After two unsuccessful attempts at intrauterine insemination (IUI), Lily and Sarah were on the verge of throwing in the towel. Yet, they decided to give it one last shot, and that’s when they welcomed baby Mia into their lives.
“Deciding to have a baby together was an easy choice for us,” Lily shared. When Lily first met Sarah, her son Noah was just five years old. Initially, they felt that managing one child was enough. However, as Noah grew, they yearned for the joys of nurturing a younger child.
Neither of them openly expressed their desire for another baby until one day, during a heartfelt conversation, they discovered they both wanted to expand their family. They quickly set out to find a fertility clinic and found TFP GCRM Fertility in Glasgow.
“When it came to who would carry the baby, it felt natural for Lily to be the one,” Sarah explained. Aware of her age and the potential decline in her egg reserve, Sarah felt more comfortable with Lily taking the lead. “Plus, we thought Noah would love having a sibling close in age,” she added.
The clinic suggested IUI as a starting point rather than jumping straight to IVF, and the couple appreciated the more natural approach.
Finding the right sperm donor was next on their agenda. After exploring various sperm banks, they chose a donor from GCRM’s local bank who resonated with them. Not only did he match their preferred physical traits, but his openness about his life experiences also won them over. In a letter, he shared how he overcame challenges in school to build a successful business, which they found genuinely inspiring.
The IUI process began swiftly, and the couple felt like they were treated with the same respect as heterosexual couples. “The staff were incredibly supportive and considerate of both our feelings,” Lily recalled. Sarah, as the non-biological mom, filled out consent forms and attended all appointments, even having her own access to the clinic’s patient portal.
The first attempt at IUI felt straightforward: they checked Lily’s ovarian reserve and proceeded with the procedure, which was akin to a routine smear test. “We just held our breath and waited,” Lily said. Unfortunately, their first cycle didn’t result in pregnancy, leaving them both feeling disheartened.
The second cycle brought them joy when a pregnancy test confirmed they were expecting. However, their excitement turned to heartbreak at the twelve-week scan when they learned they had lost the baby. “It was a devastating time for us,” Sarah recalled, still finding it difficult to discuss.
After some months of healing, while hiking in the scenic Highlands, Lily felt ready to try once more. “We both knew it was time, and we hoped for a better outcome,” Sarah said. For their third attempt, their clinician recommended IUI again, and this time, fortune smiled upon them—they were pregnant!
“I still remember the disbelief when that positive test appeared,” Sarah exclaimed. They were overjoyed when a blood test later confirmed the pregnancy. Their journey culminated in the birth of their beautiful daughter, Mia.
Reflecting on their experience, Lily remarked, “We never anticipated the emotional rollercoaster this journey would be.” She emphasized the importance of communication throughout the process. “The nurses were always there for us, encouraging us to stay connected.”
Sarah attributes their success to their strong partnership. “We support each other through everything, and that’s crucial,” she noted. Their advice to other same-sex couples starting their family journey is simple: “Be there for each other completely, as the emotional ups and downs can be overwhelming. But never lose hope if this is what you truly desire.”
“Mia is the absolute joy of our lives,” Sarah concluded, “and we can’t imagine a day without her.”
If you’re seeking advice or support on your own fertility journey, remember that TFP has helped many same-sex couples like Lily and Sarah. For more information on your options or personalized guidance, reach out today. And if you’re interested in skin care tips to celebrate your journey, check out this blog post.
In summary, Lily and Sarah’s story highlights the emotional journey of trying to conceive through IUI, showcasing their resilience and love as they navigated challenges to welcome their daughter, Mia, into the world.