When Lucy turned 30, she had achieved many of her goals: a successful career as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and a lovely home just outside of Manchester. But there was still one thing missing—starting a family. Despite not being in a relationship, she felt ready to embark on motherhood and began researching her options for having a child on her own.
“It was quite a journey to come to this decision,” Lucy reflects. “I considered everything carefully. I knew that my fertility would start to decline after 30, and while I would have preferred a traditional family setup, I didn’t want to postpone my dreams. I have a fantastic support system from family and friends, which gave me the confidence to go ahead.”
Finding Support at Simply Fertility
After some online research, Lucy discovered Simply Fertility nearby and decided to reach out. “They were incredibly welcoming, and I got a wealth of information over the phone that I thought would only be available during a consultation. I attended an Open Day the next week, where I chatted with Andy and had a one-on-one with one of the nurses, Sarah. They were so friendly, creating an atmosphere where I felt comfortable discussing my situation without judgment.”
Following the Open Day, Lucy scheduled a consultation with Dr. Smith, who conducted all the necessary fertility tests. During their meeting, he mentioned the option of donating half of her harvested eggs, which resonated deeply with Lucy. “Not only would it help lower my costs, but I felt a strong sense of giving back. Since someone was helping me with donor sperm, it felt right to assist another person in need. I truly believe in karma.”
Choosing a Sperm Donor
Lucy chose her sperm donor from Simply Fertility’s well-vetted selection, appreciating their rigorous criteria. “I trusted their judgment completely. To avoid overthinking my choice, I created a list of preferences—hair color, eye color, height, occupation, health history, and fertility track record—and went with my gut instinct when one donor stood out.”
The Journey of Pregnancy
Her first embryo transfer didn’t take, but Lucy remained hopeful with five embryos frozen. When she felt ready to try again, she opted to transfer two embryos. “I wanted to maximize my chances, even though Dr. Smith explained the risks associated with twin pregnancies,” she shares. “I was determined and went ahead.”
Lucy recalls testing for pregnancy much earlier than advised, and to her delight, the test was positive. “I couldn’t wait for the viability scan at seven weeks. I experienced some cramping before that, and the clinic was so supportive, reassuring me that everything seemed fine.”
At her viability scan, she was thrilled to discover she was pregnant with twins! However, her pregnancy was challenging. Around week 10, she experienced some bleeding and was monitored closely for high blood pressure. Eventually, she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, leading to her admission for an emergency C-section at 33 weeks.
Welcoming Isla and Mia
Her mother was by her side as Lucy welcomed her daughters, Isla and Mia. “Isla was born first, and hearing her cry was such a relief. Mia followed shortly after, and I was just so grateful they both were okay.” After a few tense days in the NICU, Lucy was finally able to take her girls home.
“Now they’re ten weeks old, and while they’re tiny compared to other babies, I’m so grateful for them. I’m planning to return to work part-time and my mom will help with childcare, which she’s really looking forward to.” Lucy adds, “Simply Fertility was instrumental in this journey; their support has been invaluable.”
Conclusion
This story highlights the beauty and challenges of the journey into motherhood, and if you’re navigating your own transition, you might find our blog on postpartum experiences helpful. You can also learn more about home insemination from trusted sources like Make a Mom.
Summary: Lucy’s journey to motherhood at 30 involved careful planning and the support of Simply Fertility. After opting for egg donation and facing the ups and downs of pregnancy, she welcomed twin daughters, Isla and Mia, into her life. With a solid support system, she looks forward to balancing work and motherhood.