Samantha Reynolds, Australia
Donor Eggs
Clinic: Cape Fertility Clinic, South Africa
No Eggs Collected: 16
No Embryos: 7 x 5 day embryos
No Transfers: 1 - pregnant with twins
Children: Freya & Harvey
Tonight I had the pleasure of chatting with Sam - who came into my DM’s in November 2017. She came to one of the brunches I used to host and the rest they say is history!
This is her story…
Tell me a little bit about your story to need an egg donor?
“I met Kieren in May 2011” Sam told me. She was 33 and within a few weeks of meeting, they had already discussed having children. They got married in February 2015. Both Sam & Kieren were convinced she would come back from their honeymoon pregnant!
Using a period tracker app to know when her “fertile days” were approaching - this was the method they used and hoped would help them fall pregnant. After 10 months of no luck, no double lines, no positive pregnancy test. It was time to get some medical assistance. A visit to the GP resulted in a referral to a top IVF doctor in Melbourne. That visit came in February 2016.
“She gave me the devastating news that it was me” Sam told me. “I honestly thought nothing was wrong with me - I was certain it was my husband’s sperm!” She recommended a hysteroscopy, laporoscopy, dye works, D&C - the works! After all this treatment, Sam still hadn’t falling pregnant.
Next stop was 3 rounds of ovulation induction with Clomid. “We honestly thought it would work” Sam told me. She knew that they had IVF up their sleeve, but that this was also going to cost money! With no results after these next few months, full IVF cycles was next on the list.
The first cycle was great, in regards to the number of eggs collected. 16 eggs collected, 10 fertilised. 1 x day 3 was transferred but resulted in a BFN. 1 made it to blast but PGT resulted in an inconclusive result (put into freezer). Next round 12 eggs collected, 5 fertilised, and 2 x day 3 transferred. Another BFN. Last round of full STIM cycle resulted in a chemical pregnancy.
Sam told me “I needed a holiday” after all of this. They went away for a short break to Phuket and then came back to get prepped for a FET. Sadly, that resulted in a BFN. With no other options left, and not wanting to waste anymore money - donor eggs was the only option left.
Feeling very broken, Sam stepped away. It was too much for her. She got a second opinion and it was exactly the same as what the first doctor had said.
Why did you go to South Africa?
“Cape Fertility was recommended by my FS. Handed over to me on a prescription slip" Sam mentioned. Kieran went home that night and started researching everything he could find out about South Africa. “I was not in that head space”. About to turn 40, I just couldn’t wrap my head around the whole process of donor eggs or Plan B.
“Cape Town was an easy pick as I honestly wanted a donor that just looked like me.” Sam told me. “I wanted to feel a connection with the woman who was going to donate her eggs. So in turn, I would have a connection with my children”.
Did you look for donor eggs here in Australia?
No. “I had heard way too many horror stories about the process here in Australia.” Sam told me. She didn’t want to go down the path of having donors potentially pull out the day before egg collection. Or have eggs held to ransom. The process was a lot easier going to South Africa. “We chose our donor in mid March 2018 and by late May we were transferring 2 beautiful embryos.”
Did you have support from family & friends on your journey?
Sam’s close friends were very supportive. Her immediate family was a little bit different. “My mum didn’t know what to say to me and it often led to her saying nothing at all”.
With 5 x 5 day embryos left in storage - what are your thoughts on this?
“They change daily” Sam told me. 12 months ago we were probably more yes than no. But now we feel our family is complete. But in saying that, we are not ready to let go of the embryos. “I feel so lucky that Freya and Harvey have each other” Sam told me. If one is ever feeling a bit lost about their genetics, they will always have the other to help them. If for any reason they are unable to talk to me about how they feeling.
If you had the opportunity to meet your donor today. What would you say to her?
“Well for those that know me, know that I love giving hugs. So that would be the first thing I would give her”. Sam told me.
Sam would also thank her for such a beautiful and selfless gift. Share a bottle of wine and show her photos of the beautiful babies they made together!
Do you have any books on donor conception for the kids?
Yes - I have yours! They were an easy introduction for the kids and are a part of our bedtime routine (the book reading that is). At least every 2/3 weeks I will read either book (listed below) to the kids. Initially it was for me, to get my head around about how to have this conversation. And how this would work for my family. The kids love it - they ask questions about the lady with the eggs and the holiday to South Africa.
The Journey to You: An Egg Donation Story
What’s your one piece of advice for other women going down this path?
Two words - DO IT!
Had I known how good my Plan B was going to be, I would have done it sooner!
