clinicians to slow down or explain things differently, request a clear step-by-step plan, take notes or record conversations where appropriate, and bring someone along for support.You are allowed to ask basic questions. You are allowed to say, “I don’t understand.” And you don’t have to navigate this alone. Your role isn’t to become the expert—it’s to make sure you understand what’s happening, why it’s happening and what comes next.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the potential impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on hormones, egg and sperm health, and fertility. Inspired by the documentary *The Plastic Detox*, she shares simple, budget-friendly swaps you can make at home to reduce plastic exposure—starting in the kitchen.Discover why wooden cooking utensils, stainless-steel or cast-iron cookware, and reusable glass or stainless-steel water bottles may be worth considering, plus practical tips for making changes gradually without adding unnecessary financial pressure.Whether you’re trying to conceive, preparing for pregnancy, or simply looking after your long-term health, this episode offers approachable steps to help you feel more informed and empowered on your journey.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠BlogsShould you toss your plastic cooking utensils - https://hoopsy.com/should-you-toss-your-plastic-kitchen-utensils/Are plastic bottles harmful https://hoopsy.com/are-plastic-bottles-and-straws-harmful/

Questions like “Do you have children?” can feel anything but casual when you’re trying to conceive, navigating IVF, grieving a miscarriage, or facing fertility challenges. In this episode, Lara explores why these seemingly innocent questions can feel so intrusive—and reminds you that you never owe anyone your private story, medical history, or an explanation.Discover ways to respond that protect your energy, whether that’s a simple “no,” “not yet,” “we’re trying,” or “that’s a complicated question for me.” Lara shares how having a prepared response can help you avoid rambling, second-guessing, or feeling pressured to educate people about your journey.Your answer is yours to choose—and you’re allowed to change the subject, set a boundary, or say nothing more. You are not defined by whether you have children, and you don’t need to give anyone the answer they expect.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

A new month doesn’t always feel like a fresh start when you’re trying to conceive. September can mean another cycle to track, appointments to plan, supplements to remember, and emotions to navigate—and you don’t have to greet it feeling hopeful, organised, or excited.In this gentle episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara offers reassurance that you’re allowed to meet the month exactly as you are: tired, angry, hopeful, numb, practical, or somewhere in between. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to make big changes or believe “this is your month,” consider taking things one step at a time and choosing something small that supports *you*.Lara shares her own new workout habit, reminds you that self-care doesn’t have to mean becoming a whole new person, and guides you through a simple square breathing exercise to help calm those overwhelming or “meh” moments.Whatever September holds, you don’t have to have it all figured out today. Take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and begin wherever you are.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

