Conceiving can be a difficult journey for many Singaporean women. Stress, pollution, and underlying conditions are just some culprits of female infertility.
It doesn’t help either that society put so much pressure on women to be mothers. And punish those who are unable to do so.
But it’s important that we learn more about a woman’s reproductive journey so that we can have more empathy anytime we encounter a prospective mother who is trying to conceive.
Mamahood sat down with Angelia Ng, Founder and Director of Babies Bliss to help destigmatise infertility in Singapore.
Q1: How can alternative treatments benefit a wider demographic in Singapore?
Alternative treatments such as Babies Bliss FSM, would be more accessible and affordable for certain individuals or couples compared to conventional medical interventions.
Babies Bliss’ treatments often emphasise personalised approaches to fertility. As such, we will guide our clients through whichever stage they are at and recommend the best course of action to help increase the chances for conception.
Q2: What challenges do millennial mothers face in Singapore’s fertility journey?
The main challenge millennial mothers face is emotional wellbeing. The fertility journey can be emotionally challenging for millennial mothers.
Dealing with fertility issues, undergoing treatments, and facing the uncertainty of the outcome can cause stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
This is why Babies Bliss’ fertility massage also provides a stress-relief therapy to help reduce the level of stress, which not only leads to a significant improvement in the fertility rate of an individual but also helps in boosting the chances of conceiving.
Q3: How can Singapore nullify stigma and shame around infertility?
By addressing societal attitudes and fostering empathy and understanding, especially through education about infertility via different media channels, it is possible to create a more supportive environment for individuals and couples experiencing infertility.
This can be done through highlighting stories that showcase the emotional and medical aspects of infertility, dispelling myths, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
Promoting such portrayals that foster empathy, understanding, and support for those facing infertility is key to nullifying the stigma and shame surrounding the topic.
Q4: What’s the discourse on elective egg freezing in Singapore?
The current opinion is that elective egg freezing encourages and supports Singaporeans to pursue their marriage and parenthood aspirations as early as possible.
Q5: How can couples enhance pregnancy wellness for conception and health?
Some key habits that will enhance pregnancy wellness includes maintaining a good diet and healthy lifestyle, prioritising self-care and relaxation to reduce stress levels and ensuring a consistent supplement intake.
Q6: What support systems exist for couples struggling with infertility in Singapore?
Some support systems that currently exist includes, online forums and platforms where couples can connect with others to ask questions and seek support.
This allows couples the ability to share their stories, exchange information and find emotional support conveniently anytime.
Q7: How does traditional Chinese medicine complement fertility treatments?
It promotes the flow of Qi (energy) and restores balance.
It can be used to address various fertility issues such as regulating menstrual cycles, improving ovarian function, enhancing sperm quality, reducing stress, and supporting implantation.
Q8: What are prevailing cultural beliefs about infertility in Asian societies?
Some of the prevailing cultural beliefs include the importance of procreation, cultural norms and gender roles.
In many Asian societies, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of procreation and continuing the family lineage.
Women, in particular, often face scrutiny and blame for infertility issues.
There can also be societal expectations for women to conceive and bear children, which can create additional stress and pressure.
Q9: How can society create a more supportive environment for infertility?
Education and Awareness: By increasing public understanding of infertility, promoting accurate information and debunking common misconceptions.
Which can be achieved through public campaigns, educational programs in schools and universities, and collaborations with healthcare professionals to disseminate evidence-based information.
Community Support: Foster a supportive community for individuals facing infertility through local support groups, online forums, and non-profit organisations that provide resources, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Through implementing these measures, we can create a society which is more inclusive, empathetic, and supportive environment for individuals and couples dealing with infertility.
Although, it is good to keep in mind that the best way to approach the topic of infertility is with sensitivity and respect for individual experiences and cultural diversity.
Q10: Are there awareness initiatives and support programs for infertility in Singapore?
Yes, the government offers various financial assistance schemes to help individuals and couples afford fertility treatments.
For instance, the Medisave scheme allows eligible individuals to use their Medisave accounts to pay for certain assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.
Our Health Promotion Board conducts public awareness campaigns addressing various health issues, including infertility.
These campaigns aim to educate the public about the importance of reproductive health and provide information on available resources.