Every patient story is different, but many share familiar turning points. Time spent trying, moments of doubt, pauses to breathe, and decisions about what comes next. This is Elle-may and her partner Tony’s account of their IVF journey with us, from first contact through to welcoming their daughter.
Looking for the right support
I’m from Telford in the West Midlands, and after over four years of trying to conceive naturally with my partner Tony, we knew we needed some extra help. We had been with another clinic previously, but the experience didn’t feel right for us. Appointments were always being cancelled, and we didn’t feel understood or cared for. We wanted to feel heard, supported, and looked after during something so important.
That’s when I started researching online and reading reviews, and Care Fertility really stood out. From our very first consultation at the start of April 2023, everything felt different. We were excited, nervous, and overwhelmed in the best way. We left that first appointment feeling informed, supported, and genuinely hopeful for the first time in a longtime.
The first round and taking a pause
Our first round of IVF was tough, but the support we received made all the difference. Unfortunately, that round didn’t work, and I don’t think I realised how deeply it would hit me until it happened. That was, without a doubt, one of the hardest parts of the whole journey.
Taking a break afterwards was the best thing for us. We didn’t want IVF to consume our lives, so we focused on us again. Holidays, date nights, time with family, and just breathing. That space helped us reset.
Trying again
In July 2024, we tried again, and this time our treatment was successful. That moment changed everything. The thought of having our baby at the end of it all kept me going, even through the injections. I actually became a bit of a pro with the needles.
I documented the whole journey, which made the process feel exciting and meaningful, and now it’s so special to look back on.
Elle-may and Tony during treatment at Care Fertility, capturing moments from their IVF journey.
The people who stood beside us
Throughout everything, the staff were incredible. Peggy, Beth and Nicki were amazing, and the whole team at both the Tamworth and Birmingham clinics made us feel safe, cared for, and never alone.
Even on days when I was a hormonal mess and burst into tears, Nicki comforted me in a way that made me feel completely understood. Their support didn’t end after treatment either. We had check-ins up until our eight-week scan, and even another one around my due date.
Delilah Rose and what comes next
Our second round gave us our baby girl, Delilah Rose. We still have five embryos frozen, and if we aren’t lucky enough to conceive naturally again, we’ll be back, probably more than once.
IVF support pages also helped me ask questions and connect with others who understood. That sense of community was reassuring.
I can’t wait to go back with Delilah so she can meet the people who quite literally helped bring her into the world.
Elle-may and Tony with their daughter Delilah Rose, after completing IVF treatment with Care Fertility.
What I’d tell others starting IVF
Stay positive and manifest what you want. You can’t control everything, but you can trust your body, trust the team, and trust the process. Surround yourself with support, talk openly with your partner, enjoy the small moments, and don’t let IVF take over your whole world.
Take breaks, have fun, go on date nights, make memories. The journey to your baby matters, no matter how long it takes or how they arrive.
From our team
We’re proud to have supported Elle-may and Tony through their treatment and to have played a part in helping them welcome their daughter. Their story is a reminder that fertility journeys rarely follow a straight line, and that taking things one step at a time can make all the difference.
If any part of Elle-may and Tony’s experience sounds familiar, or if you’re finding it hard to conceive and don’t know where to turn next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is here to listen, talk through your options, and help you understand what support might look like for you. When you’re ready, get in touch. We’re here to help you take the next step.
