Sep 27, 2026 · 23 min · 9 segments
In this episode of *Workplace Benefits Unwrapped*, Fran Steyn explores the emotional impact of fertility burnout and why the demands of trying to conceive can leave people feeling physically and…
Tracey SainsburyGuest
Fran SteynGuest
Johnny SeafootHost
Just thinking about it, I know that we've done this job for a long time, Tracy, but people are just, you know, they're so impacted, aren't they, by what's going on? I started
out a long time ago doing CBT in a GP surgery, as lots of counsellors do, and we used to have six sessions together.
You've got to get them from being not scared of spiders, terrified of spiders to coping with a spider.
You know, let's change the way you think, change the way you feel and cope better.
So every different aspect of your life, your ability, capacity to see friends and family, your capacity to function as well in your job, communication in relationships, sexuality, Every different part of you is challenged.
How can people set boundaries in terms of when they're going to have children or mentioning IVF or fertility? How can people set boundaries to deal with those sort of questions?
I think if you're real, often we try and be honest with the people that are closest to us.
So do you know what I'd really rather you not ask? If we've got any news, we'll let you know.
If we do it with a smile rather than frustration, then it tends to land a bit better.
Because you don't think, oh, well, God, I hope they never have kids because they'd be a terrible parent.
If there's love, care, affirmation that they think you make a lovely parent, take the compliment.
If we do have kids in the future, we'll let you know if we've got any news.
Again, this is about not alienating or shutting doors, but protecting you.
Just thinking about it, I know that we've done this job for a long time, Tracy, but people are just, you know, they're so impacted, aren't they, by what's going on? I started
out a long time ago doing CBT in a GP surgery, as lots of counsellors do, and we used to have six sessions together.
You've got to get them from being not scared of spiders, terrified of spiders to coping with a spider.
You know, let's change the way you think, change the way you feel and cope better.
So every different aspect of your life, your ability, capacity to see friends and family, your capacity to function as well in your job, communication in relationships, sexuality, Every different part of you is challenged.
How can people set boundaries in terms of when they're going to have children or mentioning IVF or fertility? How can people set boundaries to deal with those sort of questions?
I think if you're real, often we try and be honest with the people that are closest to us.
So do you know what I'd really rather you not ask? If we've got any news, we'll let you know.
If we do it with a smile rather than frustration, then it tends to land a bit better.
Because you don't think, oh, well, God, I hope they never have kids because they'd be a terrible parent.
If there's love, care, affirmation that they think you make a lovely parent, take the compliment.
If we do have kids in the future, we'll let you know if we've got any news.
Again, this is about not alienating or shutting doors, but protecting you.
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