Holding Your Breath: Fertility, Unsuccessful IVF, and Freediving with Claire Walsh #114

In this episode, I’m joined by freediver, author, and speaker Claire Walsh for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about fertility, identity, and the emotional toll of IVF. Claire shares her deeply personal experience of going through seven IVF cycles that didn’t lead to pregnancy, opening up about the physical side effects, financial burden, and emotional rollercoaster that so many women silently endure.

We explore how infertility can seep into every part of life—from friendships and family dynamics to self-worth and future plans—and why conversations around failed fertility treatments are still so rare. Claire also speaks about how she found unexpected resilience and a sense of control through freediving, reconnecting with her body after years of medical intervention. This is a raw, brave, and beautifully honest episode that will stay with you long after you listen.

This episode is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN-HAIR-NAILS GLOW, the supplement I created for strong, healthy, and radiant beauty from within. If you’re dealing with hair thinning, dull skin, fine lines, or weak nails, this is for you. Packed with 12 powerhouse ingredients, this blend is designed to support fuller, thicker hair, glowing skin, and strong nails. At the heart of the formula is Reishi mushroom, bursting with antioxidants and beta glucans, alongside five amino acids to build collagen, plus vitamins C, A, E, zinc, and niacinamide for all-round nourishment.

The results speak for themselves—women post-pregnancy and going through peri and menopause have seen incredible transformations, from stronger nails in weeks to revived hair growth in months. But consistency is key—take two capsules daily, give your body time, and watch the transformation unfold. Available on fabuwellness.com and in pharmacies and health stores nationwide.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Chapters

• 0:00 The Despair Behind Failed IVF Attempts
• 1:24 The Hidden Costs of Multiple IVF Rounds
• 4:16 Introducing Claire Walsh's Journey
• 5:35 The Reality of Medical Interventions
• 10:14 Multiple Failed Cycles and Physical Side Effects
• 24:18 The Mental Toll and Relationship Impact
• 33:48 Navigating Grief and Others' Pregnancies
• 48:42 Finding Peace Through Free Diving
• 55:10 Mental Health Struggles and Diagnoses
• 1:05:11 Learning to Trust Emotions and Find Meaning