My Journey to Solo Motherhood | Ep 2 | Time to go sperm shopping!

Time to do some online sperm shopping, and dealing with mixed emotions...
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[@sarawilliams9025]

For everyone complaining about her choice to raise a child of her own race, please be aware that raising a child of another race without an immediate family member who can educate that child in their culture could cause a lot of trauma! I think she made a very wise choice!

[@BrownieBeauty]

Sara I cosign that. Many white women want brown babies as racial fetish too.

[@dee8308]

Exactly. There's nothing wrong with what she said. It would be incredibly weird for her as a single white woman to randomly decide to give birth to a mixed race baby. The only kind of person who would do that are those women that see mixed babies as cute accessories. It would be different if she had a partner who was a different race to her but she doesn't.

[@BrownieBeauty]

@@dee8308 Well said ,we brown skin folk arent fashion accessories ,just because we are cute. Byron very brave and spend years raising awareness about reproductive problems .I wish her well.

[@schmetterlingxox3096]

Amen! I'm mixed-race and I agree with you completely. I'm tired of seeing people having mixed children because it's "trendy".

[@CookieCasperQuincySidney7]

Yeah I agree there’s lots of understand , hair type for one.

[@margotbunny6780]

I just want to reassure your worries about how your child will feel about being donor conceived, I am someone who was donor conceived, my mom had some fertility issues so my sister and I were born from donor eggs. This was something that I found out about very nonchalantly at a doctors office in my late teens when my mom and I were going through my medical history together. It wasn't a world altering realization for me, it made some things make sense, but my mom is still my mom. I've never felt the need to search out more about our donor, my family has always just been my family. I'm not saying that this will be the experience your child has, but it will be totally ok.

[@xhante_]

I’ve been watching you for years. Your videos were my go to when I was learning about menstrual cups and how to use them. I watched you when you began fostering, and now I’m watching as you go on your path to parenthood. I’ve always admired your maturity and commitment to doing exactly what you wanted to do and doing it well. I’m excited for you. Thank you for taking us along on this very personal journey ❤

[@kcv0605]

Hycosy scans are notoriously very painful for many, please don’t listen to people saying this means you somehow won’t be able to cope giving birth. Yes, the pain of giving birth is worse, but you have a variety of pain relief options available to you when you give birth, and it’s also a productive pain, so for some women easier to deal with psychologically because you’re flooded with hormones that for some act like a drawn out adrenaline rush.

[@eliontheinternet3298]

I also think there’s a big difference between expected and unexpected pain! Being told it “might be uncomfortable, you should take Tylenol” makes it sound very mild, which it certainly was not.

[@myreality5959]

Labour pains are so different from any lain you'll ever have with each contraction you both beg for it too end and know that the pain is temporary and that soon your baby will be here. Once you start saying you can't do it anymore and it actually starts feeling impossible. your probably getting pretty high into being dilated Cause can't even lie I was 2cm 100% effaced and dying already. But my water broke naturally and then within 2 hours the pain was getting intense but for about 3 hours water was helping so much my total labour was about 14 hours after my water breaking

[@myreality5959]

@@eliontheinternet3298 yes incomparison to knowing your in labour and that these pains are doing something.

[@livelongandprospermary8796]

I did have an epidural but it doesn’t help with the ring of fire (I did tear). That was the worst. Also worth noting is that I only pushed for 10 minutes (first baby, 18 hrs labor). I got lucky lol

[@skylerwesendunk269]

I have endometriosis and have not have penetrative sex (I’m asexual as well) and the speculum is always very painful for me. I was worried about my first transvaginal ultrasound and that was like nothing compared to the speculum. My tip for anyone who needs an exam with the speculum is to ask for a pediatric sized speculum. It’s about the size of a tampon and usually big enough to do most everything they need to!

[@kristinccha]

thank you

[@catepilarr]

The so-called pediatric speculum (which isnt used for children) is bigger than a tampon. There will be differences in size for different types but as an example I googled this size 5/8” x 3¾”/ 1,7x9,5 cm. Plastic speculums are are usually more comfortable than metal ones.

[@maddiejoy6619]

I'm glad people are talking about how you don't always have as much time as you think you do. I've known so many people who waited to have kids and then it took years to have them (or they just didn't have any at all). Obviously, a lot goes into the decision of when to have a child, but I feel like you should always remember unless you've had extensive testing, you really don't know how long it'll take to conceive or even if you can conceive. I think what Bryony is doing makes sense because she knows she wants children / a child, she has a good support system, she's financially stable, and her clock might be ticking a little faster than some of ours are. If we're going to be supportive of young people deciding to be child free, we should be just as supportive of capable young people deciding to have children.

