In 2010 I attended an Inseminar day at the London Women’s Clinic to investigate the options available to same-sex couples with my then long-term partner. I had researched other clinics but was particularly impressed by the services available at LWC and their reputation for helping single women and lesbian couples conceive. However it wasn’t until 2011, when I found myself on my own at the age of 34, that I decided to return and start the process on my own. I discussed the options available with the staff and decided that I would try three attempts to get pregnant with IUI and donor sperm first, and if that failed I would look at trying IVF.
Choosing the donor was weirdest thing I have ever had to do! Deciding for or against a potential donor with the information available made me question every prejudice I never thought I had! In the end I invited my mum up to London and together over a bottle of wine and lots of discussion I decided that only one thing really mattered and so I ignored all other criteria except for “hobbies and interests” and knew that on this basis alone that if any future child ever wanted to have contact with the donor we would have a heap of things in common that we’d be able to enjoy together.
I was extremely lucky to get pregnant on my second try with IUI and my daughter was born in May 2012. My daughter is now a bright, independent and happy six year old! Having a child on my own is without a doubt the most challenging, craziest and happiest thing I have ever done. When my daughter was born I left my full-time job and started a freelance design business so I could arrange my work to fit around her needs, it works well for us and we are looking forward to the imminent Summer holidays when we’ll be bird watching, kayaking up the River Cam, playing with friends and visiting family.
From the very start of the process I felt very supported and encouraged by the staff at LWC. Thank you so much for helping me to become a mother, I have never been happier.
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