Emma and Tom faced their fertility challenges united as a team, showing incredible strength throughout their journey. Now, Emma leads a patient support team at one of the UK’s top IVF clinics, TFP Fertility.
Navigating the IVF Journey
Embarking on the IVF path can be tough, and Emma knows this firsthand. At TFP Fertility’s clinics across the UK, patients are encouraged to reach out anytime; no question is too trivial. This personalized support is largely thanks to Emma, 37, and her dedicated team of Patient Support Associates who are available by phone for twelve hours each day from their Nottingham office.
Emma, who resides in Derby, shares, “Patients call us about a wide range of topics.” From registration and sperm or egg donation inquiries to providing reassurance on when to take a pregnancy test, their role is crucial. Sometimes, patients just need someone to listen. “When patients open up to us, that’s where we shine. They can trust us, and I truly understand the emotional journey because I’ve been through IVF myself.”
“I wanted to help others by sharing my story”
In 2014, after marrying Tom, Emma was eager to start a family. After several years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive naturally, they sought help from their GP, who referred them for tests. The results indicated unexplained infertility. Initially, they were offered three cycles of IUI, but before starting, Emma became pregnant naturally. Sadly, it ended in an early miscarriage, leaving them heartbroken.
After some time, they decided to proceed with the NHS-funded IUI cycles, which involved weekly monitoring and medication, but none were successful. Eventually, they were referred for an IVF cycle at TFP Fertility Nurture clinic.
Understanding IUI and IVF
The difference between these treatments is significant; IVF involves more intensive procedures, including hormone treatments and egg retrieval for lab fertilization, while IUI is less invasive, with sperm injected into the womb. Different circumstances may require different approaches, and many start with IUI.
“Supporting others while managing my own heartache”
Having previously joined TFP Fertility as a Patient Support Associate six months before starting IVF, Emma was well-acquainted with the team. They began their IVF round, where Tom helped with nightly injections. Unfortunately, they only had one viable embryo created through ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which didn’t lead to a successful pregnancy.
After their first unsuccessful cycle, they privately funded a second round of IVF. Emma experienced feelings of isolation despite being surrounded by support. She sought informal counseling by chatting with colleagues downstairs, which helped mitigate her loneliness.
For the second cycle, two viable embryos were produced, and both were transferred. The wait for the pregnancy test was agonizing, but Emma was cautiously optimistic. When the test revealed pregnancy, it was emotional—tears of relief flowed.
However, they faced another heartbreaking miscarriage shortly after learning the news. Emma returned to work, continuing to support others despite her own grief.
After taking a break to regroup, they went for a third IVF round, armed with increased vitamin intake and new research. The support from their consultant and clinical team was invaluable. This time, they had three eggs retrieved, resulting in two viable embryos, and they decided to transfer one while freezing the other.
“The transfer was a moment I’ll never forget”
Despite the ups and downs, Emma felt a serene sense of peace during the transfer process. The two-week wait was agonizing, but when she tested early, the result was positive. The emotions were overwhelming—joy, fear, and hope all at once.
At the six-week scan, they heard the strong heartbeat of their baby, Jackson. The journey had been long and arduous, but they finally felt elation.
Today, Jackson is a lively two-year-old, bringing immense joy to their lives. Although the pain of their journey lingers, it has become more manageable over time. Emma lights a candle every Baby Loss Awareness Week to honor their lost embryos.
“Working at TFP Fertility has been transformative”
By sharing her experience, Emma hopes to empower others facing similar challenges. Understanding both sides of the patient experience allows her to offer genuine empathy and support. She encourages those navigating this difficult path to stay hopeful; the destination is worth every hardship endured.
If you’re on a fertility journey, resources like Make a Mom and March of Dimes can provide valuable information. And check out our blog post about the benefits of a vegan tinted lip balm for a little self-care during this challenging time.
Summary
Emma and Tom’s IVF journey is a powerful testament to resilience and support. Through heartache and loss, they found strength in each other and their community, ultimately leading to the joy of parenthood. Emma now uses her experiences to help others navigating similar paths.