When my partner, Jamie, and I decided to start a family, we knew we were in for a unique journey as a same-sex couple. Having previously carried a child 15 years ago, I was prepared to take on that role again. With a donor selected and committed, my first step was shedding 100 pounds to ensure a healthy start. We were aware that medical assistance might come into play and that patience would be essential.
Choosing our donor was a significant part of the process, and we felt confident that starting with home insemination kits was the right path. After losing the required weight, I collaborated closely with my healthcare provider to manage my PCOS and undergo necessary tests to limit the need for medical intervention. The goal was to conceive as naturally as possible.
We began our first round of insemination in early March 2023, having tracked ovulation for about seven months. We purchased three kits and tried for a week. Unfortunately, that round didn’t result in a pregnancy. By early April, we decided to try again, this time with two kits and a more spaced-out approach. After another unsuccessful attempt, we consulted our doctor. She suspected that my eggs might be maturing too quickly, given our timing and frequency of use. She prescribed medication aimed at helping those with PCOS and advised us to use only one kit and to adjust our timing.
In May and June, we took a breather to evaluate our next steps, preparing ourselves for the possibility of needing IUI in the future. When July came, we followed the doctor’s advice closely. Although our July attempt didn’t lead to a pregnancy, we felt more relaxed about trying again in August. Embracing a laid-back mentality was a game-changer for us.
I kept monitoring my ovulation and maintained our routine. The day before my expected period, I felt compelled to take a pregnancy test. To my astonishment, it showed two clear lines almost instantly. Wanting to confirm, I grabbed another test from our stash, and once again, it displayed those beautiful lines. I couldn’t contain my excitement and hastily prepared a card to surprise Jamie with the news. I recorded her reaction, which was priceless and emotional. We had achieved a positive test, but new worries crept in—would this pregnancy last?
At five weeks, I experienced some discomfort, so I went for an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. The technician, breaking protocol, revealed, “I see two gestational sacs in there, and they look quite clear.” Jamie’s reaction was classic: “You’ve got to be kidding me!” But it was true. Fast forward, and we are now 33 weeks pregnant with twins—one girl and one boy. We’re thrilled to welcome them soon and feel incredibly grateful for the support we received throughout this journey.
We’ve shared our experience with friends trying to conceive and wholeheartedly recommend home insemination kits to anyone in a similar situation. It’s amazing to think that we could have twins without the extensive trials and costs that other methods might entail.
On our path, we also came across some great resources. If you’re interested in family planning, check out this informative piece on summer footwear for kids from toddlers to older children. Additionally, if you’re seeking more information on the home insemination journey, you might find this guide from the experts at Make a Mom helpful, as well as this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, our journey has been filled with ups and downs, but with the right support and a determined spirit, we are thrilled to be on the verge of growing our family.