Emotional Support
Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT
Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford’s Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for primary infertility, miscarriage, those considering ovum or sperm donation, and pregnancy. In addition, Penny founded and leads the nationally recognized mind/body program for infertility patients.
Stress Reduction Lectures Series
As part of our commitment to our patient’s emotional well-being, we are offering a bi-monthly series of Stress Reduction Lectures. The purpose of this series is to educate and support our patients as well as to provide tools to minimize the stress associated with infertility and its treatments.
Location/Time: All lectures will be held at 900 Welch Rd, suite 200, Palo Alto from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Charge per lecture: $26/couple or $16/person - Members of the Mind Body program are entitled to two lectures at no additional charge.
Registration: To register for any lecture, please call our New Patient Coordinators at 650-498-7911, Option 1.
For more information or questions, please contact Penny Donnelly by phone (650-723-6408) or [pdonnelly stanfordmed.org].
Making the Most Of Your Fertility Treatments Flyer
Please click here for series offerings
Support Groups – Stanford IVF Program
We welcome you to utilize any of these complimentary services to promote well-being during your treatment.
Primary Support Group – This group is designed for women who have not had any children yet. The emphasis is on sharing in a warm and supportive environment with other women who are on a similar journey. We periodically incorporate mind/body modalities.
Couples Infertility Support Group – If you’re struggling to get pregnant, come together with other couples interested in learning how to gain support and improve their relationship in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Click here for the Couples Group Flyer
Third Party Reproduction Support Group – This group is for women who are exploring the possibility of having a child with the assistance of donor egg or sperm. The emotional, ethical, and logistical issues are explored. Issues related to disclosure are also discussed.
Click here for the Disclosure Decision Flyer
Repeat Pregnancy Loss Support Group - Although there are many promising treatments for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, women often struggle in ways that are unique. Feelings of sadness, grief, and anxiety over the loss of an unborn child are often deeper and more severe than what would normally be expected. This journey can be complicated by fears of not being able to successfully carry a pregnancy to term and apprehensions about having the right mind-set to succeed. Women are invited to join this group that have experienced two or more miscarriages and/or are now pregnant and struggling with the fear of another loss.
Click here to see the Support Group Schedule
For information, please email [pdonnelly stanfordmed.org], RN MFT or call her at 650-723-6408.
Individual and couples counseling also available upon request.