[@bladynebula346]

I think some of the concerns might be centered around the frightening statistics surrounding children of single mothers.

[@catepilarr]

Testing or not, you never know how long its going to take you to conceive.

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

@@bladynebula346huge difference between single moms by circumstances and single moms by choice.

[@lavenzaa]

As a Christmas baby (I was born on the actual Christmas Day), I'd say it's not half bad 😄 I love my birthday, and it makes the winter festivities that much more exciting. But having your birthday in the middle of the year has it's own perks - so basically, the date doesn't matter at all!

[@willams_uncrustables]

I’m a Christmas baby too! 🎄

[@chloexo7915]

I was born on NYE and although the Christmas and birthday celebrations are over and done with for the year in one week, I love it!! When we went to New Years Eve parties when I was younger I always thought people were throwing me a birthday party it was great😂

[@karbear26]

My birthday is December 26 and my daughter’s birthday is January 3rd.lol she was 10 days early!

[@eliontheinternet3298]

I knew a couple of people that growing up really couldn’t stand having their birthday around Christmas, so they just celebrated their half birthday instead in the summer.

[@Herzeleid1985]

My birthday is mid December and I hate it. I always feel it gets overshadowed by Christmas. But the older I get, the less I care. And half-birthdays are a thing.

[@lezliesmith3354]

I love that you considered how being donor conceived will impact your child. So often on social media I see people not considering the impact of being donor conceived, and not considering how important it is to know medical information (or even how to bring it up to their children when they ask questions!). I'm not donor conceived, and neither are my children, but I think it's such an important conversation to have. I think all parents will reach a point with their children where questions about how they came into the world pop up, and however that child came to be should be celebrated and told truthfully. My oldest is just about 2, and I've already picked up some books on how babies are made, which covers all different families and ways of conceiving (in age appropriate ways). And I'm learning a lot through those books as well!

[@AnuschkavanDijke]

I've lent the books I read to my donor conceived daughter to her class when the teacher mentioned they were doing a family themed curriculum. Their regular material focused on what people make up your family. Which is OK, but it almost makes it a numbers game (who comes out the winner cos their family is the largest/ticks the most boxes). Using the books they focused more on all variaties and then had kids choose which type of family had closest resemblance to their own. That said, my daughter (at five years old) did understand she was a category by herself (other kids who lived with their mum, either saw their dad or knew they had a dad even if they weren't in touch with them), but she didn't feel bad cos there were just so many variations and each one felt special and fully OK (not less cos it was smaller). We also talk about what we appreciate in being part of a family of two, and what we miss (when such feelings arise) and how that makes us feel. So far so good. I guess the main thing is being honest and clear from the get go, and empowering the kids to feel confident enough to answer questions or explain. It gets harder when they have to answer questions from kids older than they are themselves. Before I started my journey someone told me to look at raising kids in this way: you can't shelter a tree from storms. Storms will happen and nothing we can do will stop our trees from getting caught in a storm. All we can do is help to grow strong roots so when the storm comes along, the tree is more equipped to withstand it on its own.

[@lezliesmith3354]

@@AnuschkavanDijke I love the last part of your comment about storms. It's so so true. And, I'm happy you were able to introduce a new way of speaking about families into your child's school! That's wonderful, and something I hope more and more schools teach.

[@catepilarr]

@@AnuschkavanDijke It never apperead to me that someone would think a small family is worse than a big family. I think it might be and issue of yours. You sound to be handling your situation with respect for your children which is good to read.

[@RachelG5627]

I have 0 interest in babies and never want to be pregnant myself but this was so interesting I watched it till the end lmao. Hope all goes well 🧡

[@clare-melanie8413]

I'm so excited for you and I'm intrigued at the whole process. Well done you for doing this, it must be daunting and overwhelming, but at least you have the support of your parents. I can't wait for the next episode xxx

[@bilong92]

I am surprised at the people in the comments objecting to Bryony's decision to raise a child of her own race. If Bryony said she was looking for a black or asian donor, wouldn't you accuse her of tokenizing/using someone else's race? There are a lot of considerations when you are a white mom raising a multiracial kid and not something to take lightly. Would a white mom be able to raise a half-Asian baby with access to their language or culture or even people who look like them? How would it feel to be the only half-black person in a white family? Etc.

[@BettysCloset]

I co sign that.Bryon made right decision for herself and she's better off getting white European sperm.Britain still a racist country it's very hard to raise mixed race baby in racist country

[@justathumb]

@@Hannah-vs1vn probably because personality is such an intangible feature? Pretty sure the children of serial killers shouldn't be judged by their parents' personalities. The features she actually assessed were from a basic gene sequence, not just a question of nature/nurture.