When your period arrives while you’re trying to conceive, it can feel like more than just the start of a new cycle—it can feel like the end of a month of hope. In this compassionate episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara reminds you that disappointment, anger, sadness, frustration, or even acceptance are all valid responses.You don’t have to rush into planning the next cycle, analysing what went wrong, or figuring out what to do differently. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is pause, rest, and give yourself space to feel. Whether that means a quiet walk, comfort food, a call with a friend, or simply an afternoon nap, taking care of yourself isn’t giving up—it’s part of the journey.Your period doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and you’re not alone in finding this experience difficult. This episode offers a gentle reminder to be patient with yourself, honour how you feel today, and trust that tomorrow may feel a little easier.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Fertility treatment can make life feel like one long waiting room: waiting to ovulate, for transfer day, for the two-week wait to end, or for the test you hope will change everything. In this episode, we explore what it means to put your life on hold while waiting for “the next thing”—and how easily that pattern can take over.A disrupted routine and a recent move spark a powerful realization: many of the things we postpone until pregnancy, treatment, or a positive result could still be enjoyed today. While not every choice is treatment-compatible, there may be more freedom than you think to make plans, try something new, and keep living in the present.If you’re exhausted from counting down the days or telling yourself, “I’ll do that after X happens,” this episode offers a gentle reminder: your life is happening now, too. Take what feels right for you, and consider one small thing you can do today—not someday.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Fertility journeys can feel isolating—especially when the people around you don’t understand the appointments, protocols, injections, scans, or the emotional rollercoaster of the two-week wait.In this episode, Lara explores why finding “your people” can make such a difference: those who have been through IVF or are trying to conceive themselves, and who can simply say, “Yes, I felt that too.” They’re the friends who understand without explanations, offer reassurance after a difficult appointment, and know exactly what it’s like to be in the trenches.Discover practical ways to build your support network, from Facebook groups and Reddit communities to conversations in clinic waiting rooms and taking the brave step of swapping numbers with someone you connect with. These friendships don’t have to last forever to be meaningful—they can support you for exactly the season you need them.If you’re feeling alone on your fertility journey, this episode is your reminder to reach out, put yourself out there, and find someone who truly gets it.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed for getting your hopes up during your fertility journey, this episode is for you.Lara explores the painful self-judgment that can follow a negative test, miscarriage, or failed treatment cycle—when you replay every moment of hope and tell yourself you should have known better. Maybe you imagined a due date, chose a baby name, noticed every symptom, or told someone your news early. None of that makes you foolish. It makes you hopeful.Hope is often what carries us through the uncertainty, the procedures, the waiting, and the odds that can feel overwhelmingly stacked against us. In this compassionate episode, Lara shares her own experience of celebrating an early positive pregnancy test, only to miscarry days later, and reminds you that caring deeply is not something to be ashamed of.Wherever you are in your fertility journey, this is an invitation to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. You were never silly for believing it might work. You were simply allowing yourself to hope.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

When you’re trying to conceive, every choice can feel loaded: Should you eat the muffin? Take the stairs? Exercise, rest, meal-prep—or do something differently? It’s easy to believe that one small decision could determine whether treatment works or a pregnancy continues.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, we explore the difference between what’s within your control and what isn’t—and why trying to control everything can become an exhausting burden. Lara shares a personal IVF experience involving a hot walk, dehydration and the fear that one unexpected moment had affected her embryo transfer.You’ll be reminded that fertility isn’t a test of perfection. One food, workout or imperfect day is unlikely to tell the whole story, and even medical results are only part of a much bigger picture. Learn how to loosen the pressure, challenge self-blame and make space for uncertainty while still caring for yourself.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Trying to conceive can feel like a second job—appointments, medications, supplements, ovulation tests, research, logistics, and endless dates to remember. In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the invisible mental load of fertility journeys and why feeling exhausted or overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re disorganized or overreacting. You simply have a lot on your plate.Drawing from her own IVF experience, Lara shares practical ways to take the pressure off your memory and make the process feel more manageable. Discover how phone alarms, calendar reminders, medication checklists, pharmacy prompts, and subscriptions can help streamline the things you can control—so you spend less time worrying about what you might have forgotten.You don’t have to hold every detail in your head. Let technology carry some of the load and create a little more calm in your day.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

