Fertility: Miscarriages led to years of loneliness before baby

Hawys Barrett had an ectopic pregnancy and two miscarriages before the birth of her son, three-year-old Mabon

A mum has said she faced years of loneliness after several unsuccessful attempts to have a baby.

Hawys Barrett, 38, from Carmarthenshire, had an ectopic pregnancy and two miscarriages before IVF treatment in 2019.

She said she waited "month by month, waiting to see if it had worked" before her three-year-old son Mabon was born.

Charity Fertility Network UK has said four in 10 women going through treatment reported suicidal feelings.

The Welsh government said three clinics in Wales provided access to counselling for NHS patients.

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Mrs Barrett said the six years before the birth of her son was "difficult and lonely" time.

She said she was "pulled and prodded" to try and find out why she was having difficulty trying to conceive.

Mrs Barrett said it was difficult having to tell her husband when fertility treatment hadn't worked

"I had a series of different hormones and things to try and during that time, I did become pregnant twice, but lost the babies in the very early days," she said.

"It was a really difficult time. It was always a very lonely time. Living month by month, waiting to see if it had worked or if it hadn't.

"Then having to share that sad news with [my husband]. It was difficult."

Emma Rees, Wales co-ordinator for Fertility Network UK, cited "concerning" responses to a survey made by the charity last year.

Emma Rees said a majority of respondents felt worried, sad or anxious often or all of the time

"Support is critical when it comes to your fertility journey because it's a very isolating experience," she said.

She said more than 80% of respondents told the charity they feel worried, sad or anxious often or all of the time.

"More worryingly, 40% told us they had felt suicidal."

Plaid Cymru's Sian Gwenllian said fertility services in Wales were "not good enough across Wales" and need to be improved.

The Arfon MS said the services are "particularly bad here in the north west".

Sian Gwenllian said women should have access to proper support "no matter where they live"

"The clinics are far away and are very costly. Something needs to change," she added.

"We need to improve the facilities that are available, improve the support that's available, and we need to bring proper provision and expertise to people, no matter where they live."

The Welsh government said it recognised going through the process of IVF could be a difficult time for people.

"The Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) commissions IVF services on behalf of all health boards in Wales.

"The three clinics commissioned by WHSSC all provide access to counselling for NHS patients.

"We would encourage anyone needing further support during treatment to speak to their fertility team or local health board."

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