[@fifia4618]

@@Hannah-vs1vn fr. the comments sound logical but the way the girl said it was so odd

[@BrownieBeauty]

@@Hannah-vs1vn As Black British person I didn't take it like that, but you might have got something different from what she said. But there to many white women having brown babies with black people as racial fetish or to ease white collective guilt. Or way to end white supremacy. It doesn't work having mixed race babies hasn't end white supremacy and white woman saying she wants white baby is act of self-love. What is funny is l hear white women saying they want mixed race man and babies .And nobody says its self-hate or mention its racial fetish. But minute white woman says she wants white baby like herself then its problem.Mad thing.Its her body and people of colour aren't begging her to have baby with them.

[@terriandlola]

@@BrownieBeauty this is an interesting comment and I like your POV. I also wonder how she would raise a mixed child not being able to give the correct info on the culture etc? People just want to find fault with everything. She worded it very matter of fact. All of this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly is it!

[@Deborahl256]

There were times when I was month into my very planned pregnancy that I still wondered if this was the right choice for my family. Doubt is normal, it's your brain wiring through all of the options. Don't let those thoughts let you feel like you aren't ready. My husband is a Christmas baby, if I could pass on advice it would be to remember to make their birthday a special day, and not just lumped up with the Christmas rush. Congratulations! I hope everything goes smoothly for you!

[@livelongandprospermary8796]

My baby bro does a 1/2 bday in the summer and a very small thing on his actual bday (like a big party in the summer and maybe small acknowledgements in December)

[@ZoeBellCake]

I feel like I"m gonna cry. I've been watching you for years and years. I'm so excited for you and wish you the very best of luck on your journey. I decided a long time ago that I never wanted kids, but I'm legitimately very happy for you. You'll make an amazing, educated, compassionate parent.

[@TaylorLeex3]

I’ve been watching you since for over a decade now! From when you first started your pad business (which I still have the ones I purchased). To discovering you have adenomyosis, and then fostering. And now to this new adventure of solo motherhood. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become and I wanted to thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Wishing nothing but peace comfort and happiness ❤ -T

[@MaddHeather]

I love watching your journey thank you for including us... I'm 38 and have 2 kids a 17 year old daughter and my son is 3 and you remind me alot of my daughter and I hope nothing but the best for you!! Also please ignore any negative comments you may get some people are just very uneducated... Single Moms Rock!

[@dejanate25]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I am always looking forward to the next video ❤️

[@fragilefleur]

Bryony, thank you for sharing this most personal experience. I think it’s opening up discussion of many aspects of Women’s health that often happens behind closed doors and used to be seen as “too much to share” or too private. If we don’t share this we won’t know what to expect and if it’s a painful procedure at least it’s good to be prepared and be able to ask questions prior and have some feeling of control of stopping the pain if needed. You did great and I’m proud of you for speaking up and hanging in there while they checked your tubes. You are very fortunate that you have a healthy reproductive system for the most part! I am now wishing to see the next installment immediately. It’s like a good book and I don’t want to put it down! Hope you are feeling well and out of the nausea today.

[@altariia]

While I haven't gone down this route for a while in my early 20s it was definitely something I was considering so it's really interesting to see a kind of alternate reality of what I could have done! My circumstances changed and I do have a partner, and I am now 33 weeks pregnant (nearly 34) due on Halloween! I'm so excited for you as well as myself! I love that my child gets to grown up in a world made of families of all kinds, and she will grow up knowing she can pursue her wants and desires in whatever way makes her happy. 💛

[@natatatt]

Congrats! I'm an October baby - it's such a fun month to be born. All my birthdays were spooky/Halloween themed growing up. :)

[@rachaelkey4099]

I’m a Christmas baby, now 37 and I have always hated it! I’m always amazed by people planning their pregnancies and having Christmas babies x

[@amandawilliams253]

My birthday is December 30th so I know what you mean. I could always tell the difference between my birthday and others with spring or summer birthdays

[@ajk5208]

My middle child was due on December 31st. Thank goodness she was born on Jan 5th😂

[@amyb6946]

My mum’s birthday is Christmas Day and mine is the day after (26th). Also my boyfriend’s is 2 days before (23rd). Bit crazy by we don’t really mind!

[@shyspeaks9238]

My daughter decided to come ten weeks early on Christmas Eve lol trying to make my life hard 🤣

[@duck6100]

@@amandawilliams253 mine's on the 4th of January and I feel the same. I've had people conveniently forget about my birthday which I think is because they don't want to make an effort right after Christmas and it sucks. However as a kid if I ever wanted anything kind of expensive as a gift I'd ask my parents for a joint Christmas and birthday present so that was always nice tbf

[@erinloi]

Congratulations I’m So happy for you. You are a wonderful Mumma 💓

[@jennjeffs4893]

I'm excited for you & to see your journey!!