When the plan changes, it can feel like the ground disappears beneath you. A cancelled cycle, altered medication, delayed scan, postponed transfer—or simply a partner being away during your fertile window—can undo weeks of preparation and hope.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, we talk about the disappointment, frustration and sense of unfairness that come when a carefully anticipated milestone suddenly isn’t happening. You’ll be reminded that it’s okay to admit it hurts without overanalysing or trying to find a silver lining straight away.We also explore what you can do next: ask questions about your options, consider what may be within your control, talk openly about work or travel commitments, and use tools like journaling to process the emotions. Most importantly, a changed plan does not mean your fertility journey is over or that you’ve failed—it’s one painful, frustrating part of a process filled with unexpected hurdles.If your next step has been delayed or taken away, this episode offers understanding, reassurance and a much-needed virtual hug.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Fertility journeys can make everyday moments—pregnancy announcements, baby showers, family gatherings, even an app notification—feel unexpectedly painful. In this episode, Lara shares her own experiences of IVF, miscarriage and pregnancy announcements, and offers compassionate, practical ways to navigate triggering situations.Learn how to protect your emotional wellbeing by planning an exit strategy, arranging a trusted person to check in, preparing responses to intrusive questions, and creating a gentle “soft landing” for afterwards. You don’t have to attend every event, stay until the end, or prove you’re a good friend or family member by pushing beyond your limits.If you’re facing a difficult day, this episode is a reminder that your feelings can coexist: you can be happy for someone else and still feel hurt, left behind or overwhelmed. Most importantly, you’re allowed to look after yourself.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Trying to conceive can make life feel like a series of deadlines—ovulation, appointments, transfers, tests—with everything else pushed into the background. Holidays get postponed, plans are declined, purchases delayed and dreams put on hold for “when” you’re pregnant.In this gentle episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara offers a reassuring reminder: your life, identity and relationships are happening now—not only after a positive test. Wanting a baby and allowing yourself to enjoy the present can exist side by side.Explore how to make space for the people, hobbies and experiences that bring you joy, without feeling that you’re compromising your fertility journey. Whether it’s booking a holiday, wearing the outfit, making dinner plans, starting a project or simply going for a swim, you’re allowed to care for yourself as a whole person.Your life isn’t waiting in the wings. You deserve to live it today.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Some days, positivity is simply too much to carry.In this compassionate episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara talks about the emotional weight of fertility journeys—from disappointing appointments and period arrivals to pregnancy announcements and the exhaustion of carrying hope month after month. She offers a reassuring reminder: you’re allowed to feel fed up, angry, sad, or completely over it. A bad day won’t ruin your chances, and you don’t have to turn every difficult feeling into a lesson.Whether you need a cry, a duvet day, a walk, a cup of tea, or someone who will listen without trying to fix everything, this episode is permission to pause, care for yourself, and simply feel what you feel. You’re still doing brilliantly—even when you don’t feel positive.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Just because you haven't got that positive test yet doesn't mean you aren't moving forward or haven't made progress.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

The two-week wait can feel endless—especially when every twinge, headache, or moment of spotting seems like it might be a sign. In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara shares an honest, reassuring take on the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for answers, why Googling symptoms can make the anxiety worse, and how to create some distance from the spiral.Discover practical ways to make the wait more manageable, from setting aside a specific “worry window” to finding meaningful distractions that help time pass. Lara also reflects on spending ten days of her own two-week wait alone in a hotel room during COVID quarantine—and the activities that helped her stay grounded and connected.If you’re waiting right now, this episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, that your feelings make sense, and that there are still ways to care for yourself while you wait. Expect a big hug, plenty of empathy, and encouragement to hold on to the parts of life that make you feel like you.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Summer holidays can feel anything but relaxing when you’re trying to conceive. Fertile windows, IVF injections, pessaries, medication schedules, time zones, airport security, and questions about why you’re not drinking can make travelling feel like another logistical challenge—not a break.In this supportive episode, we explore the realities of taking a holiday during fertility treatment or while trying naturally, including how to prepare for medication, manage treatment discreetly, and set boundaries with family and friends. You’ll also hear a candid story about navigating IVF medication in a port-a-loo while sightseeing in Barcelona—proof that fertility treatment doesn’t always happen in convenient places!Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you’re allowed to take a break, protect your privacy, and enjoy your holiday without having everything perfectly optimised. With a little planning, you can handle the practicalities and still be present for the moments that matter.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Appointments, scans, blood tests, and familiar clinic waiting rooms can become an exhausting part of the fertility journey—but returning again and again does **not** mean you’ve failed, and an unsuccessful cycle does not make *you* unsuccessful.In this encouraging episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores how the language we use can shape the way we feel. Discover simple ways to reframe difficult moments, from viewing treatment bruises as “badges of honour” to seeing each appointment as another step toward understanding your body and moving forward.You’ll also find practical ideas for making clinic visits feel a little lighter, including creating a feel-good playlist, listening to a podcast, or carrying a message from someone who supports you. You can still feel worried, hopeful, and overwhelmed while choosing a more positive frame of mind.Whether you’re heading to an appointment today or simply need a reminder that you’re doing your best, this episode offers encouragement, compassion, and a big virtual hug.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Rest can feel downright rebellious when you’re trying to conceive. With so much pressure to research, optimize, schedule, test, and “do everything right,” taking a break may seem impossible—or even irresponsible.In this gentle Sunday episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores why rest matters during your fertility journey. You’ll be reminded that you are more than someone trying to get pregnant, and that giving yourself permission to pause isn’t giving up—it’s an essential part of caring for your whole self.Whether it’s reading, meeting a friend, going for a walk, watching something funny, or simply doing nothing, discover how small moments of downtime can help restore your energy, quiet your mind, and reconnect you with the person you are beyond fertility treatment.Today’s invitation is simple: do one restful thing without guilt—not because it guarantees an outcome, but because you deserve moments that aren’t only about trying. Expect encouragement, compassion, and a gentle reminder that rest is part of the journey too.For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription ⁠

