Beginning of my journey

[Wildish1990]

Hi ladies!
This is all a bit scary writing on here, but I would love some advice from anyone going through IUI. I'm almost 35 and have my fertility appointment booked for the beginning September and then my consultation a week later. I'm scared and excited and it's all I can think about. The only thing I'm worried about Is being financially stable. My uncle is paying for treatment if I decide to go through with it but it's when baby is here and where to live etc that worries me. I have family that will support me and lots of friends. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I've just had a huge rant so Thank-you for reading 😄 xxx

My advice would depend on your situation really OP. Do you have a job? Does your employer have a good enhanced maternity package? Do you have a secure home, either mortgage or stable rental? Do you have savings?

Hello thanks so much for replying. I work full time in child care which obviously isn't great money. But I have always been careful and have savings. I'm currently in a shared flat with a friend, so getting my own rental would be a step i would have to look into. We do get maternity pay to. There's just a lot to think about. Single parent friends have also said I would be entitled to financial help if I needed it? But I don't really want to do that, but if I had to then yes.

I would really prioritise getting a stable home before you even think about bringing a baby into the world OP.

I wouldn't even be thinking about it if I didn't think I could provide a stable home! But Thank-you very much for your input 😀

I did it as a single parent, ended up with twins so was even more expensive (double childcare). I was ok as I had a professional job/owned my own house with a small mortgage.
However when they were 4 I had a routine operation that went wrong and ended up disabled. Those friends and family that were around suddenly disappeared it's been hard but thankfully surviving due to my ill health pension.
I'd don't regret for one minute having dc but it's not been easy and no amount of planning could have mitigated our situation. Go in with your eyes open and work out if you could cope on worst case scenario (multiple birth, disabled child etc). Definitely don't count on government support because (like with what's happening with disability benefits at the moment) you don't know what the next government (or this one) will do next.

Have you not worked out a monthly budget, including childcare and rent, bills etc on your own place?
There's no point in getting your fertility treatment paid for if you can't afford everyday life with a child.

Wow twins! I'm so sorry you had it so tough. There's so much to think about it know. I am sensible and would never do it if I didn't think I could. I have family that can support me financially if I did end up needing it. Thanks for your reply. I'm going to start the process and have the first two appointments and then go from there. It doesn't mean I'm just going to jump straight in.

I think it’s definitely worth having the initial appointment - as it’s very useful to find out where you stand fertility wise anyway in terms of AMH, AFC, FSH results (all tests that combined can give you an overall indication of your ovarian reserve) and to have a hycosy/HSG test to check your tubes are open before the IUI’s.

You might get lucky with your test results and be able to delay a year or two till you have more savings and can get your own place. As a SMBC I do know a few others in low paying jobs/on minimum wage like me who have also been lucky enough to have IVF or IUI funded for them (via the NHS or through gifts from relatives/inheritance). But we are nearly all still living with a parent/s in multi generational households (for that extra financial security, childcare help and savings on bills). I think it would be very tough as a SMBC to be in a low paying job otherwise, unless you have a lot of savings.

Good luck!

Ask your clinic whether they offer money-back guarantee programs or shared cycles — these can help reduce the financial risk. IVF abroad is often a more affordable option as well. Eggdonationfriends website has a helpful report comparing IVF prices around the world, so you can use it to see what option might be most cost-effective for you.Wishing you the best of luck on your journey