In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Bourke, also known as The Fertility Detective.

With over 20 years of experience, Jessica supports people through the challenges of trying to conceive, infertility, and pregnancy loss.

We talk about how she came into this work, the support she offers, and the common struggles her clients face. Jessica also shares her thoughts on why it's so important to speak up for yourself throughout this journey, from getting the right care to having your needs recognised.

We also talk about the urgent need for paid miscarriage leave in Ireland, and gently invite you to support this by signing the petition linked in the show notes.

This episode touches on sensitive topics like miscarriage and fertility struggles so please listen with care.

If this episode felt helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. And if you’d like to listen to more, don’t forget to follow or subscribe.

Link for paid miscarriage leave in Ireland is below. Every signature helps raise awareness and bring this much needed change closer to becoming a reality.

https://www.change.org/p/mandate-paid-leave-for-miscarriage-prior-to-24-weeks-in-ireland

You’ll find Jessica on Instagram at @thefertilitydetective, and you can learn more about the support she offers on her website: ⁠https://www.jessicabourke.com⁠.

A list of support resources is provided below for those seeking additional support and guidance at this time.

Miscarriage Association of Ireland

Tel: 01 873 5702

www.miscarriage.ie

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland

www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie

Ectopic Pregnancy Ireland

www.ectopicireland.ie

Féileacáin

Tel: 085 249 6464

www.feileacain.ie

Gateway Women

https://gateway-women.com/bio/

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

www.iacp.ie

Irish Fertility Counsellors Association

https://fertilitycounsellors.ie/

Other Support Groups:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/acute-hospitals-division/woman-infants/bereavement-care/bereavement-support-groups/

Music Credit to Purple Planet 55245402