Comparison can feel especially painful when you’re trying to conceive. While friends announce pregnancies, strangers share baby number three, or someone gets pregnant “without even trying,” it’s easy to feel left behind—and then feel guilty for not being purely happy for them.In this comforting episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the exhausting cycle of comparing your fertility journey to everyone else’s. She reminds you that your timeline is not a measure of your worth, and that there is no “ahead” or “behind”—only different stories, bodies, circumstances, and paths.If you’re caught in a comparison spiral, try shifting the thought from “I’m jealous” to “I’m exhausted from waiting.” Saying it out loud can help you name what you’re really feeling and create a little space around it. Lara also shares how journaling can help you process difficult emotions and notice patterns in your wellbeing throughout treatment.You are not less worthy because your journey is taking longer. You’re allowed to find this hard, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.For more support, check out my Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription

What if taking a break isn’t giving up—but exactly what you need to keep going?In this episode of *The Daily Try*, we explore the radical permission to step off the fertility-treatment train for a while. The constant testing, tracking, medication, appointments, scheduled sex, research, hope and disappointment can become all-consuming. But pausing isn’t a sign of weakness or that you want a baby any less. It may simply mean your mind and body need space to recover.Hear how taking seven months to pause and reassess helped create clarity after a difficult egg retrieval—and why a break can be a week, a cycle, a month, or simply a day spent reconnecting with yourself.You are more than your fertility journey. Give yourself permission to rest, enjoy the people and activities you love, and remember who you are beyond trying to conceive. Your journey isn’t over because you pause; sometimes, a pause is exactly what the journey needs.Find more helpful resources at www.Hoopsy.com

When friends and family don’t understand fertility struggles, even well-meaning comments can feel dismissive, painful, or completely out of touch. “Just relax,” “Don’t think about it,” or “You can always try again” rarely acknowledge the emotional, physical, financial, and relational weight of trying to conceive.In this episode, we explore the isolation that can come with infertility and IVF—and why the journey is about so much more than wanting a baby. It can affect your identity, your sense of hope, your relationships, and your understanding of the future.You’ll hear an honest reflection on realizing that even people who have experienced IVF may not fully understand your individual choices or circumstances. Most importantly, discover why you don’t owe everyone an explanation, how to protect your emotional energy, and where to find the people who truly get it.If your partner, friends, or family aren’t offering the support you need, you’re not alone—and you deserve to be understood.For more resources visit www.Hoopsy.com

Social media can be a source of support during your fertility journey—but it can also become a painful spiral of pregnancy announcements, “we weren’t even trying” stories, endless symptom-spotting, and upsetting comments.In this episode, Lara explores how online spaces can amplify comparison, disappointment, and false hope—especially after a negative test or during the two-week wait. She shares honest reflections from her own IVF experience, including mistaking medication side effects for pregnancy symptoms, and explains why stepping away from your phone isn’t avoidance—it’s self-preservation.You’ll learn how to curate your feed, mute or unfollow accounts that don’t support you, find kinder and more honest communities, and protect your mental health while still feeling connected. Whether you need humour, practical information, supportive people, or simply a break from fertility content, this episode will help you create an online world that serves you—not one that leaves you feeling further behind.Your takeaway: review who and what you’re following today, and make one change that helps you feel safer, calmer, and less alone.

