Ola Taiwo is a certified fertility health coach, global fertility advocate, and host of Fertility Conversations — podcast dedicated to infertility awareness and alternative paths to parenthood. She began by navigating her own personal fertility journey, turning pain into purpose to support others walking similar paths. In this interview, she provides informed fertility coaching to individuals and couples trying to conceive, offering both emotional support and practical guidance through their journeys. Excerpts by JOHN SALAU
What is the importance of fertility awareness in the workplace?
A fertility-friendly workplace begins with understanding. Managers and HR teams need to realise that employees undergoing fertility treatment aren’t asking for special treatment; they simply need compassion and flexibility. A few hours off for a medical scan or the option to work remotely during treatment cycles can make a huge difference in someone’s well-being. In many parts of the world, some organisations now offer fertility leave — paid or flexible time off for people going through IVF, IUI, or egg freezing. Others have introduced training so managers know how to respond sensitively when employees open up about fertility challenges. Nigeria and other African countries can begin taking small but meaningful steps in this direction. Even without formal legislation, workplace culture can evolve through education and empathy. I must reiterate that every day, sensitivity counts.
Beyond creating a fertility-friendly environment, how can workplaces help with inclusivity?
Beyond medical leave, inclusivity also means being mindful of workplace experiences that can unintentionally exclude or hurt people trying to conceive. Take ‘Children’s Day at Work’ or ‘Family Day’ events. While these are often joyful, they can be painful for employees who have experienced infertility or loss. Such events can be redesigned more thoughtfully; calling them ‘Loved Ones Day’ or ‘Community Day’ allows everyone to join, whether they bring a child, friend, or parent. Inclusivity is not about removing joy; it’s about ensuring everyone feels seen. The same goes for casual comments. Phrases like ‘When will you have yours?’ or ‘You’re next!’ may seem harmless, but can reopen deep wounds. Fertility awareness training can help staff recognise these microaggressions and replace them with empathy.
How can workplaces build fertility-friendly ecosystem?
Creating a fertility-friendly workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with small, intentional changes, such as encouraging open dialogue. Let employees know that fertility struggles and pregnancy loss are recognised well-being issues. It is also crucial to include fertility in HR policies. Offer flexible working hours or compassionate leave for treatments or recovery. A workplace fertility awareness day or talk (in partnership with advocates like Fertility Conversations) can help break the silence. Workplaces can also offer mental health support. Access to counselling or employee assistance programs can make a real difference. Be inclusive in celebrations. Plan family events with sensitivity and use language that acknowledges different life paths. These shifts not only support employees emotionally but also strengthen organisations through improved morale, loyalty, and retention. People perform better when they feel valued and understood. There is also the basic imperative to show empathy to women with fertility issues beyond policies in the workplace. Ultimately, fertility-friendly workplaces are about creating environments where people don’t have to choose between their careers and their dreams of building a family. Supporting employees through infertility, loss, or alternative paths to parenthood isn’t just good HR practice; it’s humanity in action. When we make space for conversations about fertility at work, we reduce stigma, foster compassion, and remind people that they’re not alone. Because behind every employee is a story we may not see, and when workplaces make room for those stories, they become more than places of work — they become places of care, growth, and hope.
As a fertility coach, what are some of the heavy burdens people with fertility issues bear?
Infertility is not just a medical condition; it’s an emotional and social reality that affects every part of life, including work. Employees undergoing fertility treatment often face demanding medical schedules — multiple appointments a week for blood work, scans, or procedures that cannot be postponed. Many are forced to use annual leave or unpaid days off because there are no formal policies or understanding of what they’re going through. Others stay silent, afraid to disclose their situation for fear of being seen as ‘less committed.’ For women, the pressure can be overwhelming, managing intense treatment cycles while meeting workplace expectations. For men, there’s the quiet emotional toll of being a supportive partner while navigating their own feelings of loss or helplessness when workplaces lack awareness or empathy; this silence deepens the pain.
For women with fertility issues in the workplace, what policy do you think should be instituted for support?
It is important to understand that women have issues they face beyond their desks in the workplace. By 7 a.m., she is already at the hospital for a blood test; another step in her IVF treatment before rushing through Lagos traffic to make it to work. Her manager sees her arriving late, but not the injections, the tears, or the hope she’s holding onto. Across Nigeria and much of Africa, infertility remains a deeply personal and often invisible struggle. Behind professional smiles are men and women silently juggling early-morning scans, hormonal side effects, emotional exhaustion, and the weight of stigma; all while trying to perform at their jobs as though nothing is happening. According to the World Health Organisation, one in six people globally experience infertility at some point in their lives. This means almost every workplace has someone quietly battling this challenge; perhaps using sick days for fertility appointments, or hiding the bruises from hormone injections under long sleeves during meetings.
Finally, for the benefit of those reading you for the first time, could you give us a brief background about yourself?
I am a certified fertility health coach – I completed my Fertility Health Coaching certification at the Brilliant Birth Academy (USA) and have since become a recognised voice in the fertility space across Africa and internationally. I have been invited to speak at leading fertility conferences and events around the world, including The Fertility Show Africa, and I currently serve as a judge for the European Fertility Society’s annual awards ceremony. I am a proud member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), and Fertility Support Professionals Association (FSPA). I love to support women with fertility issues in their workplaces with practical solutions by providing insight into expectations from the workplace for women with fertility issues. I do this through education, advocacy, and storytelling, and will continue to challenge stigma, build community, and empower individuals and couples with hope, empathy, and expert support.
