An Interview With Lucinda Koza
Self-Care Routine — Prioritise nutrition, rest, and gentle exercise.
Infertility and the journey through IVF are challenges that many individuals and couples face, often accompanied by emotional, physical, and financial stress. Despite advancements in reproductive technology, the process can be isolating and fraught with uncertainty. How can we better support those navigating infertility and IVF, and what strategies can help manage the various challenges along the way? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Sami Almusawa.
Dr Sami Almusawa (MBBS, MRCOG) is a highly qualified member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He is a Medical Director and leading Fertility Consultant at Plan Your Baby, a leading telehealth fertility and pregnancy clinic. Prior to joining the team at Plan Your Baby, he worked at ARGC, one of the world’s leading IVF clinics, delivering the UK’s highest success rates in IVF and ICSI.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you tell us a bit about you and your backstory?
I am a fertility consultant working in the UK, dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome the challenges of infertility and IVF. My journey began in the NHS, where I observed how limited access to fertility treatment was, especially for those living far from specialist centres. I now work for Plan Your Baby, a telehealth service that offers comprehensive fertility support and testing across over 350 locations nationwide. Our goal is to make fertility treatment more accessible and less disruptive, providing localised options for blood tests and scans to reduce the time and financial burdens that often accompany fertility treatment.
How did you get involved in the fertility field?
My desire to work in this field started when I was a medical student and attended fertility clinics. I saw a desperation in these patients that was different, and I wanted very badly to help such people achieve their dream of becoming parents. I was inspired by the resilience of patients and the potential impact of better access to fertility services, which led me to join the team at Plan Your Baby. The telehealth approach here allows me to help reduce the logistical barriers to care and focus on supporting patients holistically through their journeys.
From your experience working with individuals and couples navigating infertility and IVF, what are some of the most common emotional challenges they face, and how can healthcare providers best support them in managing these emotions?
The emotional challenges are vast. Patients often experience feelings of isolation, guilt, anxiety, and helplessness. These emotions are amplified by the stress of balancing treatment with daily life. Healthcare providers can best support patients by offering continuous emotional support, providing access to counselling services, and normalising these feelings. At Plan Your Baby, we prioritise this aspect, encouraging regular check-ins and offering a support network to help patients feel connected and reassured throughout their journey. My journey in the field of fertility has been deeply fulfilling yet incredibly humbling, as it’s allowed me to support patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Fertility treatments often come with significant physical and hormonal impacts on the body. What strategies do you recommend to patients for managing the physical toll of IVF, and how can healthcare professionals better assist in minimising these side effects?
Self-care is essential. We advise patients to focus on a balanced diet, gentle exercise, and adequate rest. I also recommend mindfulness techniques to manage stress and discomfort. Healthcare providers can help by being transparent about potential side effects and providing resources for symptom relief, such as dietary guidance and stress management strategies. Regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans based on individual reactions can also help reduce the physical toll.
Following through with the complete process of fertility testing and treatment can be gruelling. How can someone cope with constant procedures, medications, hormones?
Coping with repeated treatments can be exhausting. Establishing a routine of self-care, setting realistic goals, and taking breaks when needed are essential. We also encourage patients to celebrate small milestones and seek support through community groups or therapy. At Plan Your Baby, we strive to make the process smoother by providing local options for tests and scans, which reduces the physical and mental strain of travel.
Financial stress is a major factor for many couples undergoing fertility treatments. How can healthcare providers and therapists address this stress proactively, and are there any resources or advice you offer to help patients navigate the financial challenges of IVF?
Fertility treatment can be costly, and this financial stress often exacerbates emotional strain. We advocate for financial counselling as part of the process and guide patients to resources that may help, such as payment plans or grants. By making tests and scans more accessible locally, Plan Your Baby reduces the need for costly travel, which helps patients allocate resources more efficiently. We also partner with companies that can provide financial assistance for those who want it.
Can you please share “5 Things You Need to Navigate the Challenges of Infertility and IVF”?
- Emotional Resilience — Cultivate mental resilience through therapy, mindfulness, and support networks.
- Informed Support System — Surround yourself with people who understand the journey and can offer practical help.
- Self-Care Routine — Prioritise nutrition, rest, and gentle exercise.
- Financial Planning — Take time to assess costs and explore financial aid options.
- A Trusted Healthcare Team — Work with a compassionate and accessible medical team that prioritises your individual needs.
The isolation that often accompanies infertility can be overwhelming. What role does mental health support play in the IVF journey, and what can healthcare professionals do to create a more connected and supported experience for patients going through this process?
Mental health support is crucial for coping with the stress and isolation of fertility treatment. We incorporate psychological support as part of our approach, providing both individual and group counselling options. Healthcare professionals can help by connecting patients with peer groups and support networks, creating a sense of community among those facing similar challenges. We can also connect patients with a fertility counsellor or psychologist if they desire it.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger!
If I could start a movement, it would be one advocating for universal access to fertility care. Infertility affects people regardless of background, yet access to treatment is often limited by financial or geographic barriers. A movement to make fertility care universally accessible could have a transformative impact, giving more people the chance to build the families they dream of.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.
About the Interviewer: After becoming her father’s sole caregiver at a young age, Lucinda Koza founded I-Ally, a community-based app that provides access to services and support for millennial family caregivers. Mrs. Koza has had essays published in Thought Catalog, Medium Women, Caregiving.com and Hackernoon.com. She was featured in ‘Founded by Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Female Founders’ by Sydney Horton. A filmmaker, Mrs. Koza premiered short film ‘Laura Point’ at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and recently co-directed ‘Caregivers: A Story About Them’ with Egyptian filmmaker Roshdy Ahmed. Her most notable achievement, however, has been becoming a mother to fraternal twins in 2023. Reach out to Lucinda via social media or directly by email: lucinda@i-ally.com.
Dr Sami Almusawa Of Plan Your Baby On Navigating the Challenges of Infertility and IVF was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.