On the road to motherhood

Last week, the IVF Unit at Hillel Yaffe held the first meeting of its kind, especially for couples undergoing fertility treatment or wanting to start. 

"The idea behind this type of meeting," said Clinical Assistant Professor Einat Shalom-Paz, Unit Director, "Is to provide up-to-date information about fertility treatments, but mainly to create open communication between those who are in the process or wanting to learn more about it. Couples or women who are in the process or who are interested in starting, are frequently inundated with information, recommendations and mainly, lots of confusion. For us, in the unit, it is important not only to provide individual and comprehensive care, but to clear up the confusion, give them a shoulder to lean on and a sympathetic ear. As far as I'm concerned, as the Unit Director, this in an inherent part of treatment. That is why it was important for us to create an open, pleasant and, most importantly, an inviting meeting: to ask, to show interest, to understand and receive support," she smiles. 

Clinical Associate Prof. Einat Shalom-Paz (on the right) and Carmella Kanner, who came to share her personal story

As part of the meeting, aside from a delightful breakfast, the participants enjoyed enriching lectures by the unit's experts on the process of investigating infertility, the existing treatments, explanation about the nursing care provided in the department and about the work of the laboratory, which is integral. Additionally, there were lectures on how to take advantage of complementary medicine during fertility treatment and the ways the unit helps alleviate the anxiety and pressure. Carmella Kanner, a former patient of the Unit, ended the day by sharing her personal experience "on the road to motherhood." Her story elicited very emotional responses from the audience, in light of the happy results at the end of the complex process. At the end of the day, there was an open discussion and a Q&A panel, which also proved to be very popular.

"This was a first meeting, and we intend to hold others like it every few months," said Clinical Assistant Prof. Shalom-Paz. "The IVF process if frequently complex, lengthy and requires a great deal of patience. Stated simply, it's not easy, to say the least. In the Unit, we focus on professionalism, but no less emphasis is placed on the emotional aspect and the personal touch - that's our successful recipe for a baby. And that is why we will continue to do everything that will help those who come to us make their dream come true."