Emotional Support

We recognize that receiving fertility treatments can be a very stressful and emotionally difficult journey. To address the psychological aspects of infertility, challenges in decision making, and other reproductive considerations, the Stanford Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center offers individual and group support through our professional and caring counseling staff.

Penny Donnelly, RN MFT

Penny Donnelly, RN MFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford’s Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for primary infertility, miscarriage, those considering ovum or sperm donation, and pregnancy. In addition, Penny founded and leads the nationally recognized mind/body program for infertility patients.

Options for Creating Families

This special event will focus on the different options for family building (see details).

When:   September 9th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where:  Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center Suite 200 (Conference Room)
Cost:     $25/couple or $15/person

Mind Body Course

Research studies have shown that the effects of stress can compromise one's fertility, as illustrated by the following findings:

• Psychological distress is capable of inhibiting the secretion of hormones necessary for reproduction. (Chrousos, G.P., et al)
   
• Women who were the most worried about certain aspects of the IVF experience were up to 30% less likely to achieve pregnancy. (Klonoff-Cohen, H., et al)
   
• Depressed women were significantly less likely to achieve pregnancy than their non-depressed counterparts. (Demyttenaere, K., et al)
   
• Women who completed a mind-body support class were less stressed, less depressed and achieved a much higher pregnancy rate than a wait-list control group. (Domar, A.D., et al)

This 6 session course teaches group members how to reduce stress in their lives, communicate in meaningful ways, become more resilient through adversity, and be attentive through the development of a mindfulness practice.

Please see summary of content for the upcoming course (PDF file).
 

Stress Reduction Lectures Series

As part of our commitment to our patient’s emotional well-being, we are offering a bi-monthly series of Stress Reduction Lectures. The purpose of this series is to educate and support our patients as well as to provide tools to minimize the stress associated with infertility and its treatments.

Location/Time: All lectures will be held at 900 Welch Rd, suite 200, Palo Alto from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Charge per lecture: $25/couple or $15/person - Members of the Mind Body program are entitled to two lectures at no additional charge.

Registration:  To register for any lecture, please call our New Patient Coordinators at 650-498-7911, Option 1.

For more information or questions, please contact Penny Donnelly by phone (650-723-6408) or email.

Please click here for series offerings (PDF file).
 

Support Groups – Stanford IVF Program

We welcome you to utilize any of these complimentary services to promote well-being during your treatment.

Primary Support Group – This group is designed for women who have not had any children yet. The emphasis is on sharing in a warm and supportive environment with other women who are on a similar journey. We periodically incorporate mind/body modalities.

Third Party Reproduction Support Group – This group is for women who are exploring the possibility of having a child with the assistance of donor egg or sperm. The emotional, ethical, and logistical issues are explored. Issues related to disclosure are also discussed.

Repeat Pregnancy Loss Support Group - Although there are many promising treatments for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, women often struggle in ways that are unique. Feelings of sadness, grief, and anxiety over the loss of an unborn child are often deeper and more severe than what would normally be expected. This journey can be complicated by fears of not being able to successfully carry a pregnancy to term and apprehensions about having the right mind-set to succeed. Women are invited to join this group that have experienced two or more miscarriages and/or are now pregnant and struggling with the fear of another loss.

Click here to see the Support Group Schedule (PDF file)

For information, please email Penny Donnelly, RN MFT or call her at 650-723-6408.

Individual and couples counseling also available upon request.