A branded mini series in partnership with Wild Nutrition, celebrating the launch of The Fertility Disconnect report.
Secondary infertility does not get the airtime it deserves. And yet, according to The Fertility Disconnect report, 79% of people say they want more children than they currently have. For those with one child, that figure rises to 88%.
In this final episode of the Wild Nutrition mini series, Gail and I go deep on one of the most underserved conversations in the fertility space. Gail shares her own ongoing experience of secondary infertility, including her adenomyosis diagnosis, the emotional weight of wanting to grow her family while already being a parent, and why the medical system often leaves people with one child to fend for themselves.
This is also a conversation about recovery. About what pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood actually do to the body nutritionally, and why so many of us enter a second conception journey already depleted without realising it. Secondary infertility is where I find myself too, and it is a topic I have been asked to talk about more. I am so glad we finally did.
What we discuss in this episode:
- What secondary infertility actually is and why it gets so little attention
- Gail's own experience: breastfeeding, cycles returning, a new adenomyosis diagnosis and the emotional complexity of wanting a second child
- Why having one child often means you fall outside the criteria for NHS fertility support
- The injustice of not qualifying for IVF if your partner already has a child from a previous relationship
- Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect: 79% of respondents want more children than they have; 88% among those with one child
- Why people delay growing their family and how biological timelines do not always align with life circumstances
- What pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding do to nutrient stores and why recovery is so often skipped
- The specific tests and checks Gail recommends for anyone struggling to conceive a second time
- Why thyroid health and iron are the two most common deficiencies she sees in postpartum women
- The increased likelihood of endometriosis, fibroids and adenomyosis diagnoses after childbirth
- How to start preparing your body again: the foundations of a recovery and preconception plan
- Why blood sugar balance, three solid meals a day and sleep are not optional
- The relationship strain that comes with secondary infertility and why therapy can be a real part of the toolkit
- How to navigate the language around having one child and find the words that work for you
- Fertility in the workplace: what support is increasingly available and why it matters
- What Gail would want anyone feeling alone in this to hear
Key stats from The Fertility Disconnect report
- 79% of respondents said they want more children than they currently have
- 88% of those with one child said they want more
- 26% cited career progression as a reason for delaying growing their family
- 25% pointed to housing constraints and affordability as barriers
Links mentioned in this episode
The Fertility Disconnect report by Wild Nutrition:
Free fertility consultation with Wild Nutrition:
Exclusive listener offer:
- 50% off Wild Nutrition supplements for 3 months
- A free personal consultation with an expert nutritional therapist
Visit wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast to get started. Terms and conditions apply.
About Gail Madalena
Gail Madalena is a fertility and cycle health specialist and registered nutritional therapist with deep expertise in IVF, recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. She supports women through conception, pregnancy and postpartum with tailored, evidence-based guidance and works with Wild Nutrition to offer personalised consultations for those trying to conceive.
Missed the other episodes in this mini series?
- Episode 1: Understanding Your Fertility Health
- Episode 2: Weight, Nutrition & the Road to Conception
Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time 💛
