About Fertility Refresh / Freshfeet Reflexology
Shauna McMillan
I’m Shauna, a wife, a mum to two, and a registered nurse with a longstanding passion for women’s health, fertility and holistic wellbeing. My work is grounded in the belief that medical care and supportive, holistic approaches can work best when used together, with compassion, clarity and appropriate boundaries.
Fertility and woman’s health is an area of healthcare that remains significantly under-resourced, and many individuals and couples describe feeling overlooked, rushed or unsupported. Through Fertility Refresh, I aim to bring together clinical insight, lived experience and person-centred care, supporting those who have experienced pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, or who wish to prepare their health thoughtfully before trying for a baby.
My nursing career began in the Regional Intensive Care Unit (RICU), where I cared for critically unwell patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. This role required high-level clinical knowledge, emotional resilience and a deep respect for the trust placed in healthcare professionals. During this time, I was also involved in organ donation care, which further shaped my understanding of life, loss and advocacy.
I later moved into a busy gynaecology and early pregnancy setting, where I worked closely with women and families experiencing miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, gynaecological conditions, cancer diagnoses, hyperemesis, hysterectomy and complex reproductive health concerns. It was here that I recognised women’s health; particularly education, support and health promotion; as my area of speciality.
Through years of clinical practice and deeply personal conversations with patients, I became increasingly aware of the emotional burden fertility challenges carry, and how often individuals feel unsupported beyond investigations and treatment plans.
I also became particularly aware of the limited focus on male fertility, and the discomfort that often surrounds these conversations; especially following pregnancy loss. My advocacy in this area led to an invitation to sit on the medical advisory board for EXAMEN, a service specialising in male factor fertility testing and education.
I have spent time observing practice within fertility clinics in Northern Ireland and London, broadening my understanding of fertility pathways and patient care models. These experiences helped shape Fertility Refresh as a service rooted in education, navigation and preparation, rather than urgency or pressure.
I view reproductive health through a whole-person lens, recognising the interplay between physical health, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle and lived experience.
My work is informed by principles of lifestyle medicine and prehabilitation, supporting individuals and couples to prepare their body and mind for pregnancy or fertility treatment in a way that feels realistic, supportive and empowering, always alongside appropriate GP or specialist care.
Fertility Refresh brings together:
- Nurse-led education and fertility pathway navigation
- Supportive, informed conversations around reproductive health
- Reflexology and acupressure for relaxation and wellbeing
- Nutritional and lifestyle education.
Alongside my nursing background, I am also a qualified reflexologist. I have seen first-hand how reflexology can support relaxation and wellbeing, particularly during periods of stress, illness or emotional strain. Used appropriately and alongside medical care, reflexology can offer valuable space for rest, regulation and support.