A Journey To Motherhood through Egg Donation

“I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THE MIRACLE IN FRONT OF MY EYES”
A woman’s journey to motherhood through egg donation

Even now, Natalie* can hardly believe the miracle in front of her eyes. Every time she looks at her three-year-old daughter Amber she is reminded of the long, emotional journey that made her possible. “I just can’t really believe she’s here,” she says.

For Natalie and partner Mark, becoming parents wasn’t straightforward. After a ‘disappointing’ experience at their first fertility clinic, and a failed cycle using her own eggs which resulted in no fertilisation, the pair realised they needed to consider egg donation.

Determined to find a better experience, Natalie took time off to research clinics and agencies, and contacting the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, before choosing the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), where she could use a satellite clinic for most appointments.

“From the very first phone call to BCRM, I could tell it was going to be different,” says Natalie, 44. “The wonderful lady on reception was so kind and reassuring – she really listened and made me feel like I wasn’t just another number.

“They put me in touch with Sara English, who runs the clinic’s egg donation programme, and with counsellor Wendy – and both were incredible. The counselling really helped us process the emotions and understand what using a donor would mean for us.”

BCRM also offered the option to send an anonymous thank-you letter and gift to their donor, a gesture that deeply touched Natalie. The couple selected a donor based on kindness and openness, valuing the generosity of the person helping them above specific physical traits.

The first embryo transfer at BCRM was successful. Natalie describes the two-week wait for the pregnancy test as nerve-wracking. “I got stuck in my head and couldn’t believe it at first. Seeing the lines appear on the test was such a shock.”

To help manage potential complications, Natalie opted for a planned C-section, with Mark creating a playlist of her favourite songs for the birth. “When Amber was delivered, it was amazing and overwhelming. I just couldn’t believe she was finally here.”

Looking back on the whole journey, Natalie says, “Throughout the journey, I felt so grateful for the support at BCRM. It really felt like more than a clinic, more like a family. The staff were always there, empathetic, and proactive. From my first enquiry through to the embryo transfer and beyond, I always felt completely supported.”

Natalie and Mark are sharing information with Amber about her conception gradually and hope that when she’s older, she might choose to connect with the donor; they keep in touch with BCRM each year through photos and updates, showing their gratitude for the donor’s kindness.

For Natalie and Mark, Amber’s arrival is the culmination of years of research, resilience, and hope. It’s a reminder of the impact compassionate care, generous donors, and informed choice can have on building a family. “With the right support, egg donation can be life changing,” says Natalie.

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.

Read more about Egg Recipient treatment here Treatment with donor eggs