When you have decided that you want to have a family and it doesn't happen as quickly and easily as you expect it to, stress levels can rise. Over time relationships can lose their spontaneity and even friendships and family relationships can become strained as unwanted and unexpected emotional reactions occur.

From the Fertility Society of Australia we know that;

• Infertility is recognised as the inability to achieve conception after twelve months of unprotected intercourse
• One in six Australian couples have to address infertility
• It is shared equally among men and women 
• Infertility problems may be successfully treated with medical and surgical techniqes and lifestyle changes

Hypnotherapy is a recognized treatment for infertility.

There are a number of studies that show the connection between stress and fertility and although stress is only one consideration in working towards a state of optimum fertility, it is certainly worth reducing stress levels to ensure that you get the most from your chosen treatment plan.

In the journal Human Reproduction, doctors compared pregnancy rates in couples that reported being stressed and those who were not. They found that pregnancy was much more likely to occur during months when couples reported feeling "good" -- happy and relaxed... It was less likely to occur during the months they reported feeling tense or anxious. (From Stress and Infertility an article by Colette Bouchez).

 Similarly, experts at the University of California in San Diego reported on stress and the success of infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). They administered a series of questionnaires designed to measure patients' stress levels and found that women who scored highest -- indicating the highest levels of stress -- had ovulated 20% fewer eggs compared with women who were less stressed. Moreover, of those who were able to produce eggs, those who were most stressed were 20% less likely to achieve fertilization success. (Published in Fertility and Sterility 2005).

 Another stress related study headed by Professor Eliahu Levitas  at the Soroka Hospital in Beersheva showed that 28% of women in the group of 185 who were hypnotized, became pregnant, compared with 14% of those who were not. http://www.ourjerusalem.com/news/story/news20040824.html 

For optimum outcomes it is suggested that clients undertake a series of evenly spaced consultations.

The Fertile Body Method is a six stage process that incorporates hypnosis and other mind-body techniques to promote fertility through the mind body connection;   

The stages are;

1.  Outcome: We clarify the desired outcome for the hypnotherapy treatment. This includes setting the goal, gathering information, and determining the best possible course for treatment.
2.  Balance: Focusses on the current situation and bringing you into a good solid state of mental, emotional and physical balance.
3. Resolve: Addresses any unresolved issues that might be preventing the two of you from becoming parents.
4. Enhance: We work specifically with the conscious and unconscious mind to enhance fertility. 
5. Prepare: Mental, emotional and physical preparation for the next step regardless of whether that is an IVF program, pregnancy, birth or parenthood.
6. Support: Is provided as you make and maintain changes and as your journey unfolds.

Sjanie Hugo, UK fertility expert and  author of The Fertile Body Method developed formulated and promotes this process which is now available in Albury.