What's it like for the Parents: Jen and Eileen

I had the honour of chatting to Jen Roberts and her Mum, Eileen, (back when the weather was a tad less icy!) and it’s one of my favourite podcast episodes yet. Eileen’s insight from a mother’s perspective on what it’s like to watch your child experience infertility, miscarriage, IVF- and then to share it all on Instagram- is just so moving and important. These two are such personalities!! And both are so eloquent. I hope that lots of parents will get comfort from listening and that maybe this chat will also help you to know that the tricky feelings that come up within families as a result of all this are all really, really normal. Jen and Eileen are so real and authentic. We cover loads here including a difficult decision over what to do for Jen this Christmas with a new baby due any day now in the family. I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think. Jen has had a really hard time recently but was still happy for me to share this in the hope that her truth and honesty would bring comfort to others - I am so grateful for the privilege of being part of this conversation and to be able to share it with you. Fave quotes: Eileen: "I am of an age where instagram is not at the forefront of my being...I started thinking - I wouldn’t have said that! This is so personal and private...I was beside myself that she was 'airing her dirty washing in public'! But the more I read, the more I understood..." Jen: "the way you respond now is with much more empathy and understanding that I was perceiving was the case before" Eileen: "If you sat here now and you said: if you had your leg chopped off but in 9 months Jen would have a healthy baby I would say: right...let’s go. I would. Because for me: it’s a trade off I could do, to get her what she wants." thisisalicerose.com Instagram @thisisalicerose. I’m running a free live event, Reclaiming You, on 21 April and 22 April for anyone trying to bring home a baby and finding themselves feeling lost; stuck in a ‘left behind’ mentality; exhausted and in comparison mode. Read more about it, to see if it’s suitable for you and join me by saving your space here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Hi. I'm Alice. After my own fertility journey I wanted to support and empower other people facing one too. I needed: powerful tools to cope crucial information must have mindset hacks connection to a community who got it So, on board my podcast the Life Raft this is what you'll find. It's a totally safe space, so you can get cosy and listen to warm, honest, sometimes funny, inspiring and uplifting conversations with leading life coaches; mindset experts, thought leaders, real life patients plus topical news and so much more. I am determined to make this all just feel much less scary or overwhelming for you, less lonely and much more manageable, whatever your story. It is time to radically change the narrative for people going through all this (and our wider society). Also, I promise never, ever to tell you to 'just relax'. Not on my watch. PLUS when you subscribe, rate and review I'll send you a big box of chocolate brownies OK?? The more ratings and reviews we receive, the more people will find it and hopefully use it to build their own Life Raft. (*alright the brownies were a big fat lie, but I will send you a LOT of virtual love). THANK YOU SO MUCH! Oh, also I have an amazingly positive and lovely Instagram community so come and find us there for more support. If you're ready to start feeling better right now, head to fertilityliferaft.com where you can find actionable, bite-sized downloads including my best selling 10 day mindset shift course. Take care, Axx