Lara, a 41-year-old from Portsmouth, is eagerly anticipating her first Easter with her lovely baby, Mia. She recently shared her story with Wessex Fertility, reflecting on her decision to pursue IVF as a single mother using donor sperm.
After facing challenges in her relationships, Lara hadn’t given much thought to motherhood until a routine check-up with her GP. “My doctor asked if I had plans for children,” Lara recalls. “I mentioned wanting a baby but not having met the right person. She told me about a seminar she’d attended hosted by Wessex Fertility, where she learned about how age can affect fertility. She suggested I get a fertility assessment.”
Taking her doctor’s advice, Lara visited Wessex Fertility for a Rapid Fertility Assessment, a two-hour appointment designed to evaluate fertility. “I was quite disheartened to find out that my AMH levels were lower than expected for my age. However, Dr. Sarah reassured me that pregnancy was still possible, but I should consider treatment soon,” Lara explains.
After a brief relationship came to an end, Lara made the decision to undergo donor sperm treatment on her own. “I never thought I’d find myself in this situation, but I was ready. It was my choice, and I felt empowered by it,” she reflects.
Lara began her treatment in August 2013, selecting a sperm donor based on physical traits. She then met with a nurse to discuss the medications she’d need to take. “The first injections were intimidating; I was worried about making a mistake that could ruin everything. But it turned out to be easier than I anticipated!” Since Lara worked close to the clinic, her frequent visits for scans were less stressful.
After a stimulating medication regimen, Lara underwent a sedated egg retrieval and was thrilled to have five eggs collected. “I was anxious at every step, especially during the fertilization check. When I got the call that all five eggs had fertilized, I felt a huge weight lift. By Monday, I learned I had two top-quality embryos and one suitable for freezing. That was fantastic news!”
When it came time to transfer the embryos, Lara felt surprisingly at ease. “Watching the process on the ultrasound screen was quite remarkable, almost like having a smear test,” she said.
The two-week wait for her pregnancy test was agonizing. “I remember waking up at 5 AM to take the test. I didn’t feel pregnant at all, so I was shocked when it turned positive. I couldn’t wait to share the news with my friends, even waking them up!”
Lara decided to donate her remaining good-quality embryo for research purposes, knowing she only wanted one child. “I thought it was meaningful to help others have successful IVF treatments in the future,” she stated.
Her pregnancy went smoothly, and in June 2014, Lara welcomed baby Mia, who weighed 7 lbs 10 oz. “Mia is just perfect, and I adore her big brown eyes, just like her donor’s. Every little smile from her makes all the effort worthwhile,” she shares.
Lara intends to be open with Mia about her donor conception from an early age. “I joined a network for donor conception and have a children’s book to help explain things to her when she’s older. Because I’ve been transparent, many friends facing fertility issues have reached out to me,” Lara adds.
“I have no regrets about choosing to be a parent alone. I have incredible support from family and friends, and I cherish every moment with my daughter. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Lara concludes.
This touching story highlights the power of modern fertility treatments and the joys of parenthood, even in the face of challenges.