It takes a village to raise a child – and grow an embryo too! In the spirit of collaboration, our Scientific Director, Dr Tiki Osianlis, recently featured on fertility naturopath Tasha Jennings’ 'Conceive Baby Podcast' to discuss embryo optimisation. Read on to find out more.
Understanding embryo development
Although IVF and embryo development can be complex topics, Tiki and Tasha endeavour to make the science more accessible. The podcast episode breaks down the laboratory advances that Newlife IVF embryologists use day-to-day, in a way that’s easy to understand.
During the episode, host Tasha asks Tiki about the details of embryo development that patients often seek more information about. Sharing plenty of embryology pearls of wisdom along the way, Tiki describes the differences between a day 3 and day 5 embryo, the top factors that stop embryo growth, and the fine details of embryo grading and ranking.
However, as Tiki put it: ‘don’t agonise over grading’. Instead of getting too caught up in embryo grading, patients are encouraged to rely on the expertise of an embryologist, who can provide valuable insight into what their results truly mean.
Tiki also explains what mosaic embryos are, whether they are suitable for implantation, what PGT testing is and the special circumstances when PGT testing may not be recommended.
‘Genetic testing of embryos, including insights into mosaic embryos, offers a window into chromosomal normalcy but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis,’ says Tiki.
Blending expertise in fertility care
You may notice from the podcast that Tiki and Tasha talk with an easy flow. This is not just their communication skills shining through – they have shared conversations in the past over their mutual passion to educate and inform patients.
As a naturopath and nutritionist, Tasha has a wealth of experience and specialist expertise in overcoming fertility challenges. She is passionate about supporting patients to achieve their best fertility health before ovulation and she regularly shares this expertise on ‘Conceive Baby Podcast’, as well as through media appearances, speaking seminars and journal publications.
As for, Tiki, she oversees our state-of-the-art laboratory – drawing on a wealth of experience in embryology and IVF. She is a driving force behind Newlife’s commitment to best scientific practice. Tiki is passionate about ensuring that the latest scientific fertility advances are offered to patients to help them achieve a healthy family as soon as possible.
‘Behind the laboratory doors, there are so many people that are hoping for our patients to have a fantastic outcome,’ says Tiki.
Putting patients first
If there was one thing that shone through from Tiki and Tasha’s conversation, it was the care that every team member has for their patients. This is integral to the ethos both Tiki and Tasha bring to their fertility work. Over a patient’s fertility journey, the team is cheering them on – they share in the highs and the lows and are deeply invested in supporting each patient to achieve their fertility goals.
‘And I do want to say that every embryologist that I’ve ever come across – and I’ve seen many of them – genuinely care about what they’re doing and they care so much about the patients,’ says Tiki.
Tune in now!
Whether you’re on a fertility journey yourself or simply curious about embryology, be sure to listen to the podcast episode. You can find it here.
The information on this page is general in nature. All medical and surgical procedures have potential benefits and risks. Consult your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to you.
