Hi! I'm Cat Strawbridge
I am the 1 in 6 who has suffered from fertility issues.
I am open about our experiences and speak publicly to help change the way the world sees infertility. I want to help the 3.5 million men and women in the UK, and everyone globally, realise that they are not alone.
I have spoken about the impact of infertility to patients and professionals. I have an amazing community on instagram @tryingyears, hold events and host a podcast - Finally Pregnant, for those finally pregnant after infertility and loss.
Have a browse through my website and do get in touch if you would like me to come and speak at one of your events, or if you have any questions at all.
I'll look forward to hearing from you!
A little more about me
My husband and I started trying to conceive in 2012. With a diagnosis of 'unexplained infertility' we have since experienced IUI, IVF and ICSI. In June 2019, following our 4th round of IVF I had our miracle daughter Wren. I had been pregnant twice before but miscarried both times. I also experienced loss during my successful pregnancy which began as identical twins following a single embryo transfer, but sadly we lost one of the twins at 10 weeks.
These years have changed my life and I have definitely experienced some of my lowest lows, losing my confidence and my identity but I've also taught myself how to be the very best version of my new self and now I help and support others who are struggling with infertility and subsequent pregnancies to do the same.
I am passionate about breaking the silence that surrounds infertility. I want to help by talking about it as much as possible and truly believe that each and every one of our stories matter.
In addition I worked with Fertility Network UK to help change the fertility industry from the inside out introducing the Patient Pledge for fertility clinics. I also created and launched Fertility in the Workplace to standardise fertility policies in the companies across the UK, working with global companies such as HSBC and Merck to educate their staff about infertility and introduce fertility policies.
Whilst I am currently taking a break I usually host a regular Monday night #instalive at 8.30pm GMT. You can catch up on some of these, along with some other videos over on my YouTube channel. I contribute regularly to blogs and am a regular guest on other's podcasts.
I found pregnancy after fertility treatment was something that there was limited information about because people felt guilty that they were struggling when they had exactly what they and so many more wanted. I created the Finally Pregnant Podcast because I realised these pregnancies are yet another stage of our infertility journeys and need different, but as much support.
I'm busy but I'm loving it!