[@ShelbyNina26]

Thanks for these videos. I've been watching for years at this point and really appreciate these as I'm just starting the process myself (in the US). Hopeful I can wait a year to a year and a half, but I expect they will run tests to be sure.

[@Beanjast]

I'm a June baby and feel exactly the same as you about distribution!

[@09etak]

Loving following your journey and very happy for you. I giggled when you said 'if it hurt that much I don't think I could've done it'. As a mother of 3 I can confirm contractions will hurt more! Practice your breathing techniques, helps so much with pain 😊

[@Dalearasa]

As a fellow july born person, I can absolutely relate to the timing thing. And as we tried for children, it was important to me as well, that their due date is not to close to christmas. My children are born in may and june, and I'm very happy about that timing.

[@hazeelise]

this is really inspiring! I don't want to be married but I'd really like to raise a child. but I've been worried about what people would think of me for choosing to be a single mother. it is nice to know others have gone before!

[@dustmite723]

If you want to do it, do it. Please don’t let others opinions impact your life. We get one life, live it how you want ❤

[@ashleysjourney110]

My most important thing would be any medical diagnoses like diabetes or ovarian cancer etc.

[@KarolinaBernolak]

your videos helped me with my endometriosis and period thank you so much for your period volgs

[@brittanygulker2051]

I declined the HSG because I think it’s ridiculous that they don’t offer sedation for something that is notoriously so painful. IUI and IVF both worked for me. 25 weeks pregnant!

[@sometimesawful]

I don't understand as I haven't had it, but it states mild pain or discomfort? That's like Panadol time.

[@Reginee1]

I live in the netherlands. Here they do offer to do those kinds of procedures with sedation. The speculum was too painfull for me when they were trying to take a look at my cervix (i had very heavy painfull periods, so to find out if everything was normal). I could not relax my muscles so it wouldnt work... I was then offered to do a scan under sedation. That was such a relieve for me!

[@miscellaneouscell]

@@Reginee1 Honest question here, why do they need to look at the cervix for heavy periods? Shouldn’t they look at the uterus instead? Can you choose to get an ultra sound? Not sure how endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome are diagnosed.

[@withoutlimitsbudgets]

My brother and I were born on 29 December which is four days after Christmas and we never had an issue we knew that we’d get a couple more extra presents for her birthday knowing that everything would be on sale right after Christmas!

[@Keyaqp]

As English is not my first language, I find it funny when you say 'going into the theater room' as my minds eye sees something completely different so its funny to me. On a more serious note, thank you for sharing, we have just embarked on the road of fertility, trying naturally for now. Your videos are very insightful though, one does never know when some of the info might come handy. Again, thanks for sharing!

[@somethingsmatter]

Going to theater is a very British teen. Americans just call it the or- operating room.

[@grayrosy]

I had the same concern about March cycles turning into December babies! But by then, we had been trying for 4 months, with an early loss as well, and I found I didn't care too much, I just wanted my baby. My son's due date was early December, wedged right between (American) Thanksgiving and Christmas...and then he decided to come almost a month early, in early-mid November! "The best laid plans", haha. So now his birthday is around 2 weeks before American Thanksgiving, and all of those original concerns I had about birthday-planning ended up being irrelevant. Funny how life goes!

[@terriandlola]

My little girl was due 3rd Dec and came 13th Nov 👌🏼🤣

[@lisafawcett5384]

I loved this! I wish it didn’t end so I didn’t have to wait for the next episode.

[@somethingsmatter]

My neighbor is born on Christmas and he celebrates his half birthday with friends each summer. It’s just too much party and presents all at once otherwise, like you said. As a parent it’s so much easier to have birthday parties outside in the garden. So if you can chose try to have your baby be born may-August so you can celebrate outside.

[@myreality5959]

I can't wait too watch you go through this. This is so incredible. Like. After being pregnant giving birth and having a baby. I cannot wait ro do it all again. I didn't love the day to day of being pregnant but all round it was incredible. Though. The nausea throwing up pain anxiety depression insomnia ect ect were horrid. I'm sad I can't be pregnant or have a newborn all the time. My little guy is almostv2 months and no longer a newborn. It's crazy how quick it's gone. Try to cherish everything. The time flies. And you don't realise til you've blinked and suddenly the guy you met at 14 is 18 and he's holding your baby in his arms. Having kids is magical. I wish everyone had the same experience as me. I have so far loved every part. Oh I could go on and on about it can you tell I'm in love with the whole thing

[@katie2295]

I was due mid January but came six weeks early and have an early December birthday. There are elements to a winter birthday that are annoying but it’s also quite nice being one of the older children in your school year too so it probably balances out in the end

[@consciouscommunity3897]

Conceived the 2nd week in March and my son was born on the 4th of December. Sagittarius are great people and it’s never been much of an issue ;)

[@brontestewart6381]

People are fighting invisible comments

[@louisehansson618]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I'm doing the same thing, but the road to solo motherhood is pretty different in Sweden. I've had to go through an evaluation of my suitability as a future single parent. The waitlist is also very long. I started this journey 2 years ago, and now I will get to start trying to conceive this winter. And there will be no spermshopping for me. The doctor decides which donor I should have.

