Feritlity Center of Charleston Helps Same Sex Couples Start Families

CHARLESTON, S.C. - March 14, 2016 - PRLog -- When Jennifer and Kara Wilde met, they knew they had an instant connection. Says Jennifer, "We had a lot in common, and we both always knew we wanted to be moms. Early on I realized I had found "my person." We spent time getting to know each other and travelling, but it didn't take long before we were ready to start a family."

The first step was to find a fertility specialist that they both felt comfortable with. "We knew the process could take awhile, and we scheduled an initial consult with The Fertility Center of Charleston and Dr. Stephanie Singleton." The Fertility Center of Charleston believes it is every couple's right to build their own family. LGBT couples experience some of the same issues that heterosexual couples face such as sperm quality, egg quality, issues related to age and overall reproductive health. Jennifer says the experience from day one has been positive. She explains, "We were nervous. Two women from up north wanting a baby in the deep south, we didn't know how it would be received. We couldn't have had a better experience. At The Fertility Center of Charleston, they didn't blink that we were a same sex couple."

Lesbian couples, like Jennifer and Kara, may consider the use of intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) for family growth. For gay couples, a gestational carrier (i.e. a woman who gives birth to a baby for another individual or couple) and an egg donor are necessary. Jennifer and Kara felt strongly that they both wanted to be a part of the process. "Dr. Singleton was honest with us after IUI was not successful and she suggested IVF. She offered us the best of both worlds. She suggested using Kara's eggs, but implanting them into me. We chose to transfer two embryos and it worked. Now we have double the fun-twins!"

Jennifer remembers hearing the good news. She states, "Dr. Singleton's face was beaming, and we all burst into tears. The whole staff celebrated with us. We took our ultrasound picture with everyone at The Fertility Center of Charleston, because they really feel like family. The financial counselor helped us find discounts on medication, Dr. Singleton spent time on the phone with us from her home, they all go above and beyond."

Now 10 month old girls Harper Reid and Kennedy Grace keep Jennifer and Kara busy. Jennifer says she can't imagine her life without them, "They are my favorite part of every single day. They mimic each other's personalities." And she has advice for any couples that want to start a family. "Follow your heart and make the call. It is an amazing journey with The Fertility Center of Charleston. Dr. Singleton works so hard for you. She is always encouraging and optimistic." She adds, "The highs and lows are so worth it when I see these two smiling faces. I found my person, now I have my people."

Dr. Singleton is currently accepting new patients at The Fertility Center of Charleston in both Charleston and Savannah locations. To learn more, http://www.fertilitycharleston.com/.

To schedule an initial consult, call 843-881-7400.