Gem Baker had always dreamed of becoming a mother, but life had other plans. Despite her strong desire, she never found the right partner to start a family with, and to complicate matters further, she was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2017. This condition, which affects the tissue lining the uterus, significantly reduced her chances of conceiving naturally. Following her diagnosis, Gem endured eight surgical procedures in 2018 to remove the endometriosis, yet her fertility clinic in England delivered the crushing news that her egg count was low, giving her only a 15 percent chance of conceiving naturally.
“My chances were slim,” said the 38-year-old from Clacton-on-Sea. “I hit a brick wall. It’s soul destroying.”
Determined to become a mother, Gem began exploring the possibility of in vitro fertilization (IVF), but she was dismayed by the high costs associated with the procedure. A single round of IVF can be prohibitively expensive, putting it out of reach for many hopeful parents. Seeing her friend’s struggle, Gem’s friend, Jen, suggested she set up a fundraising page to help cover the expenses. Initially hesitant, Gem eventually agreed, and the response was overwhelming.
“It just went mental,” she said, reflecting on the outpouring of support.
Through generous donations from strangers, Gem managed to raise $13,000. Additionally, her father contributed $3,000, and she invested $1,500 from her savings to reach the necessary amount for IVF. Determined to maximize her chances of success, Gem also made significant lifestyle changes, losing 75 pounds and going from a size 16 to a size 8. This effort was intended to ensure she was in the best possible health for conception. However, just as she was ready to proceed with IVF, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing delays.
Finally, in August 2021, Gem began her first round of IVF. Sadly, none of her eggs fertilized during this attempt, and doctors discovered an infection in her right fallopian tube, which was later found to be too damaged and had to be removed in May 2022. After recovering from this setback, Gem underwent her second round of IVF in September 2022. This time, only one egg was produced, but eight days later, a pregnancy test confirmed the news she had longed to hear: she was expecting.
“I loved being pregnant,” Gem said, recalling the support from her family during this period.
When selecting a sperm donor, Gem admitted she wasn’t overly picky but did have a preference for redhead men. She found a donor who fit her criteria: a baker who also engaged in charity work. “He sounded grounded,” she remarked.
The birth of her daughter, Clover-Iris, in 2023 was a moment of pure joy. Weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces, the baby girl bore a striking resemblance to Gem and her father. “She was the spitting image of me as a baby,” Gem marveled.
Now, 11 months old, Clover-Iris is described by her mother as “hilarious, inquisitive, and very clever.” Gem finds immense joy in watching her daughter grow and develop. “Being a mum is exactly what I dreamed, and more. She’s doing something new every day,” she said with pride. “I feel like she’s always been here.”
Gem’s journey to motherhood, marked by resilience and the generosity of strangers, is a testament to the power of hope and community support. Despite the odds, she achieved her dream of becoming a mother, and her story continues to inspire those facing similar struggles.
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