My journey to motherhood

Every mother's journey into parenthood varies significantly. My own personal journey began back in 2005 when I first came to realise that it may not be a straightforward one.

 

Being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Endometriosis, not ovulating regularly and not producing progesterone would all play a part in the difficult road that lay ahead. One thing i was sure of, I truly wanted to be a mother, and along with my husband we prepared for the inevitable struggle. 

With my history, my husband and I decided to begin trying for a family shortly after we married. The initial months passed and with an irregular cycle, our hopes were raised many times, but the big fat negatives on the many pregnancy tests were oh-too-plentiful. We tried to leave testing as long as possible and like any other couple trying to conceive, we tried not to think about it. This resulted in me having my first miscarriage on my own, without even knowing I was pregnant. I knew in my heart what was happening and attended the doctor the following day to be told I was pregnant and sent to A&E.

 

"Is this your first pregnancy?" I was asked repeatedly by the numerous medical staff. "My first pregnancy" ... these words kept running through my mind. I had longed so much to be pregnant and didn't even know I was until it was too late. A short few months later I fell pregnant for the second time, and again in the early weeks I lost baby number two. We were gutted, heartbroken and yet I couldn't help but think, at least I can fall pregnant.

Following my two miscarriages, I spoke with a close friend, who also has endometriosis and had recently given birth to her first child. She encouraged me to try a lesser well known fertility treatment - one which is not primarily focused on conceiving but initially on diagnosing and treating any fertility issues prior to trying to conceive. Aside from my longing for a child, I was suffering badly from the endometriosis and she ensured me this treatment could help both with my pain and my trying for a baby. So in the autumn of 2009 I made an appointment. I began charting my cycle, commenced my fertility medication and by February 2010 I had my big fat positive. We were expecting a baby and gave birth to a beautiful little girl in October of that year.

Many women suffer from various fertility problems, and although this makes the road to motherhood very challenging, it doesnt mean a dead end. Always keep hope and leave no stone unturned, there are treatments out there so never give up. I am one of the lucky ones and so blessed to be called 'Mammy'.