Fertility grief is real—even when there’s no funeral, no time off work, and no one else knows what you’ve lost.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the heartbreak behind negative pregnancy tests, failed embryo transfers, unexpected results after egg retrieval, and the moment hope gives way to disappointment. She shares her own experience of an early loss after a positive test and the importance of having someone who understands, listens, and simply stays beside you.You don’t have to move on quickly, be brave, or decide on your next step straight away. You’re allowed to grieve, take time, and acknowledge the hopes and plans that didn’t come true. If you’re in the middle of fertility treatment or recovering from a difficult result, this episode is a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself—you are not alone, and you will get through this one day, or even one minute, at a time.

Fertility journeys can bring couples closer—but they can also create distance, loneliness and misunderstandings. In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores why partners often cope differently with IVF and trying to conceive, especially when one person is carrying the physical and emotional weight of treatment.Discover how to ask for the support you actually need, from a listening ear or a hug to help with injections, appointments, meals or simply taking your mind off it. Lara also shares encouragement for anyone navigating their fertility journey alone, including the importance of finding support from friends, community and even digital tools.Whether you’re partnered or single, this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to carry everything by yourself—and that asking for specific, practical help can make all the difference.Check out my monthly fertility snail mail letter...https://hoopsy.com/shop/monthly-fertility-snail-mail-subscription

When fertility treatment makes your body feel like the enemy, it’s easy to become frustrated, exhausted, and convinced that it isn’t “doing its job.” In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the emotional and physical toll of trying to conceive—whether naturally or through IVF or IUI—and reminds you that your body isn’t failing you.From injections, bruising, and bloating to the uncertainty of what’s happening inside, fertility can feel like a battle between what you want and what your body is able to do. But reproduction is incredibly complex, and even scientists don’t fully understand every part of the process.Lara shares a compassionate perspective on working with your body instead of against it, listening to its signals, and offering yourself the care, patience, and kindness you deserve. Discover gentle ways to support yourself through the hard days—and a simple reminder that you and your body are on the same team.My monthly Fertility Snail Mail https://hoopsy.com/shop/monthly-fertility-snail-mail-subscription

Support shouldn’t begin only after a positive test, a successful scan, or a baby’s arrival. In this heartfelt episode, Lara explores the often-overlooked emotional reality of trying to conceive—the waiting, uncertainty, repeated disappointment, and pressure to keep going as if everything is fine.Drawing on her own experience of egg retrieval and embryo transfers, she challenges the idea that you have to be “strong” until there’s something to celebrate. Tracking ovulation, facing another pregnancy test, starting your period, recovering from disappointment, or feeling like your body is a battleground are all experiences that deserve care and understanding now—not later.If fertility treatment or trying to conceive is affecting your sleep, your wellbeing, your relationships, or your sense of self, this is your reminder that you don’t have to struggle privately. There is no medal for suffering alone, and you don’t need a milestone to justify asking for support.You matter in the middle of the journey, too. Consider this episode a sign that you deserve compassion, help, and someone in your corner today.

Trying to conceive can feel like a second job—tracking cycles, taking medication, attending appointments, and navigating IVF or other treatments. But beneath all the clinical details is a real person with hopes, fears, dreams, and a deep need for emotional support.In this episode, Lara explores why the emotional side of fertility journeys is so often overlooked, and why finding people who truly “get it” can make such a difference. Drawing on her own experience of IVF as a single woman—including taking 22 tablets a day—she shares the importance of connection, compassion, and remembering that you are more than your fertility treatment.Whether you’re trying naturally, undergoing IVF, IUI, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to manage it all alone. Discover ways to find heartfelt support, protect your sense of self, and bring a little humanity back to the process.Fertility Snail Mail Monthly letter subscription details here https://hoopsy.com/shop/monthly-fertility-snail-mail-subscription

When it feels like everyone around you is getting pregnant, building families, and moving forward while you’re still waiting, the loneliness, jealousy, grief, and guilt can be overwhelming.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara talks honestly about the emotional impact of fertility struggles—from negative tests and baby announcements to difficult social events and seemingly harmless comments that hit hard. She reminds you that feeling sad for yourself doesn’t mean you’re selfish or unkind; you can be happy for someone else and still acknowledge that their news hurts.This is a gentle, reassuring conversation about releasing comparison, accepting complicated feelings, and making space for your own wellbeing. Discover small ways to care for yourself, find moments of comfort, and focus on what you need today—whether that’s a walk, a long uninterrupted bath, or simply permission to feel exactly as you do.You are not behind. You are not alone. And you don’t have to navigate this journey without kindness toward yourself.

