When best friends Mia and Jenna decided to expand their family, they were fully aware of the obstacles that lay ahead. With the assistance of TFP Wessex Fertility, they were able to turn their dream into reality.
Mia, who is of Indian descent, faced a tough challenge when it came to sharing her decision to marry Jenna with her family. The couple was determined to start a family together, which presented yet another cultural hurdle. They envisioned a unique approach to parenthood through reciprocal IVF, allowing both women to have a biological connection to their child.
Understanding Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF allows two female partners to be biologically linked to their child; one partner donates her eggs to create an embryo, which is then implanted in the other partner, who carries the pregnancy. “TFP Wessex Fertility was incredibly accommodating,” Mia recalls. After visiting several clinics that were unwilling to pursue reciprocal IVF due to the complexities involved, they found a home at Wessex, where a custom IVF plan was created just for them.
Mia donated her eggs while they used donor sperm, allowing Jenna to carry their baby. “This way, we both felt connected to our child,” Jenna adds. After undergoing fertility tests and scans, they learned that both women were healthy and ready to proceed.
Choosing the Right Sperm Donor
The couple selected a sperm bank recommended by TFP Wessex Fertility, prioritizing safety and trust. “Though it was a bit pricier, we felt it was worth it knowing how thorough the donor screening process is,” Mia explains. They chose a donor who shared similar qualifications and interests with Jenna, differing only in eye color.
Preparation for egg collection involved a series of injections for Mia to stimulate her ovaries. “I was warned I might feel hormonal, but honestly, I didn’t notice much change,” Mia shares. The egg collection went smoothly, with only minor discomfort afterwards.
Fertilization and the Journey Ahead
Using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Mia’s eggs were fertilized with the donor sperm. The couple was informed to expect that approximately one-third of the collected eggs would fertilize successfully, and indeed, after five days, six viable embryos were confirmed. “We were overjoyed when we got the call on Easter Sunday,” Mia recalls.
The embryo transfer process was nerve-wracking for Jenna, who isn’t fond of medical procedures, but the TFP team kept her at ease throughout. After a tense two-week wait, they took a pregnancy test just before flying to New York. “We had it face down, timing it carefully. When we turned it over, we discovered we were pregnant! It was an unbelievable moment,” Jenna says.
Family Reactions and New Beginnings
Mia’s parents had come to accept Jenna into their family, but the idea of a grandchild brought forth new emotions. Just two months before their son Shaylan was born, Mia’s parents surprised them with a Shrimant, a traditional Gujarati baby shower, which they embraced wholeheartedly. “Seeing our families come together was truly special,” Mia reflects.
Planning for Baby Number Two
The couple always envisioned having a second child. With five frozen embryos, they reached out to TFP Wessex Fertility when Shaylan turned two, beginning the process for a frozen embryo transfer. After four attempts, they finally achieved success, thanks in part to the use of embryo glue, which aids implantation. “I felt a bit hopeless by the end of it all,” Jenna admits, but soon after the fourth transfer, she began experiencing morning sickness – a sign of pregnancy.
Reflecting on their journey, Mia advises other couples considering parenthood: “If you’re in a loving relationship, go for it! Don’t wait for your family to be completely on board. Sometimes, you just have to pursue what feels right for you.”
For more insights on the journey of starting a family, check out our post on expecting again. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom, a reliable source on the topic. For a deeper understanding of IVF, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Mia and Jenna’s story is one of love, determination, and breaking down cultural barriers to create a family. Their journey through reciprocal IVF not only strengthened their bond but also brought their families closer together.