My path to motherhood took an unconventional route. I have been very open about my journey in the hopes that more single, independent women with strong support systems around them realize that this is also an option for them to fulfill a dream of motherhood using the incredible modern advances in science and medicine.
At 36 years old, I found myself still single with a biological clock quickly ticking down. After life-changing conversations with both Dr. Wise at (what is now) Olive Kelowna, and their partner psychologist, Dr. Towill, I decided that becoming a single mother by choice using donor sperm was my new path.
Following many months to get my body ready after coming off birth control, I was extremely lucky to become pregnant with my first IUI. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, making my lifelong dream of motherhood a reality.
Fast forward a few years and I consulted with Dr. Wise and Dr. Towill once again to make the more difficult decision to try for a second child, now at age 40. Despite the challenges of being a single parent (even with my own parents being very supportive and involved local grandparents), they helped me realize that if having two children, and providing a sibling for my son, were my dream, I shouldn't leave myself with regrets.
Then, just as my decision was made, COVID hit, and everything was put on hold for 3 months while I watched the calendar inch ever closer to my 41st birthday. Finally, we were able to get started, but 6 unsuccessful rounds of IUIs followed. Meanwhile, the expected mental stress and emotional rollercoaster of fertility were compounded by the threat of contracting COVID in a high-risk profession, not knowing month-to-month if I might finally be pregnant. I took a 6 week break for my body and mental health, and decided to give one final try with a round of IVF, knowing if it didn't work I'd at least have exhausted my options. Thankfully, while an even more arduous process, I found success with my first round of IVF. Recently, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
Nothing about the path I've taken was easy, and it certainly wasn't cheap, but it was 100% worth it! I feel so much gratitude to the amazing, supportive team at Olive Kelowna who helped me through both my conception journeys, as well as the team at Olive Vancouver who performed my IVF cycle. Thanks to them, I'm the mother of 2 precious children, and our little family is so full of love and joy.
Photo credit: Candid Apple Collective Inc.
