IVF and work

[2021babyhope]

I was just wondering how many of you cope with going through IVF and working at the same time. Did you tell your employer what you were going through?

I almost did but changed my mind and now the companies just been sold so I'm glad I didn't as I'm sure they'll be making redundancies and don't want to put myself in the firing line.

Hey I didn't. Overall in the 2-week IVF period all I needed out of work was 1 hour for the baseline scan, 1 hour for a blood test, 1 hour for the next scan then half a day for EC. So if you're in a position like me where it would be detrimental to your career, it is manageable not to tell them x

I haven’t start yet, due to start in September and I’m not going to tell anyone. Not just for my career, I don’t want the added pressure of people knowing and wanting a result. Best of luck!

I always told my boss but he and I have a good working relationship and helped me find discrete places to do my injections and arranged working from home etc

My first cycle was in lockdown so it was easier. I didnt tell anyone at work.
This one is harder as I've been back in the office since the start of April. I haven't told my boss this time, my last ended in miscarriage and he saw how devastated I was so I just wont tell him this time unless it works.. he will just worry. Worry about me - that it works and I'll then go on mat leave, and worried if it doesn't how I will be.

I didn’t. My Manager would have been supportive but I don’t like sharing personal things at work unless I have too. Our clinic setup was great, they did all scans between 7am and 9am and it was on my way into work so I arrived at work my usual time each day. I called in sick for egg collection day (self certified as I only took one day) and then said I had a Drs appt and left a couple of hours early for the transfer. It all depends on your clinic setup and if you can fit it around work.

I think they can't (or shouldn't be able to ) discriminate and fire someone who is going through IVF. Isn't this all the more reason to keep this person employed? No? So, my friend did tell her company and they were extremely helpful and supportive. She was working in a big company with supermarkets all over the country. And I think I am going to let HR know and my manager, once I start meds for my 1st cycle (should be soon enough). But it's something personal and shouldn't share if you don't feel comfortable doing so.