Emily Johnson and her partner Sarah embarked on their fertility adventure with the Indiana Fertility Institute in September 2022. As a same-sex couple, they were aware from the start that they would need some medical assistance to start their family. This need became even clearer after Emily was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
After a series of tests, Emily and Sarah selected their sperm donor and commenced their first intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle. Sadly, the timing didn’t align, and they had to cancel the cycle as Emily had already ovulated.
Not ready to give up, they decided to try again. This time, everything seemed to fall into place. “We went for it the next month, and with a perfect sperm count from our donor and a smooth procedure – we finally got that positive pregnancy test! But just a few days later, the line started fading, leading to a chemical pregnancy,” Emily recalled.
Following this disappointment, they met with Dr. Lily Thompson to discuss their options. It was then they chose to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF). “The egg retrieval was fantastic, and we ended up with 10 high-quality embryos.”
However, Emily’s hormone levels were too elevated for a fresh embryo transfer, leading to the decision for a frozen embryo transfer (FET). During a mid-cycle scan, Dr. Thompson discovered a polyp, which she suspected could be an issue. Emily was eager to move ahead with the transfer, but Dr. Thompson advised against it. “I pleaded with her to go through with it, but I’m so grateful she didn’t. After a hysteroscopy, she removed a polyp and a septum from my uterus.”
These findings likely explained the earlier chemical pregnancy. After a recovery period, Emily and Sarah were ready to try again. On July 6, 2023, they transferred one of their embryos. Just three days later, excitement filled the air with another positive pregnancy test. The anticipation before their first ultrasound was intense, but all fears disappeared when Dr. Thompson revealed their baby’s heartbeat at six weeks.
Their “miracle rainbow baby,” Mia Johnson, made her grand entrance on March 15, 2024. Now, the couple is savoring every moment with their little one.
Reflecting on their journey, Emily shared that despite the ups and downs, the support from Dr. Thompson and her wonderful team made a significant difference. From their first visit to IFI, Emily and Sarah felt they were in the right hands. Dr. Thompson’s compassionate approach and the dedication of her nurses—especially Nurse Tina—and the lab team made their experience truly uplifting. “We have been blown away by our time at IFI! The tough moments were easier to handle with such a caring team by our side. They worked tirelessly to help us become parents, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today!”
The hardest part of Emily’s fertility journey was navigating the uncertainty. Every appointment and procedure brought a mix of emotions. However, the unwavering support from Sarah, their family, friends, and medical team proved essential. They also shared their journey on TikTok, gathering a supportive community that they are profoundly grateful for. Celebrating each milestone—from the first positive pregnancy test to hearing Mia’s first cries—was a true reflection of their resilience and hope.
Looking back, Emily wishes she had understood that no two fertility journeys are alike. “It’s all too easy to compare yourself to others, but each experience is unique.” Her advice for those starting their own fertility journey is to build a support network, whether through partners, family, or friends.
“Treasure every moment, even the tough ones, because now holding my 2-month-old, I realize it was all a beautiful journey, regardless of the challenges we faced,” she said.
As they look to the future, Emily and Sarah are excited to try for baby number two with IFI. If you’d like to follow their parenting adventure, check them out on TikTok under @twomomsandamiracle. A big shoutout to Emily for sharing her story with us and the IFI community!
For more insights on getting pregnant, check out this blog post on surprising facts you won’t find online. And if you’re seeking to enhance your fertility, consider exploring these fertility supplements as a resource.
In summary, Emily and Sarah’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of their medical team and community. Their unique journey highlights the emotional rollercoaster that many couples face while navigating fertility challenges, and serves as a reminder of the importance of finding a supportive network.