Family Spotlight: Desi & Hannah’s Journey to Parenthood

jessicalionrogalski

August 30, 2025

Cryobank America is honored to play a role in helping families grow! Today, we’re excited to share our interview with Desi and Hannah Sterling, a couple who welcomed their baby boy with the help of our sperm donor program.

Family Planning

Cryobank America: Did you always know you wanted kids?

The Sterlings: Surprisingly, no! Both of us thought we didn’t want kids, but that changed when we met each other. We adored our nieces and nephews, but didn’t feel the pull for our own children until we were in this relationship.

Cryobank America: How many kids do you hope to have?

The Sterlings: Now that we have one, our answers differ a little! Desi says 5 or 6, while Hannah says 3. Either way, we’re excited for a big, loving family.

Vial Type and Quantity

Cryobank America: How many vials did you purchase, and what type?

The Sterlings: We started with just one IUI vial, then went back and purchased three more. We plan to purchase additional IUI vials so we have plenty if Desi’s dream of 5 or 6 kids comes true.

Cryobank America: Did you purchase extra vials in anticipation of siblings?

The Sterlings: Yes!

Insemination Procedure

Cryobank America: Which procedure did you use?

The Sterlings: We first tried at-home insemination, but it didn’t work for us. Our very first IUI in the fertility clinic, though, was successful!

Cryobank America: Were you required to take any medications? Were there any side effects?

The Sterlings: Yes, Letrozole. It didn’t cause many side effects, though it did increase my follicle/egg count, so I felt some normal bloating.

Cryobank America: How was the IUI procedure overall?

The Sterlings: We were shocked by how quick and easy it was! After lots of testing visits, the actual IUI procedure itself took only about 5 minutes.

Ovulation Tracking and Fertility

Cryobank America: Did you take any special steps to boost your fertility?

The Sterlings: I took CoQ10 and prenatal vitamins two months prior. I also quit drinking alcohol. And we ate McDonald’s fries after the procedure!

Cryobank America: How did you track ovulation?

The Sterlings: I used the Flo app along with digital Clearblue tests.

Cryobank America: How long did you track ovulation before insemination?

The Sterlings: We began tracking in May after our at-home insemination attempt was unsuccessful, and we underwent intrauterine insemination in November.

Pregnancy Journey

Cryobank America: Were there any standout experiences during pregnancy?

The Sterlings: The first trimester was tough because I was so tired, but I didn't feel sick. Looking back, it really wasn’t that bad, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!

Cryobank America: How long did you wait to share the news of your pregnancy?

The Sterlings: We told two of our best friends right away, but waited until 10 weeks to share the news with our close family.

Donor Conception

Cryobank America: Do you plan to tell your child they’re donor-conceived? If so, how and at what age?

The Sterlings: Absolutely. We want our son to understand early on why he has two moms and how special his story is. He’ll always know he’s a fertility baby we worked so hard for and how deeply he was wanted.

Final Thoughts and Shared Inspiration

Cryobank America: If you could do anything differently in your journey, what would it be?

The Sterlings: We wouldn’t wait. When you know you want a family, start the process, because it takes time, especially if you need support from a fertility clinic.

Cryobank America: Do you have any words of encouragement for others who are beginning their fertility journey?

The Sterlings: Be patient, and continue to lean on your partner. You’ll get there together.

Thank you, Desi & Hannah, for sharing your beautiful journey with us. Your story will inspire so many others on the path to parenthood!

Happy, Healthy, Families begin here...

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