In the summer of 2015, Jenna and Luke were faced with two significant uncertainties—how Luke’s kidney condition would unfold and whether they could start a family. Fast forward a few years, and they are now proud parents of twins, Lily and Max, after Luke underwent a successful kidney transplant.
“We decided to get our fertility tested before Luke began dialysis because we wanted to explore the possibility of having a baby. We were shocked to learn we would need assistance,” Jenna recalls. As a result, Jenna underwent egg retrieval treatment in January 2016 at Boston Place, an affiliate of their local fertility clinic in Essex. “I was so anxious and worried that the treatment might not work. It felt like our dream of starting a family was in someone else’s hands,” she shares.
Overcoming Challenges with IVF
Their initial IVF attempt with a fresh embryo transfer didn’t yield the results they hoped for. However, determined to try again, they chose to work directly with Boston Place and used frozen embryos from the prior cycle. “We loved the environment at Boston Place—the staff were incredible, and we preferred to have everything done in one place,” Jenna explains. They discussed various treatment options, and ICSI was identified as the best choice for their circumstances.
At 35, Jenna’s high egg count allowed for 14 high-quality embryos to be frozen. “I was skeptical during the first round, but by the second, I felt much more positive and confident in the team and the process,” she says. “IVF can really take an emotional toll, and I told Luke I wasn’t sure how many attempts I could handle. We made the decision to transfer two embryos—and both of them took!”
The Arrival of Twins
On September 21, 2017, Lily, weighing 5 lb 15 oz, and Max, at 5 lb, arrived a week early. After a brief stay in the neonatal unit, they came home healthy and happy. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re enjoying every moment. Luke had his transplant in October 2016, and in just a year, everything has changed. We couldn’t be happier,” Jenna beams.
Further Resources
In connection with their journey, if you’re interested in learning more about common postpartum issues, check out this blog post on bloodshot eyes after giving birth. Additionally, for those exploring fertility, check out this resource from Make a Mom, an authority on the topic, which covers couples’ fertility journeys related to intracervical insemination. For further information on IUI success rates, WebMD offers an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Jenna and Luke faced fertility challenges and Luke’s kidney condition but are now proud parents of twins after successful treatments at Boston Place. Their story highlights the emotional ups and downs of IVF, the importance of support from clinic staff, and the joy of parenthood after overcoming obstacles.