THE BEBÉ REPORT

The journey of a nurse-midwife

Katrina Sparke Katrina Sparke

The Pregnancy Test

When I saw that I had missed the phone call from the fertility clinic I could hardly breathe. My hands were shaking so violently that I couldn’t hold the phone.

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The 3rd IVF Cycle

When I woke up in recovery I had the number “16” written on my hand and I nearly burst into tears. As we drove home we allowed ourselves to relish the sensation of hope again…

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The Testosterone

I was a little bit hotter, a little bit angrier and a little bit less tolerant every day. Fighting invigorated me – Confrontation felt so GOOD.

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The Private IVF Specialist

So many women are afraid to change doctors as they don’t want to “offend” their current doctor, but for me, this was a decision of life or death – the life or death of my future children.

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The Natural Cycle

Life or death – that is EXACTLY how I viewed it. I wanted to be taken seriously; this “casual” approach was making me furious.

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The Second Cycle

I looked up and the screen was black. I didn’t know what was happening, all I knew is that she was causing me unbearable pain and the procedure hadn’t even started.

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The Acupuncturist

“Can you do that?” I scrunched my nose in disbelief. “I can try.” Her nod was strong and solid, as though she was accepting a challenge.

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The First Egg Pick-up

Hope is slowly growing inside a little dark corner of my heart. Normally I suppress it, but for some reason I watered it a little bit this time.

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The Decision for IVF

With shaking hands I pick up the phone and shove the fear of the unknown into a little proverbial suitcase that I carry with me always. I choke back tears as I make THE CALL.

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The Monthly Rollercoaster Ride

But, instead, we are trying NATURALLY. The best way really. I know I should be thrilled. So…..here I go again….on that horrible rollercoaster ride.

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The Painful Sex

Some days were worse than others and I never told my husband about this because I was terrified that we would stop having sex all together.

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The Tasmania Trip

In those powerful moments of awe, wonder and mindfulness you find that, in that brief moment, your pain and sadness actually disappears.

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The Hormonal Chaos

My unpredictable fluctuating moods left me questioning my sanity. I did not know who I was anymore. But what I did know is that I RESPECTED the POWER OF HORMONES.

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The Physical Therapist

I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, and yet I wanted to burst into tears. Laughter eventually prevailed, and I found humour was slowly become one of my main coping strategies.

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The Life-Changing Research

I wanted to run into the woods and break something. I wanted to scream until I lost my voice. How could Dr. B give me such BAD advice?????!!!!!!!!!!!

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The Inappropriate Doctor

He laughed and winked at me as he said “Oh, I bet you love to shag you dirty little thing you….” I was frozen to my chair in shock and disgust. I had never felt so disrespected in a doctor’s office.

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The Post-Op Appointment

We were living in a bad news – déjà vu – never ending loop from hell. That’s the only way I can describe it.

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The New Plan

In that moment of shock and emotion, I staunchly decided that I wanted surgery. And if Dr.B in Australia wouldn’t do it, then I would find someone else who would!

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The Fertility Centre

It was time to discuss fertility treatments. I sat on the pale purple bench and pressed my sweaty palms together. The options were overwhelming.

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The Symptoms

I thought I was young and healthy and ready to start a family….until I came off the birth control. Then all hell broke loose.

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