[@silvanayaneva8077]

Woah - how come does the doctor decide for you? Hope your journey has been smooth!

[@Livebreatheatsleep]

I don't know why they lie to us about how painful HyCoSy scans are. I jumped off the table with pain and one tube was blocked so had to go for a further HSG scan. I demanded to be sedated for that one and they managed to unblock the blocked tube thankfully.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

You go, girl!!

[@clare1971]

Be really interesting to hear your family, especially your parents and what they think about the decision you have made

[@Annaie1234]

I'm super glad you mentioned in the start that you were looking for European sperm and not American because I've been watching videos on TikTok of people who were conceived from donor sperm and they have like 50+ siblings

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

I'm very late to this comment but there are also cases like that here in Europe, there is one guy that is a serial donor in the Netherlands. It's just a bit more rare over here but sadly also not impossible to be a victim of these kinds of things.

[@katesuddell3538]

I went through ivf so didn’t need the dye scan but everyone I know that has had it it was done under general anesthetic! Sounds awful but obviously so very worth it ❤

[@ChronicallyCassidy]

I like the idea of waiting so it will be definitely after Christmas, just my personal preference. I’m a June born baby so I like that as well!

[@katrinastringer7935]

Hey ,I love colourful clothes too . I love frugi ,there's also brands similar like duns Sweden, maxomorra. Hope everything goes well with your pregnancy

[@hebbbby]

This is so interesting!

[@lubeeluonline]

I had an awful experience with the HSG (hicosi). I have a tilted uterus which they didn’t know until they inserted the catheter. I was in so much pain I screamed. And I know I’m not the only one who found the procedure extremely painful! I find it crazy that there’s no offer of anaesthetic at all. I was on cocodamol and ibuprofen for a week afterwards!

[@fragilefleur]

I had this done and they took a small clamp to hold the cervix jn place and it slipped so they had to do it again. That part was painful but the fluid and dye was hard pain. I got woozy like Bryony and had to stop. My tubes were fused shut so they kept trying to force fluid through a space that was closed which was not fun. I not only found out I couldn’t have a baby that way which was a kick in the gut but I found it out while having the pain and fear of that procedure. I didn’t have anyone in with me except the doctor and nurse so I wonder if it could be arranged to have someone there with you if you choose to help with moral support and calming and especially for people who may get bad news. I came out white as a ghost and felt woozy and devastated and rode home in a daze. I think knowing they can ease the pain of it via slower push of solution is a really priceless piece of information. I agree it’s def not a fun experience. I wonder if there are some who didn’t have a bad experienced and what their perspective was. Hm.

[@lubeeluonline]

@@fragilefleur Darling, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I had mine in March of 2021 when covid rules meant no one could accompany you at all. I had a wonderful consultant (private) who sat with me after the procedure and held my hand, then walked me to my car to make sure I was ok. I hope everything is ok with you now. Fertility struggles are so tough, both mentally and physically.

[@clare1971]

Me too, it was agonising. I didn’t know I had a tilt until a doctor had what felt like half of his arm inside me complaining he couldn’t get to my cervix. It left me traumatised

[@T3hXinro]

@@fragilefleur It's unbelievable the amount of pain medical professionals expect people with uteruses to put up with down there! The fact that pain management hasn't caught up to the procedures they do blows my mind every time I hear about one of these situations. More research has to start going towards that.

[@lubeeluonline]

@@T3hXinro I completely agree. All gynaecology procedures seem to come with the advice to take over the counter pain relief. Every person I’ve spoken to who has had this procedure says it was unbearably painful. So why does the literature still say that it will be akin to period cramps or may be a little uncomfortable? My NHS consultant didn’t even tell me the details of the procedure. She just said it was an X-ray. My private consultant was the one who gave me all the details and kept apologising as she was doing the procedure.

[@AngelsLieToKeepCtrl]

My birthday is in Feb and I think it's too close to Christmas. Having a December baby can be quite hard financially as well. All the holiday expenses and then birthday presents, parties etc. Hope you're doing well xoxo

[@ajk5208]

I have 3 children. Born in April, March and January. My middle child was due on December 31st. Thankfully she was born on January 5th, and I agree fully with the holiday birthday thing. I had secondary infertility so I couldn't plan her due date. But people are always done with festivities when her birthday comes around.

