The Counsellors

Melbourne IVF has a strong focus on counselling and the team are able to offer a wide range of experience and expertise in fertility and relationship counselling. You can access a counsellor at any of our sites, including at the suburban clinics and there is no additional cost for counselling sessions.

Appointments can be made by telephoning Reception at Melbourne IVF (MIVF) at East Melbourne or at Reproductive Services (RS) at The Royal Women’s Hospital.

The Counsellors have written a book entitled “Taking Charge of your Infertility” which explores commonly experienced emotions and reactions to fertility problems and suggest ways to make this difficult time easier to manage. The book also discusses issues which may be raised, such as using donors, genetics, adoption, stopping treatment and dealing with loss. This book is available from your doctor or the counselling team.

The Team

Kay Oke is the Senior Counsellor and Manager, who works at both MIVF and RS. Kay is also responsible for genetic counselling and works full time.

Louise O’Byrne works at Sunshine on Wednesdays and at MIVF on Thursdays and Fridays. Louise has trained in family therapy and has a special interest in relationship counselling.

Catherine Nave works at MIVF on Mondays and Tuesdays and at Ringwood on Thursdays. Catherine is the clinic representative on the ART support group, and as such is involved in the organisation of Information Evenings.

Merrilyn Mannerheim works at RS on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and alternates Fridays between Epping and MIVF.

Jo Moffat works at RS on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Tamara Blacher works at MIVF on Mondays and Thursdays and at Dandenong on Wednesdays. Tamara also runs a relaxation and yoga group for women undergoing IVF treatment. If you are interested in attending, please contact the counselling department for more information.

Andrea Smales works at MIVF on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please note:

• Saturday morning counselling appointments are available at MIVF
  
  
• If you are married or in a de facto relationship, you and your partner must attend the mandatory counselling sessions at the commencement of treatment.

Support Groups

Two new groups have commenced and are facilitated and supported by the counsellors:  Donor Egg Mothers Group and Single Mothers Group – if you are interested in attending either, please ask the counsellors or see the website page for more information.

Contact numbers for Counsellors:

Melbourne IVF at East Melbourne (03) 9473 4418 or (03) 9473 4444 (at the weekends)
Reproductive Services at The Royal Women’s Hospital: (03) 8345 3217.

The infertility counsellors at Melbourne IVF are professionals whose role it is to help deal with the stress and emotions involved in trying to achieve a pregnancy, or in dealing with other fertility issues. They can help couples or individuals explore better ways of coping with anxiety or stress, and provide support and understanding with relationship difficulties- a common problem with couples experiencing infertility.

You do not need to be a patient of Melbourne IVF to see a counsellor and there is no charge for this service.

If month after month goes by and you are still not pregnant, or you have lost a pregnancy, the counselling service may be able to help you.

These times are extremely stressful. Not only are there medical options to consider but also many social and emotional issues to deal with. It is not unusual for relationships to become strained and for there to be difficulties talking with friends and family.

Normal reactions to infertility include:

• shock
  
  
  
  
• anger
  
  
  
  
• frustration
  
  
  
  
• depression
  
  
  
  
• confusion
  
  
  
  
• envy

It is a legal requirement for all couples to see a counsellor before commencing IVF or donor gamete treatment. Consent forms are signed at these interviews, and the counsellor will outline the implications of treatment.

Donor Issues

Many couples attending Melbourne IVF wish to use donor gametes (eggs, sperm or embryos). Donors may be known to the couple or may be anonymous and arranged by Melbourne IVF. There are many social and legal implications involved in using donor gametes and it is important to discuss these with a counsellor before proceeding. In Victoria all births from donor gametes must be registered on a Central Register at the Infertility Treatment Authority. All offspring can apply for identifying information about the donor when they turn 18.

Specific enquiries about sperm donation should be directed to Laura  - Telephone (03) 9473 4428

Queries about egg and embryo donation can be addressed to any of the counsellors.

"Sometimes it takes three to make a baby"

Writen by Kate Bourne and illustrated by Ron Thompson

Written by an infertility counsellor, "Sometimes It Takes Three to Make a Baby" is primarily written for young children to help then understand the way they began. It will also be of interest to thier parents, friends and family and to egg donors and thier children.

**"Sometimes it takes three to make a baby" is available from Melbourne IVF for $AU20 and $AU23 if posted. You may download an order form from here. (Please Note: No refunds will be given on purchase)

Genetic Counselling

Some people require IVF or donor gamete treatment because they, or members of their family, have a specific genetic disease. The counsellors are able to discuss the options available to the couple and the implications arising from each form of treatment. Those having PGD treatment are also required to see one of the genetic counsellors. Specific genetic counselling queries should be directed to Kay Oke at Melbourne IVF. Appointments can also be made with Dr Mac Gardner or Dr David Amor. They are medical geneticist at Melbourne IVF.

Counsellors are available at Melbourne IVF Monday to Saturday. Please phone 9473 4444 for more information or to make an appointment.

Disposal of Embryos

A major issue for many couples is what to do with their frozen embryos if they are not going to use them themselves.
This may be after 5 years when embryos are not permitted to remain frozen or it may be because your family has been completed.
Many people find that the decision about what to do with the embryos is very hard. Choices include donating, disposing or using them and it is often sensible to discuss this with a counsellor before making the final decision.

Taking Charge of your Infertility

Written by the counsellors at Melbourne IVF, edited by Kay Oke

This book is for couples who are undergoing fertility treatments. It outlines some techniques for feeling more in control of the situation and useful resources. This book deals also with the emotions involved with infertility and undergoing treatments.

Topics include:

• Facing Infertility
  
  
  
  
• Relationships
  
  
  
  
• Coping with IVF donor options
  
  
  
  
• Pregnancy loss
  
  
  
  
• Stopping treatment

*"Taking Charge of Your Infertility" is available from Melbourne IVF for $AU12, or $AU15 if posted. (Please Note: No refunds will be given on purchase)

To obtain copies of publications listed on this page via post please contact Melbourne IVF:
Melbourne IVF
10/320 Victoria Pde
East Melbourne, 3002
PH: (+61 3) 9473 4444