Experiences of couples in early parenthood following successful IVF: An exploratory study

This study aims to explore the experiences of previously infertile couples as they transition to early parenthood after successful non-donor IVF with the birth of a single live infant and to compare their experiences with those of fertile couples who conceive spontaneously. Our research questions how these two groups of parents describe their experiences of the transition to parenthood in comparison with each other. The study includes in-depth interviews with parents from both groups and completion of post-natal questionnaires by couples.

This is an exploratory study following a Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology workshop, at which service users, sociology, psychology, health visiting, midwifery, nursing and counselling colleagues were represented.

Our results will be used as the basis for a future funded large study.

The researchers are collaborators from the University of Oxford and Middlesex, and the larger project members are from various academic institutions around the UK and Australia.