When Emma and Mia, a couple from London, decided to start a family, they were venturing into uncharted territory. Fast forward a few years, and their lives are filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising three beautiful children together.
“Honestly, we just jumped in without knowing what to expect,” Emma laughs, reflecting on their journey. Mia adds, “It’s funny because Emma was initially hesitant about having kids or even getting married, and yet here we are with three little ones!” They began their IVF journey in 2016, a time when having two moms was still quite uncommon. “We didn’t have role models to follow; we were really carving our own way,” Mia recalls.
Finding the Right Fertility Clinic
After some research, Emma and Mia discovered TFP Fertility in Belfast. “We didn’t look anywhere else,” Emma explains. “The TFP team made everything so straightforward.” Mia had previously donated her eggs, so she was optimistic about being the biological mother. However, Emma wasn’t keen on carrying a baby at that point. The TFP team introduced them to reciprocal IVF, which allowed them both to have a strong connection to their child. This method involved Mia’s eggs being fertilized with donor sperm and then implanted into Emma’s womb. “We wanted to both be part of this,” Emma shares.
Choosing a Sperm Donor
The couple worked with the European Sperm Bank to select a donor. “We were looking for someone tall and dark, like us,” Mia says. They found a donor who was willing to help families but had no interest in having kids himself. “He was perfect for us,” Emma adds.
The IVF Process
Leading up to the egg retrieval, both women found the medical process manageable. Emma prepared her body for pregnancy while Mia underwent hormone injections to stimulate her egg production. “TFP was always there for us,” Mia notes. “Anytime we had questions, they were quick to respond.” The egg collection went smoothly, with Mia joking that she didn’t even notice due to the sedation. Ultimately, they retrieved 16 eggs, which led to three viable embryos.
After a nail-biting 10-day wait following the transfer, the couple received the news they had been hoping for: Emma was pregnant! “I was in disbelief when I got that call,” she says.
Growing Their Family
Following the birth of their son, Leo, in 2017, Emma and Mia opted to use the same donor for their next child, but this time decided on IUI, a less invasive and more affordable option. “We felt confident since we had a good experience before,” Emma explains. This method was successful on the first try, and their second son, Max, arrived in December 2019.
After some time, the couple reconsidered adding another member to their family. “We wanted to stick with the same donor again,” Mia says. This time, they chose IVF once more to ensure they had enough eggs. The result? Three healthy embryos, but sadly, the first attempt at pregnancy wasn’t successful. On the second try, Mia became pregnant, and in 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Lily.
A Fulfilled Family
With three kids and busy careers, Emma and Mia feel incredibly fortunate. “We know how lucky we are,” Emma says. “It’s chaotic, but we wouldn’t change a thing.” Mia has found that their experience has inspired many people in their circle to ask for recommendations for fertility clinics. They wholeheartedly endorse TFP Fertility.
If you’re interested in navigating parenthood with expert guidance, check out this blog post on navigating parenthood. For those considering at-home options, Cryobaby offers excellent resources. Plus, for more information on IVF techniques, Johns Hopkins provides a wealth of knowledge on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Emma and Mia’s journey to parenthood showcases the beautiful possibilities available for same-sex couples today. With love, support from TFP Fertility, and their commitment to being active participants in their children’s lives, they have created a family that thrives on joy and adventure.