understanding infertility

**babydreams** · 24-03-2006 15:25

Hello everyone,

I've just joined this lovely site and have posted in the "Egg Donor Needed" area.

I suppose anyone visiting this forum is already sympathetic to those of us who struggle with infertility, but perhaps there are some here out of curiosity or an interest in learning more about it and how they may be able to help.

Here is a slideshow that was designed to help people understand what it's like for infertile people to live life in this world. I hope that you find it moving or informative in some way and perhaps it will help us all be more sensitive to those whose journey this is.

Grab a tissue and turn on your speakers...

http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arm..._arms_mod.html

If you are considering egg donation and would like to learn more, I can highly recommend the Aussie Egg Donors site that others have mentioned.

http://www.aussieeggdonors.com

There you can chat with women who have already donated and learn about all the issues involved. They are a beautiful, supportive group who will welcome you with open arms. Due to the sensitive nature of the discussions it's a private group and there is an application process to join.

Thank you to Bubhub for hosting this forum. I look forward to reading posts and getting to know you all.

Best wishes
babydreams

**PMS** · 24-03-2006 16:35

Hello Babydreams,
I just watched the slideshow; it was so heart moving! I didn't get a tissue as I didn't think that I would cry; wrong. I am sitting here with tears streaming down
and feeling very lucky to have my two beautiful children.
I guess we dont usually stop to think about the difficult journey that infertile couples are on and the heart break they face.
Donating eggs is not something that I have thought about. After seeing so many couples on Bubhub that are after donors it is something that I will seriously have to think about and talk to my husband about.
I wish you much luck on your journey to motherhood and Im sending you and the other couples here hugs for being so patient and brave.

**babydreams** · 25-03-2006 09:45

Dear Peta,

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch the slideshow and respond with your thoughts. It is beautiful that you are considering donation as a result.

Those of us waiting for donors know that donation isn't for everyone, but it really does help us to know that there are gorgeous souls out there like yourself who understand.

Even if you can't donate you can help us by talking to your friends and getting the word out. It's harder and harder to find people who are young, willing and have already finished their families.

The more people understand the issues around this, the better chance we have of fulfilling our dreams.

Thanks for caring
babydreams xx

**PMS** · 08-04-2006 11:31

Hi babydreams. I thought that I would bump this thread up again in the hopes that others would would view your slide show.
Everyone out there; please have a look at the slide show. It is very moving and totally helps you understand what these beautiful women and there partners are going through. It opened my eyes to the extent that I am actually researching and considering egg donation.
Thankyou babydreams; for staring this thread. Hope your search for a donor is going well!

**babydreams** · 08-04-2006 11:57

Dear Peta,

Thanks for bumping! I'm so thrilled that the slideshow had such an impact on you and that you are considering donation. You just never know who it will reach. I wish I could put a link to the slideshow along with some egg donation info into all the threads where young mums hang out, but we can't be bugging people or be intrusive like that...we just have to rely on people's curiousity to visit this thread.

As for our search, we've had one lovely response to the ad from someone who is currently pregnant, but considering donation further down the track (need to be finished breastfeeding before you can donate). She seems very genuine in her wish to help someone become a Mum. I will be phoning that gorgeous lady this week and will be interested to see where the conversation takes us. Other than that, I can't really say they've been bashing my door down!

I'm just so grateful that there are beautiful, supportive people out there like you who are so compassionate and are helping us to spread the word.

Thanks again
Babydreams xx

**Faithcomesinnumbers** · 08-04-2006 12:09

babydreams this has made me cry.

It was very beautiful. Thank you for being so informative and letting people like myself see it from your perspective.

I really hope find a donor shortly.

**charlottesweb** · 08-04-2006 14:28

HI Baby dreams I too am looking for a donor. From the number of responses to certain ads on here it would appear that there are a lot of ladies looking at these posts. Not sure whether they are those that have been through IVF, whether they're simply curious or whether they're contemplating but still trying to make a decision.

Do you think perhaps the fact you haven't had a lot of questions may be that some women feel they have made a committment once they start chatting ie the 'pressures' on'.

Faithcomesinnumbers if you read this post, you responded I believe to one of the ccouples. As a matter of interest, what made you read this section.

**Kate2006** · 08-04-2006 14:58

Dear Babydreams,

I've just watched the slide show - it says it all doesn't it. I wish I had joined a forum like this years ago. Feeling like you have a support network outside of family is fantastic. Good luck in your journey.
Love
Kate

**babydreams** · 10-04-2006 22:21

Charlotte'sWeb...I think you raise an important point...perhaps potential donors are reluctant to post because they don't want to get someone's hopes up unnecessarily? I have mentioned a few times that the Aussie Agg Donors website is a great place to go for more info if you're considering donation and there have been a few new members join recently as a result (I think).

If you are reading this and have questions to ask about anything related to donation, please feel free. A match between a donor and a recipient is something that takes some time and I don't think anyone of us would jump to conclusions just because you expressed an interest in some way. There are women here who have donated, so ask any questions you have without fear.

Kate...thanks for your encouragement...yes it's great to have a network of people who understand what we go through, sometimes that's been more important to me than the people I see IRL, which seems weird, but it's true. There's nothing like the support that comes from people who really "get it". Best of luck in your journey too.

Babydreams xx

**provencein3** · 10-04-2006 22:42

R

Have there been new donors or new recipients join AED.

As I said on another thread I was inspired to donate when I discovered a friend having difficulty in conceiving however at the time I was too old but had never previously encountered it.

Forums such as these make people more aware of the need thus i guess producing more donors which also benefit the children as they won't feel so 'different'

Kim