Our clinicians, nurses, counsellors, administration, scientists and support staff are there to support you each step of the way as are the various fertility support groups that operate throughout Australia
We encourage everyone on our program to continue with their normal life, as this is the best way to deal with the extra stresses. You will only need to be away from work for a short time each treatment cycle; rarely more than a couple of days for women and a couple of hours for men.
Some women may feel tired, bloated, nauseous and moody as result of the hormone treatment which may require them to get more rest then usual.
As well, most couples experience a "roller coaster ride" of emotions, particularly if a treatment cycle is not successful. This, and other factors, can place great strains on your relationship, so it is very important that you and your partner receive understanding and support throughout the program.
To help you while you are going through the process of trying to achieve a pregnancy, we offer a range of support services. Individual and couple counselling is available to help overcome any difficulties you may be experiencing with your treatment, feelings or relationships.
Group counselling is also provided which gives couples an opportunity to share experiences and concerns with others. Counselling sessions are run by specialised psychologists and are free to all those on our program.
Active support groups hold regular meetings, produce newsletters and organise fundraising activities.
IVF Friends
IVF Friends was formed in 1980 by couples participating in the Monash University In Vitro Fertilisation Program, now known as Monash IVF. Its membership consists of more than 1,500 couples from a wide range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds. It devotes its entire resources to issues relating to infertility, particularly IVF, and to the well-being of couples on our program.
IVF Friends is an autonomously constituted support group, with its main concern being the representation of members' interests. However, it maintains a close and privileged relationship with Monash IVF nationally.
IVF Friends - Objectives
- To provide moral support for members through the creation of a supportive environment and development of new friendships
- To assist members to understand the in vitro fertilisation embryo transfer techniques as well as other forms of treatment of infertility
- To raise money for the in vitro fertilisation program, primarily to assist in the purchase of medical equipment to be used in the program
- To undertake any voluntary work which IVF Friends members may from time to time see fit
Email:
info@ivffriends.com.au
Membership enquiries: (03) 9449 0290
Other Support Groups in Australia
ACCESS - Australia's national infertility network
Access is committed to promoting the well being and welfare of all infertile people. Membership is open to anyone experiencing infertility or who would like to understand or know more about it, supporting allied health care professionals and corporate benefactors.
Donor Conception Support Network
This is a self funding organisation run by volunteers which has been in existance since 1993. Starting with a membership of 20, the group has now grown to 250 members. The membership is made up of people considering using donor sperm, egg or embryo, others currently on programmes, those who already have children conceived on donor programmes and also some adult donor offsrping. There are also social workers, doctors and clinic staff as members of the support groups. The group believes that Donor Gamete families need an ongoing support system. Unlike many other infertility treatments those using Donor Gametes continue to need support beyond the initial decision making and treatment.
Endometriosis Association (Victoria)
The Endometriosis Association (Victoria) is a self help group run for and by women with Endometriosis. The aims of the Association are:
- To provide relevant and current information on endometriosis
- To offer mutual support and help to sufferers and their families
- To promote the public awareness of endometriosis
- To conduct and support research into aspects of endometriosis
Angel Babies Foundation provides free counselling and information to individuals and families across Australia experiencing anxiety, grief or loss relating to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, perinatal death, stillbirth, premature birth or neonatal death.
They are committed to providing education and resources aimed at improving the physical health and well-being of Australians before, during and after pregnancy; reducing the risks in pregnancy; and improving the mental health outcomes for individuals and families touched by baby loss and infertility.