Love in Real Life: Lucy, David, and Baby Sophie’s Journey

Early Hopes and Unexpected Challenges

Lucy and David always knew they wanted children. Lucy, working in fertility care herself, had a clear vision early on of having a family, and David happily shared that vision. Together, they looked forward to creating a life full of joy, laughter, and the warmth of a family home.

Their first pregnancy happened naturally. They welcomed their first child, Will, without complications, and life settled into a joyful new normal. Naturally, they imagined their second child would follow soon after, close in age to their firstborn.

“We always had this idea that we wanted our two kids close in age. We were somewhat naive to think everything was fine the first time, so surely we wouldn’t have any problems the second,” Lucy explained.

After starting to try again, Lucy and David experienced something they hadn’t anticipated, secondary infertility.

Navigating Secondary Infertility and Loss

Their journey began with early hope, as they quickly found themselves pregnant again. Sadly, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage at eight weeks. Determined to keep moving forward, they tried again, only to experience another miscarriage, this time at six weeks. And then another, again at six weeks.

“It was very difficult. It knocked me for six,” Lucy openly shared, acknowledging the emotional toll these repeated losses had taken. “You feel lost.”

This series of early losses deeply impacted Lucy, prompting her to seek support. For the first time in her life, she attended counselling, recognising she needed guidance to manage the emotional impact of repeated miscarriages.

“I went through counselling myself, which I'd never done before. It did help.”

Misunderstandings Around Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility comes with unique emotional challenges. Lucy and David found themselves dealing with a perception that they should simply feel grateful for already having one healthy child. But their desire for a second child was deeply rooted in love, for each other and especially for their son, Will.

“We really wanted it for Will,” Lucy said, sharing their heartfelt motivation. “People sometimes don't see that. They think you just want a second child for yourself. For us, it was for him.”

The Complexity of Working in Fertility Care

Lucy’s professional background in fertility care added complexity to their situation. While Lucy had valuable knowledge and insight, it also meant she was continually exposed to fertility issues, making it hard to step away mentally from her personal struggles.

“Working in fertility, you can’t really turn your mind off. You’re dealing with couples and people going through their own struggles.”

Yet Lucy also recognised the advantages. Her colleagues at Sims IVF offered expertise and empathy, becoming a source of support in ways that went beyond professional boundaries. This environment gave Lucy confidence, despite the inherent vulnerability she felt about seeking help.

Turning to Sims IVF for Help

Trusting the Sims IVF team deeply, Lucy chose to seek IVF treatment at the clinic she knew so well. It wasn't easy handing control over to others, especially when she was accustomed to being the caregiver rather than the patient. But the decision was empowering, a proactive step toward regaining control of her fertility journey.

“Although I was giving away control, I felt I was taking control of the situation because I was doing something proactive about trying to have a second child”.

Knowing that Sims IVF offered personalised care was crucial. Treatment wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach but carefully tailored to each individual case.

“Some places are black and white: you follow X, Y, and Z treatment plan and that’s it,” she added. “At Sims, I knew it would be customised to me and what I needed.”

Facing IVF Treatment Realities

Lucy and David began IVF treatment in May 2023. Despite high expectations, their first IVF cycle wasn’t successful, leaving them once again facing disappointment.

“It’s almost like a loss in itself because you have so much hope built up. I expected it to work, and it didn’t,” Lucy reflected openly on the emotional pain.

Gathering courage after the initial setback, they tried again in August. This time, their cycle was successful. Lucy became pregnant, marking a significant turning point in their long journey.

Welcoming Baby Sophie

The pregnancy progressed healthily, and finally, after a challenging path filled with loss and hope, Lucy and David welcomed their second child, Sophie, into the world.

“I honestly will never forget the moment, I still well up thinking about it. Hearing my baby cry is something I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear,” 

The joy of Sophie’s arrival was immense, a culmination of years of determination and resilience. For Lucy and David, holding their daughter represented the successful end of their infertility journey and the start of a beautiful new chapter.

Advice for Others Navigating Infertility

Reflecting on their experiences, Lucy offered practical and compassionate advice for others navigating fertility struggles:

“It’s important to be kind to yourself,” Lucy emphasised. “With fertility, it’s hard not to blame yourself. It’s important to talk, but set boundaries and decide what information you share.”

She found strength in speaking to trusted friends who had been through similar situations. Having conversations with people who genuinely understood the complexity and emotional impact of fertility issues provided invaluable comfort.

She also underscored the importance of nurturing relationships amidst the stresses of fertility treatment:

“Fertility struggles can really weigh on a relationship, so it’s important to just go out for dinner and try not to talk about it.”

Forever Grateful for Their Family

For Lucy and David, their family feels complete now. Despite the obstacles and emotional turmoil, Sophie’s arrival made every difficult moment worthwhile.

“Even after all the struggles, having her in my arms, it’s just amazing,” Lucy shared with heartfelt gratitude. “We are forever grateful to Sims for getting us our dream of a second baby.”

Thinking About Fertility Treatment?

If you are experiencing primary or secondary infertility, know you're not alone. Sims IVF offers compassionate, personalised care to support your unique journey. Explore more about fertility treatment options, or schedule a confidential consultation.

Every fertility journey is unique, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.