At Care Fertility, we support people with many different paths to parenthood. Some come as couples, others on their own, with a clear sense of what they want and the support around them. What follows is Melissa’s story, told in her own words, about becoming a mum through donor conception with support from Care Fertility Liverpool.
My name is Melissa; I’m 38 and from Liverpool. I’m a single mum by choice to my daughter Sasha, who is now 16 months old. She came into my life thanks to IVF treatment at Care Fertility Liverpool, with the help of donor sperm.
My journey to motherhood wasn’t straightforward. I had always known I wanted to be a mum since I was a child myself and after a few unsuccessful relationships throughout my twenties and early thirties, I decided to embark on the journey of motherhood as a single parent, with the support of my family, who I’m really close to.
Trying treatment elsewhere
Before coming to Care Fertility, I had undergone three unsuccessful rounds of IUI at a different clinic. My experience at that clinic left me feeling deflated, unsupported, and disheartened. I knew I wanted to continue my fertility journey but I needed to move clinics, so I searched online and found Care Fertility Liverpool. The reviews were really positive, and from the moment I walked through their doors, I understood why.
Finding Care Fertility Liverpool
As soon as I walked into the Liverpool clinic, I felt welcomed straight away. The atmosphere of the clinic was completely different to what I had experienced previously and the staff were so warm, approachable, and genuinely helpful. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble.
They took the time to explain every detail and answered every question with patience and honesty. For the first time in my fertility journey, I felt like I was being listened to, understood, and properly supported. Even small things, like always being able to reach someone on the phone or by email, that alone made such a huge difference to my stress levels.
Treatment decisions and IVF
At my first appointment with Dr Coyne, we agreed to try one more round of IUI before moving on to IVF if needed. Sadly, the IUI didn’t work.
With the support of my family and the Care Fertility Liverpool team, I began IVF. My first round was unsuccessful, which was devastating, especially after so many disappointments already. But with much trepidation I continued to my second IVF cycle just a few weeks later. Thankfully, that round was successful, and in May 2024 my daughter Sasha was born.
Melissa and her daughter Sasha, photographed together when Sasha was a baby.
The emotional side of treatment
I’ve always considered myself quite a strong person, but fertility treatment really tests you to your limits. The physical toll, the emotional rollercoaster, the constant cycle of hope and disappointment and just general uncertainty, can be really difficult to deal with, even for somebody mentally strong.
There are moments when I really started doubting my body and my resilience. But the team made me feel truly supported every step of the way and really eased the stress I felt. Everybody was so kind and I felt that each and every one of them genuinely cared about my treatment and the outcome. I felt they were all really rooting for me.
The team felt like a little family and the more I visited, I felt part of that little family. Their warmth and genuinely caring attitude made a stressful experience so much easier to navigate.
The people who made the difference
Emma and Ashley, who I saw the most, became like friends. Cath, Lauren, and Dr Coyne were equally amazing, but everybody I dealt with, including the reception and admin staff, played a role in making me feel cared for and never like “just another patient.”
They all made my journey feel personal, and I will never forget the kindness and support they gave me. They were part of bringing my daughter into the world and I will be forever grateful to them for that.
Even after Sasha was born, I kept in touch with Emma, sent photos and popped in to visit her with Sasha.
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Melissa returning to Care Fertility Liverpool with her daughter Sasha, to introduce her to the team who supported her journey.
Looking ahead
Through my IVF treatment, I produced 21 eggs, seven of which fertilised. One was an unsuccessful cycle, and one resulted in my daughter. I now have five frozen embryos.
I have recently returned to Care Fertility Liverpool to start treatment for a second child and at the time of writing this I am so happy to share that I am currently 10 weeks pregnant with my second baby!
Reflections
To anyone thinking about starting their own fertility journey, I can honestly say Care Fertility is the place I would recommend without a second thought. For me they turned one of the most difficult chapters of my life into one of the most rewarding.
They gave me hope when I was losing it, they stood by me through the hardest moments, and they celebrated with me when my dream finally came true. Because of Care Fertility, I have my daughter and soon, I’ll have another beautiful baby.
