They also opted for EMMA and ALICE testing, which helped them better understand Staci’s body and make more changes to their IVF protocol for the next transfer. Through an Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) cycle, the couple learned that Staci's body needed a little more progesterone to create an ideal environment for their next embryo transfer. Their doctor agreed, and they moved forward. After these two big blows, Staci advocated for more testing as she felt something was off. Her egg retrieval yielded two genetically normal embryos, so Staci underwent a second embryo transfer, which unfortunately was not successful. "After our miscarriage, we decided it was my turn to do an egg retrieval while Staci recovered physically and mentally from our loss," says Emily. "The attachment and hope and excitement and love we felt for her were real." With their pregnancy loss, they now became members of another club no one wants to be a member of: the 1 in 4 couples who experience miscarriage. "We transferred our little girl, who we named Ermani Grace, and had a wonderful 9.5 weeks of being pregnant with her, dreaming and hoping for the best things for her future - and then we miscarried," Emily says. Sadly, they learned that out of those six embryos, only one was genetically normal. The next step was for Staci to have an egg retrieval, which yielded amazing results: 21 eggs! After being fertilized with their designated donor's sperm and developing into embryos in the lab, the six remaining embryos underwent preimplantation genetic testing. Out of 500 potential donors, only one was a good match! Their Care Team helped guide them through the process so they could better understand the complex genetic concerns at play and eventually they moved forward with IVF treatment. Their next challenge? Finding a sperm donor who was compatible with Staci's genetic issues. "Staci’s results were a shock, but it was better to have all of the data so we could make better decisions based on all the information!" "We cannot imagine the pain and trauma of enduring more than we have without those tests," Emily says. "Unfortunately, we found out that Staci had complex underlying genetic issues that led us straight to IVF instead." Emily also struggles with health issues of her own, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.Īlthough this new information was an added challenge, Emily and Staci feel grateful that they did genetic testing. "We began our path to parenthood with the idea that Staci would undergo IUI treatments and we'd get pregnant fairly quickly due to her age and health," says Emily. What happened next was series of bumps in the road that the couple never expected.īump #1: Shocking Genetic Testing Results "Our friends raved about Illume and everyone that helped them on their journey to becoming parents - it was a no brainer!" Emily says. "I also think being cautious with our hearts and health due to trying to avoid COVID led us to tackle some big topics right away!"Īfter investigating their family-building options, they decided to seek the help of the reproductive endocrinology team at our partner clinic, Illume Fertility. "Sometimes you just meet someone and have those important conversations immediately," Emily says. You know the old saying, "When you know, you know?" Emily and Staci's love story is a beautiful example of two people finding each other at just the right time and confidently diving headfirst into creating a new life together.Īfter meeting through a mutual friend at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily and Staci immediately felt a connection and even discussed their mutual desire to have children on their first date.
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