Name: Bianca
Age: 42
Time TTC: Over 13 years
Diagnoses: Endometriosis, Unexplained Infertility, Female Infertility, Miscarriage / Loss, Poor Egg Health
Strategies: IVF, Genetic Testing, Egg / Sperm Donor, Fertility Diet, Supplements, Herbs, Massage, Yoga, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Counselling, ERA Test, Endo Scratch, Intrallipids, Steroids
My fertility story
After many years of trying naturally, undergoing various tests and working at getting my overactive thyroid balanced, we started our IVF treatments in July 2013.
October 2013, we had a positive pregnancy test and our viability scan at 6 weeks 4 days showed one good heartbeat. At our 12 week scan, we discovered that we had had a missed miscarriage – the baby had stopped growing at around 8 weeks. The next day I had an evacuation procedure.
7 subsequent rounds of Ivf with own and donor egg as well as a donor embryo did not even yield an implantation.
We threw everything at it – diet change, steroids, ERA test to check receptivity, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, embryo glue, endo scratch,
Finally, we decided the one thing we hadn’t tried yet was surrogacy. It seemed pointless to continue the way we had time and time again. Time to explore an alternative path to parenthood.
The lowest point in my journey and what helped me recover from it
The missed miscarriage. The most devastating feeling in the world. I took a very long time to recover from it – I don’t think you ever recover fully, you just manage to place it at the back somewhere.
The eagerness to continue on my mission to motherhood kept me going and trying to be positive. Determination not to give up.
Where I am right now in my journey
My gorgeous twin boys are nearly 4 months old, born through donor egg surrogacy! They are a real dream come true and I couldn’t love them more!
What I learned from my fertility experience
There are so many ways to fulfil your dreams. Don’t be narrow-minded and only focus on one way and one route. Be open to endless amazing possibilities and the universe will open its doors for you.
If I had to start my fertility journey again: What would I do differently
I would have looked into surrogacy sooner instead of wasting time, tears and money on doing the same thing over and over.
My favourite resources about fertility (websites, books, blogs or articles)
BOOKS
IVF A Detailed Guide (Bianca Smith – my own book available on Amazon in eBook, Paperback and Audio)
Laughing is Conceivable (Lori Shandle-Fox)
Sperm Tales (Lynn M. Collins)
The Fertile Goddess Cookbook (Rachel Campbell)
BLOGS
https://infertilemidnightbaker.wordpress.com/
http://yourfertilityjourney.com/category/blog
http://laughingisconceivable.com
http://monicabivas.com/en/blog
https://www.frommaybetobaby.com/blog/
http://www.conceiveivf.com/blog/b-method
http://www.yourfertileself.com/blog
What I would tell someone else going through infertility right now
Follow your heart. Do whatever you feel is best for you at the time not what others say. Live your life and your journey the way that feels right for you. Be open to alternative ways to motherhood. Be relentless in pursuing your dream but not
My favourite inspiring fertility quote
Your struggle is part of your story – share it and inspire others
Infertility isn’t a path you have to walk alone.
Your Fertility Toolbox brings you the support & emotional health tools you’ve been searching for.
Tools, Community, & Support to help you not only weather the storm of infertility but THRIVE!
Your Fertility Toolbox is a web-based app and online fertility wellness centre that helps women trying to conceive endure and overcome the challenges of infertility through community support, coaching, and MIND+BODY tools.
