For Samantha and Jake Thompson from Basingstoke, the arrival of their daughter, Lucy, was nothing short of extraordinary. Her birth also represented a significant milestone for Wessex Fertility, as she became the 3,500th baby conceived through their treatments.
Samantha, a dedicated nurse, met Jake, an IT professional, in 2006 through mutual friends. They tied the knot in 2009 and soon expressed their desire to start a family. However, diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome in her late teens, Samantha was aware that conceiving might be a challenge. After facing setbacks with ovulation induction from their general practitioner, they were referred to Wessex Fertility’s conveniently located satellite clinic. “Having a clinic so close to home was a game-changer for us. We only needed to travel to Southampton for the egg retrieval and embryo transfer. The staff at Wessex were so welcoming and always available to help with any questions,” Samantha recalls fondly.
Starting Their IVF Journey
In March 2016, after an initial consultation at The Candover clinic, the couple began their first IVF cycle. “I was a little nervous about the medication and injections, but my nursing background helped ease my worries. I kept telling myself it would all be worth it in the end.” During the egg collection, Samantha had 20 eggs retrieved but developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which required her embryos to be frozen while she recovered. “It was heartwarming to receive daily calls from the team checking in on me. I felt really cared for,” she remembers.
The Waiting Game
By June of that year, they were ready to transfer one of their frozen embryos. After thawing, the embryo was placed in Samantha’s uterus, and they faced an anxious two-week wait to see if the treatment had been successful. “When we found out I was pregnant, it was surreal. We didn’t want to celebrate too soon, but seeing the heartbeat on the scan made it all real. We felt incredibly fortunate that it worked the first time,” says Samantha.
The Joy of Parenthood
In February 2017, Samantha welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Lucy. “It was a bit overwhelming at first, but having her is a true joy. She has such a vibrant personality and a cheeky smile. Our experience with Wessex was so positive that we’ve already recommended them to family. Learning that Lucy was Wessex Fertility’s 3,500th baby made it all the more special!”
Resources for Your Family Journey
If you’re considering starting your own family journey, check out our other blog post on pumping breast milk tips for success. For more information on home insemination, Make a Mom offers great resources, and Cleveland Clinic provides excellent insights on pregnancy and IUI procedures.
In summary, Samantha and Jake’s journey highlights the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, culminating in the joyful birth of their daughter, Lucy, a milestone baby for Wessex Fertility.