Meet Helen, Jack and Ava

I decided to pursue becoming a mum as a single mother as I hadn’t yet met a suitable partner. It had always been my dream to become a mum and at age 35 I just thought I am going to go for it and take the leap to IVF. I had no significant fertility issues other than a short luteal phase and a little endometriosis on one ovary. I had a single cycle of IVF which resulted in the birth of my wonderful Son Jack from the very first transfer ( FET) in December 2019. Fast forward 2 years, and my very next transfer ( another FET) in March 2021, which to my amazement also worked resulted in the birth of my Daughter Ava. 

I initially completed a fertility work up at 34 which was the start of the process in establishing my fertility. My fertility markers were said to be good and cycles had regularity however I initially pursued the journey at the foot of the ladder with IUI cycles. After 3 IUI attempts at HFC, I was delighted to become pregnant but very sadly the pregnancy ended very early, timing was particularly magnified being just one week before Christmas in 2017. The following summer 2018 my IVF application sent just the month previously for funding was accepted. I had been encouraged by my consultant Mr R. Russell to pursue the iVF route as a good response was anticipated.

This was very much realised after the first cycle resulting in many embroys. Prior to commencing the IVF cycle I took myself away on a sunshine break to prepare my mind and body and my first FET was completed December 2018. Christmas 2018 comparative to the one before couldn’t have been any more different, I was welcoming a new pregnancy result, not dealing with what may have been. I was delighted this dream may just finally be happening for me.

I am mummy to Jack who is 5 years and Ava who is 3 years. Both Hewitt centre babies. Becoming a mum is the best thing to have ever happened for me. I feel so blessed each and every day that they were both a success and both working first time. They enrich my world and we are a lovely family unit.

To anybody starting a parenting journey alone, I would say be open minded to the options your fertility team put to you on the table, follow their advice and take up all pre-treatment tests, that way you can concentrate being the best version of ‘you’  and thereby reducing sudden surprises along the way. Nourish your body , take your pre-pregnancy vitamins and nurture your mind. The best support network starts with ‘you’ . Just trust in yourself, trust in your fertility team/ Doctor. Don’t rush the process but be knowledgeable about your treatment so can move forward in looking after yourself ready for pregnancy.

I  would like to say thank you so very much for giving me my longed for family. Without the team I may never have realised my dream in time to become a mum. The staff are all so professional, supportive, so kind and respectful and sincerely want the best outcome for you. The centre displays a strong united aim to provide great level of care and advice is readily available when you need it.