Podcast

795. Coaching Through Infertility: Grief, Hope, and Acceptance – With Anke Egger

In this episode, I speak with Anke Egger, an experienced coach and facilitator who specialises in fertility and infertility, about a deeply personal topic that touches many people but is often difficult to talk about. We explore the emotional complexity of wanting children, struggling to conceive, experiencing miscarriage, or facing the possibility of a life without children. We also look at the social expectations surrounding parenthood, the conflicting messages people receive about career and family, and how these pressures can make an already difficult experience even harder. For coaches, this conversation highlights why fertility deserves far more attention in coaching education and practice.

Together, we discuss the impact of infertility on mental health, relationships, sexuality, identity, and the experience of being in one’s body. Anke shares insights from her own journey and her work with clients, including the challenges of fertility treatment, the painful uncertainty of waiting for results, and the struggle to accept what cannot be controlled. We explore how couples can communicate more honestly about their hopes and fears, why difficult conversations are often postponed, and how grief, shame, anger, and sadness can affect intimacy. We also consider the different ways men and women may experience fertility struggles, while recognising that everyone’s experience is unique.

Finally, we look at how coaches can offer meaningful support without pretending to have all the answers. We discuss the importance of finding a practitioner who understands the terrain, making room for difficult emotions rather than rushing towards solutions, and using practices such as meditation and physical activity to rebuild a sense of connection and confidence in the body. Whether you work with individuals or couples, this episode is an invitation to approach fertility with greater sensitivity, challenge your assumptions, and help clients navigate one of life’s most significant and emotionally charged experiences.

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