My Fertility Specialist Magazine May-July 2016 | Page 5
ONLINE RESOURCES
In every issue of My Fertility Specialist magazine we will suggest some online resources, be it a website, professional body or
blog that we feel are helpful, honest and informative.
I’m sure this issue’s will be of use to many, and if it isn’t useful to you right now, it may be in the future. We always welcome
your input so if there is an Online Resource you think will be useful to others, please let us know and we’ll research it and quite
probably include it in a future issue. Simply email [email protected]. Thank you.
The Fertile Chick
www.thefertilechickonline.com
‘The Fertile Chick’ was borne from my experience with infertility and the isolation there was around the subject at the time.
It is pretty much a down-to-earth arena to discuss all things fertility and baby. It was originally meant for Nigerian women
mainly, but thanks to Facebook, we have quite a following in other West African countries….and even other parts of Africa.
Our site is a place where all issues related to conception, and the inability to, are discussed in a simple, no-medical-jargonmumbo-jumbo manner.
We have a number of forums, where issues relating to general fertility, assisted reproduction, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis,
etc., are discussed. We have also formed something of a close-knit family, with our members swapping stories, buddying-up,
and cheering each other on with gutso…crying together for every negative pregnancy test, and jubilant together with every
happy milestone achieved! We just had the 5th baby born in our community, all by members who began their journeys with
us, so it’s been a truly special couple of years!
Of course, I can’t fail to mention our blog, where we publish unique articles, written not only by me but also by our finest
contributors.
During my own (in)fertility journey, I often had to comb through dozens of websites to be able to extract some minuscule
piece of information. And of course, finding any information useful for, and specific to me in Nigeria,
was a Herculean task. In addition to not being able to find much information that would be useful to
me, the devil called ‘SILENCE’ just added to my frustration. I guess it is because of the stigma associated
with infertility in this side of the world, but it was heart breaking for me not to have anybody to talk to;
to counsel me; to advise me. People whom I knew had battled infertility would rather keep quiet than
share their experience with me. Thankfully, I got my happy ending (or beginning!), and I was motivated
to reach out to help the many women who, just like I did, are trekking the infertility desert.
If we can help just one person, our work is truly done.
Where’s My Stork?
Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)
www.wheresmystork.com
www.acupuncture-fertility.org
‘Where’s My Stork?’ is a personal blog that’s also filled with
valuable information for those on a fertility journey - from
personal experiences in clinics abroad, abbreviations used
in fertility talk, support groups, nutrition, suggestions for
your 2-week wait and more.
The AFN is a website with two purposes; the first is for
people to find an acupuncturist in their local area in the
UK who specialises in fertility, and the second purpose is,
it’s a professional special interest group for acupuncturists
dedicated to supporting those with fertility issues.
‘Where’s my Stork?’ was originally started as a place to
vent, cry and unpack all the overwhelming emotions
associated with struggling to conceive. However, what
has developed is a blog that has become a source of
inspiration and encouragement to all ladies (or couples)
that are facing some fertility challenges. Popular posts
include, ‘IVF is a possessive lover’ and ‘What’s your
journey?’
AFN practitioners are all post graduate, and have qualified
after a minimum 3 year course of study and have also done
a minimum of 14 hours integrated training in gynaecology,
with a specific emphasis on training to support assisted
protocols.
The blog features regular interviews with inspirational
ladies who have overcome their struggles with grace and
strength (ordinary heroes), interviews with authors, such
as Lori Shandle-Fox (Laughing IS Conceivable) and great
tips from many expert fertility service providers such as
Fertility Coaches, EFT Specialists and Acupuncturists.
There is also general information on What is Traditional
Chinese Medicine?; how acupuncture can support you and
explanations of fertility issues from the
perspective of TCM.
The member’s area for acupuncturists
allows access to podcasts, research
and forums.
My Fertility Specialist / May-Jul, 2016
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