10 IVF Rounds, No Embryos: Finding Motherhood Through Embryo Donation
After 10 rounds of IVF using her own eggs without creating a single embryo, Fiona O’Neil and her husband faced an incredibly difficult question: were they willing to let go of genetic parenthood to experience life as parents?
Their journey included undiagnosed stage four endometriosis, an ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, known egg donation, two trips to South Africa for anonymous donor eggs and, ultimately, becoming parents through embryo donation.
In this deeply personal episode of Knocked Up, Fiona joins fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew to share the emotional reality of transitioning from IVF with your own eggs to donor conception.
Fiona speaks honestly about grieving the child she initially imagined, worrying whether she would bond with a donor-conceived baby and the fear that her child might one day reject her. She also shares why those concerns disappeared when her son arrived.
Now the founder of The Fertility Framework, Fiona uses her lived experience to support individuals navigating fertility treatment and help workplaces become more informed, compassionate and fertility aware.
The Fertility Framework:
Instagram: @fertilityframework
Fertility coaching and workplace support:
Learn more through The Fertility Framework
Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia Lew
Guest: Fiona Oneil
Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark
Follow us on Instagram @knockeduppodcast @drraelia lew @womenshealthmelbourne
ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH MELBOURNE
Women’s Health Melbourne is an innovative fertility and women’s health practice led by Dr Raelia Lew. Its specialist team provides evidence-based care across fertility, IVF, egg freezing and women’s health.
Learn more or book an appointment through Women’s Health Melbourne.
This podcast provides general information and should not replace personalised medical advice from your healthcare professional.
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