When you’re trying to conceive, unsolicited advice can feel less like support and more like pressure. Take this supplement. Stop drinking coffee. Relax. Try acupuncture. Have you considered adoption? Even well-meaning suggestions can leave you wondering whether you’re doing enough—and send you spiralling through endless internet searches and miracle stories.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores why fertility advice can be so difficult to receive, especially when it comes from people who don’t understand your personal, medical, or emotional circumstances. She shares her own experiences of IVF, adoption suggestions, friendships, and the challenge of setting boundaries without hurting anyone’s feelings.Most importantly, this is a reminder that you don’t have to try everything, explain yourself, or carry other people’s anxiety alongside your own. You’re allowed to say, “Thank you, but I’m focusing on what works for me,” protect your peace, and trust that you’re doing the best you can with the information you have.

Trying to conceive can turn life into a stream of numbers: temperatures, ovulation tests, medication doses, appointments, and endless charts. But when every data point feels like a verdict, it’s easy to believe you’ve done something wrong—or that your worth depends on the outcome.In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara explores the emotional weight of tracking fertility and shares a deeply personal story from her own IVF journey. She reflects on the pressure to do everything “right,” the uncertainty no chart can resolve, and why fertility is not a moral test.You can care about the results without letting them define you. Your body, your journey, and your value are so much more than an app, a temperature, a cycle, or a pregnancy test. Take a breath, be gentle with yourself, and remember: you are doing the best you can—and you are worthy, regardless of what the numbers say.

The two-week wait is one of the most quietly exhausting parts of trying to conceive, and in this episode of The Daily Try we sit together right in the middle of it. We unpack what it really feels like to live in that split-screen space where life carries on as normal while your mind is busy decoding every cramp, twinge, and wave of tiredness, wondering if this month might finally be different. We talk about the testing dance, the emotional toll of repeated cycles, and why this stretch can make your body feel less like home and more like a puzzle. Instead of telling you to “stay calm” or to “just relax,” this episode offers gentler language, validation, and practical ideas for creating small, analogue anchors during the wait—like rituals, walks, baths, or letters—that make these days feel more held and more human. If you are deep in symptom spotting, negotiating test dates with yourself, or simply trying to hold it together while half your brain is spinning, this is your reminder that you are not dramatic, you are not doing it wrong, and you deserve real support while you wait.

The very first episode of the daily try. Lara talks about why she wants to start it why you should listen and what you’ll get out of it. Come and join Lara every day at 7 am UK time or whatever time you listen for your daily dose of support and hugs while you’re on your fertility journey.

Fertility treatment can be financially overwhelming—whether you’re buying supplements, ovulation and pregnancy tests, or paying for IVF appointments, medication, storage and multiple treatment cycles. And when a cycle doesn’t work, the emotional disappointment is often compounded by the feeling that you’ve spent thousands and have “nothing” to show for it.In this episode, Lara explores the hidden financial strain of fertility treatment, from postcode-based NHS funding in the UK to the much higher costs many face in the US and elsewhere. She shares her own experience of funding treatment, travelling abroad and finding creative ways to reduce expenses.You’ll hear practical ideas for easing the pressure, including researching treatment grants and clinical trials, asking clinics for fully itemised costs and payment plans, comparing options abroad, checking HSA/FSA eligibility, looking for package deals and connecting with fertility communities to share unused tests or supplies.Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that struggling to afford treatment is not a reflection of your worth, commitment or desire to become a parent. The system is difficult and unfair—and you’re not alone.For more resources check out www.Hoopsy.com