[@drabby7925]

When I was pregnant I used lay awake at night panicking about how my life was going to change. Now I lay awake hoping my 1 year old doesn’t wake up through the night 😂

[@StelliumAstrology]

Hi Bree, congratulations on your pregnancy this is going to be an amazing journey I’m sure you’re already discovering. I have a video suggestion for when you’re on the other side: obviously there will be reviews for post-partum pads (I needed to wear mine for quite a while) but also is there a decent cup for post baby? My cups have never quite sat as comfortably since having my (9lb9oz) baby and though 14 months later they’re getting more comfortable, I wondered if there was a cup designed for the changes down there post-baby? I started my period 7 months pp. Looking forward to following your journey, you’re gonna be a great mum, I’ve seen you talk about having babies over the years. You were the one who raised my awareness to cloth nappies initially! ❤

[@bellaphotographyfife]

One of my friends documented her journey on social media have a wee look at solo mumoverload x

[@MiniDress360]

I had a HiCosI and I honestly didn’t find it bad, not to invalidate your experience but just just incase anyone is scrolling and getting worried.

[@abrielleBIANCA]

I had an HSG done and my goodness it was so painful. My tubes were blocked and the fluid just backed up in my uterus causing so much pain. 😮‍💨

[@gbrieannful]

Did your doctor explain what causes your tubes to be blocked?

[@laurencimorellibow]

I think a bigger point than a Christmas birthday is that baby is born in the earlier half of the academic year are much more likely to be “successful” in the way society deems it. I do think you find your childhood easier if you are one of the older ones in your year at school

[@terriandlola]

My daughter was due 3rd December but came 13th November and I was so happy 🤣 I completely understand not wanting a birthday in December!

[@shereah]

One of my partners was donor conceived to a single mom just like you. He’s constantly in awe of his mom.

[@laurensteenkamp7693]

Firstly wow, I realised that it's been quite a while since I watched you (a few years) until today. Secondly, over the last few years (4-5) I've been considering doing something similar (freezing my eggs and possibly some bought donor sperm or a donated embryo -if there was something wrong with my eggs-). Unfortunately even with a small inheritance from my grandmother I did not have enough to afford the whole process from pre retrieval health checks to storage fees until I wished to use them (about now) at the time.

[@macbump]

Do you get photos of the donors as well as descriptions and stuff like hobbies?

[@SkogenWhisper]

I don't understand why they can't do thes procedures involving cervixes/uterus under sedation or local or general anesthetic :/ smear tests are so traumatising for me and you describing all this made me cringe so bad. I can't imagine how much worse ur procedure was

[@terriandlola]

Because men don’t have Uterus’ 🙃😉

[@starshine9205]

A rainbow 🌈 for bryony and baby to be! I Hope all is well!

[@hospicernmichelle7361]

I'm in the US and 18 yrs ago they did not limit and so far my daughter had found 8 of her siblings.... and her actual donor! Via Ancestry DNA. It's insane.

[@ikathiggs13]

I've heard some awful things about donor conception in the US :/

[@osheaeimear83]

I would defo want to find everyone so I didn't end up accidentally dating a brother or something. I feel that would be a legit concern.

[@terriandlola]

@@ikathiggs13 ‘our father’ on netflix 😱

[@Christina-hj4hh]

When I had that procedure, it was searing pain. I swore a lot, struggled to keep still as it was really that bad. Like a hot iron inside my body across my whole lower torso. Found out why mine was that extreme as both my tubes were blocked so there was nowhere for the dye to go. I felt like I was about to pass out

[@shereah]

It’s smart not going with US sperm. Regulations are terrible here

[@Herzeleid1985]

How so?

[@MsElfische]

Sometimes child has their own opinion on when to be born. I was conceived on February 15th and born on December 14th. Yes, I'm still a slow human being 😹

[@ashleighray4996]

May need a HSG myself, due to infertility. Waiting to do my cycle day 2 blood work, first.

[@glamwithjinx]

Just catching up on your journey as KZbin never suggest your videos anymore! 💜

[@annafromthemanor]

I’m due to give birth around February 11th 2022! It’s great to see your vids and compare my notes of my pregnancy experiences so far! Very comforting to know I’m not the only one who has felt crappier than expected!

[@katrinastringer7935]

Congratulations,how's your pregnancy going

[@annafromthemanor]

I would say I’m lucky as I’ve started to feel better mentally these past few weeks. I’ve felt quite useless and that’s not a nice feeling. Feeling baby kicking is helping me feel like it’s all a bit more real!

[@K-a-n-d-i-s]

My child was born a few days before Christmas and honestly I kind of like it, gets xmas and birthdays out of the way quicker lol and my child loves being spoilt around that time of year, he was born on the 19th so we just dont put xmas decorations up until he's had his bday, then after that it's all about Xmas.

[@JosieAreSee]

I had the saline procedure and it was the worst pain I EVER felt in my life. I felt horrible cramping and pain from ovary to ovary. I was so faint and almost vomited. I don’t know how they thought ibuprofen or paracetamol would help.

[@sarahdez1]

I'm curious, do you get to see a picture of the donor and do you have their name?

[@abitofpaprika]

This is completely off topic but I really love your style!

[@gillygillyyt55]

Lets hope they haven't got files mixed up 🙄

[@lauraelisee]

Just curious, do they use a speculum during annual obgyn visits in the UK? Here in the US they have to use them every time to examine you unless you meant using a speculum to open your cervix 😬 xx

[@catrinbyrne8501]

In the UK we don’t have annual gynaecologist visits - we have cervical smear tests regularly from the age of 25 onwards, but other than that our culture is generally that there’s no need to go to a doctor unless something is wrong. We also don’t have just “check-ups” with our GP like people seem to in the US. You just go if there’s something you want to get checked out :)

[@lauraelisee]

@@catrinbyrne8501 that’s very interesting! In the US we are encouraged to get yearly physicals for a head to toe assessment. However, last time I went to the obgyn they said they didn’t need to do an exam unless something was wrong bc studies are finding the unnecessary trauma is not really beneficial.

[@terriandlola]

@@catrinbyrne8501 i have a yearly check up….. but i’m 36 not sure if it’s age related 👵🏼 (I do also have bipolar but that’s a different team)

[@rayaivanova7055]

Hello, can I ask if there is a video where you give information about the total cost of your fertility journey and eventually a break down of all the procedures? Thank you in advance :)

[@LisaFrisstDich]

It was really interesting for me personally when you talked about being more sure about your donor and the whole thing as time went on and you “detoxed” from the pill. I had huuuuge baby fever in my early 20s (starting at 22) to the point where I cried because I knew I wasn’t ready yet. A little later I found out I had endometriosis and have been on the pill for a couple of years now and this desperate wish for a child has died down a lot since. My rational mind still wants kids in the future but I feel like emotionally I’m a lot more distanced from the idea and constantly questioning if now would be a good time or if I should wait. I always wonder what would happen with the baby fever if I went off the pill. I mean, I’m planning on it in the future and having kids probably won’t be as straight forward as one hope it is for me, so I’m wondering if the extreme emotions will return.

[@shelleyjones4146]

If I'm doing the maths correctly does this mean that round 1 didn't take, took a month off and round 2 was a success? If so I'm glad you were able to have the donor that you wanted and I'm sending you good vibes for the rest of your pregnancy I know it's tough but it's not forever :)

[@ashleydalton3824]

Someone help where do I know this lady from what show has she been on

[@meluvfriends]

December 21st baby, can confirm I do not like my birthday lol😂😅

[@MaddHeather]

My son is the 5th of December and December is rough lol he will be three this year

[@shyspeaks9238]

My daughter literally came Christmas Eve 2021.... Lol

[@marisolguzman5639]

Same lol growing up I would often get one gift for bday and Xmas 😔

[@elizabethdurocher8308]

I pray you get pregnant with the first one. Then if you want another baby you can use the second one. I will be praying for you. Nothing wrong being a single Mom.

[@mcfloater1171]

Clinical as it gets.

[@ishwarilaughing6256]

When any doctor tells a woman a gaeno procedure doesn't hurt very much just ibuprofen etc. you should expect horrific pain. Women's healthcare is so underrated in terms of pain levels. They need to give women proper sedation and pain killers for these very painful procedures. It makes me so mad. There's no reason for us to suffer, they could give us medication to stop the pain but they don't. 😠

[@smallbeginning2]

Well I felt absolutely nothing, getting an iud in. At all. It's fascinating. Taking it out was barely uncomfortable.

[@ishwarilaughing6256]

@@smallbeginning2 I am very pleased for you! I wish mine had been like that.

[@frog5291]

I’ve got a HyCoSy test in a few weeks and I’m DREADING it 😢

[@brionyhall4250]

That’s so weird they didn’t knock you out for the saline thing. They did for me… although I was having a biopsy at the same time so maybe that’s why 🤔

[@jacdyson]

Getting my IUD put in was the most excruciating thing I've ever experienced. I was screaming and losing consciousness and vomited after. I cannot understand how procedures like this are done whilst awake/without pain relief.

[@tinyshinystar8458]

If you have another ask them to use lidocaine gel, they used it for my IUD and it was painless except some mild cramping. The worse thing I experienced was 2 instruments clanged together and made me jump

[@jacdyson]

@@tinyshinystar8458 I think they sprayed my cervix with stuff like that but it did nothing for me 🥲 like they only sprayed the outside and that didn't help at all with the internal pain

[@tinyshinystar8458]

@@jacdyson they used a gel with me, like a lube, so as they inserted stuff it went up into my cervix and numbed everywhere

[@matemahe]

I heard horror stories about how painful it is. I was terrified & did researched & in usa your are expected to ask for something for the pain but they don't offer it.

[@jacdyson]

@@matemahe I'm AU and I think it just the spray unless extreme circumstances 🥲

[@catepilarr]

I wonder whether the speculum hurt you because of your adenomyosis? It really should not hurt at all, perhaps some light pressure if anything.

[@terriandlola]

The comments of ‘how will you cope with the pain’ are ridiculous! That’s like telling all women that they can never complain about any pain because giving birth is worse. I’ve had toothache that was more painful than giving birth. ALSO shock horror….. they have drugs to help if you are struggling 😉 you don’t get a badge for doing it pain med free. Why suffer if you don’t have 2?! (For the record I’ve had 2 babies both pain med free and I still complain about smears, headaches, having a cold etc) implying she shouldn’t be complaining about any pain is so demoralising.

[@Clairewy]

what's going to happen re your fostering is that going to be on hold till you adjust to having your own

[@sparkleg4468]

Sperm shopping wtf😂 The worlds gone mad🤯

[@jennjeffs4893]

I love my December birthday!! I share my bday with my dad & my moms is 4 days later. I also have a daughter with a December bday. We all love our birthdays. Having a child born in June & December, they both love their bdays. I don't prefer one over the other. Both are special for different reasons.

[@ralbynb158]

Forgive me if this is rude or I jusy Havbt got onto thay part of the video yet but would you be comfortable sharing your experience of costs with having gone throigh private path and soerm banks etc what's included with the price etc. Its obviously okay if not 😊 Thanks a lot

[@emma12345890]

I think you meant 8th February at 14.53

[@RuRuWebby]

Are the donors told when someone has chosen to use their sperm?

[@aimeelou1825]

I’d assume so. Surely they need to know if they’ve got children 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@MaddHeather]

Actually I do not think so... they've been paid for that... heck idk though but I'd say no

[@agees924]

In the US no, not always. Because sperm isn’t always recorded as a pregnancy in a medical clinic. You can inseminate yourself at home even.

[@casebeth]

@@aimeelou1825 no. That's not how any of that works.

[@aimeelou1825]

@@casebeth okay😭 idk how it works and I never said I did. So calm down luv

[@karinseaman4060]

Oh yes! I hate a speculum.... With the IUIs that's the only thing I felt, not the actual IUIs... Just had a pap smear at my 6 weeks pp checkup.... Also only felt the speculum 😂 don't recommend.. Luckily I never had an HSG or Hycosy done.... If you did March and May, I'm assuming your second cycle was successful (can't remember if you mentioned that in the video where you announced your pregnancy)... My baby is also from IUI #2.

[@Silvergirl2323]

Are your parents paying for the procedures? It’s pretty pricey

[@acounterbalance7207]

Love watching your whole story! Question: are you thinking of trying cloth diapers? Maybe you can do a cloth diaper video or speak about why you chose disposables instead.

[@meghanh2511]

Will you show your baby when he/she is born or will you keep your baby anonymous like your foster children?

[@dustmite723]

Foster children have to be kept anonymous for safety reasons

[@meghanh2511]

@@dustmite723 And that's why I asked if she's going to do the same with her own child..

[@dustmite723]

@@meghanh2511 well have to see. But foster kids could be in great danger if their birth parents see them online whereas this is her biological

[@ec2497]

The part where you were describing the pain you felt during that scan, and reading other people's experiences in the comments, made me feel dizzy. Why on earth do people with uteruses still have to just grin and bear incredibly painful procedures without relief, or even adequate warning? It's crazy.

[@duck6100]

Literally. I put it down partly to religion shaping our culture because in Christianty, women having really painful births was a consequence of Eve betraying God and eating the apple from the garden of Eden. This created the perception that painful labour is something ordained by God. Actually the introduction of pain relief for labour was opposed by many people who thought that since birth is a natural process, using it would be both unnatural and also very detrimental to the health of the person giving birth and the child. Even now some people face shame from others if they choose to have a medicated birth, especially in very religious or traditional communities. Of course, pain relief under any circumstances has its risks but the risks are informed ones and plenty of people agree that it's worth it.

[@matemahe]

Why do I see this as a romance comedy.