Learn All About Christie Murphy's IUI Pregnancy Journey In This Exclusive Cryobank America Interview
When Christie Murphy and Jamie crossed paths ten years ago, little did they know that their encounter would lead to an extraordinary lifelong journey. During the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic, a mutual friend played matchmaker, sensing the potential for a deep connection between the two. And oh, how right they were!
Reflecting on that magical moment, Christie Murphy reminisces, "As cliché as it may sound, it was truly love at first sight"!
Christie Murphy with her wife, Jamie.
June 15, 2021: christie.murph wrote, "Impossible not to smile witchuuu 🧀"
Magic Beneath The Eiffel Tower: Christie Murphy Says, "I Do"
From that moment on, their lives became intertwined, inseparable in their new romance. In August of 2021, Jamie decided to take their relationship to new heights. In a picturesque outdoor setting adorned with vibrant flowers beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, Jamie got down on one knee and proposed to Christie. Joy and excitement flooded social media as friends and family shared congratulations and well wishes for their bright future together.
Jamie proposed to Christie in Paris in August 2021
August 23, 2021: christie.murph wrote, "Haven’t yet woken up from this dream. Engaged to the LOVE OF MY LIFE in Paris! 💍"
Christie Murphy and Jamie are officially engaged.
February 14, 2022: christie.murph wrote, "Never in my WILDEST dreams did I think I’d find someone half as perfect as you; my delicious chocolate truffle 💝 #Valentine"
The Big Day
April 2022 marked a new chapter in Christie and Jamie's love story. On a sandy beach surrounded by lush palm trees, they exchanged vows in front of loved ones. Christie and Jamie looked radiant in their stunning white wedding gowns, perfectly complementing the serene backdrop.
Sharing her thoughts on marriage, Christie took to Instagram to express her gratitude:
"I still can't believe I was a BRIDE! Honestly, I never envisioned myself as a bride growing up; NEVER. Most little girls dream about it, plan their fantasy wedding, picture their dream dress, and spend hours and days daydreaming about their 'someday.' Me? NEVER. I'm unsure if it was because I never pictured myself marrying a man, or maybe I couldn't picture myself in the big white dress. Maybe I didn't find myself worthy of being a bride like I didn't feel girly enough."
Christie Murphy
"It's unbelievable, though; one day, out of nowhere, once I had grown up (and I mean grown up, into a confident, enlightened, and secure woman), I felt this sudden urge to get married and BE that bride I was once so emotionally detached from. I'm unsure if it's because I met "the one" or because I finally felt comfortable and safe enough to get married. All I know is that once I felt it, I couldn't reverse it. I pictured my dress, my flowers, my hair, my veil, my bride-to-be, her dress, her smile, ALL OF IT."
Christie Murphy On Family Planning
When we sat down with Christie and Jamie to discuss their decision to have children, their perspectives on parenthood were intriguingly different. Christie admitted that she never thought she needed to be a mother, but she was open to the idea. She explained, "I never really had that 'pull' to be a mom. I only started craving a baby after falling in love with Jamie." On the other hand, Jamie had always known that she wanted to have kids, a dream she had cherished since childhood.
Six months before the couple married, Christie and Jamie held Modern Fertility's TTC bundle with their fur babies.
October 6, 2021 christie.murph wrote, "Yes, we have our fur-babies, but Jamie & I talk about having REAL babies constantly! We’re getting married in 6 months, so we’ve already started prepping for our fertility journey with @modernfertility 🤰🏼💞🤰🏼"
Christie Murphy and her Wife, Jamie, Begin Their Donor Search
Not wasting any time, Christie and Jamie embarked on a search for the perfect sperm donor. Their quest took them across the country as they meticulously sifted through hundreds of donor profiles. In an exclusive interview, Christie shared their journey with us.
"We had specific criteria in mind, " Christie explained. "We wanted someone tall and European, with light eyes, because Jamie and I have light eyes. Resembling our families was important to us. We hoped for an athletic donor since Jamie played soccer her whole life, and I wanted him to be a brainiac."
"Finding him couldn't have been possible without Cryobank America," she said gratefully.
"Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering support made the process smooth and stress-free. They were always there for us whenever we needed assistance, and I can't say enough great things about them".
September 21, 2022
Christie Murphy shares how she and her wife, Jamie, found their perfect donor.
After browsing through countless profiles, Christie and Jamie stumbled upon a donor who seemed tailor-made for them. A biomedical engineer with a passion for soccer and volleyball, he possessed all the qualities they sought. Cryobank America provided an audio recording, additional photos, and a handwritten letter, which allowed the couple to delve deeper into his life story, fostering an emotional connection that solidified their decision.
Christie and Jamie's IUI Pregnancy Journey Begins!
Christie and Jamie purchased Premium IUI vials, which acquire the highest concentration of motile sperm cells per milliliter. They purchased enough vials to try insemination multiple times while having the option to store extra vials for future siblings. To increase their chances of success, Christie diligently tracked her ovulation cycle using over-the-counter ovulation tests, such as Clear Blue Advanced Digital and Modern Fertility's TTC Bundle from Amazon, which detects a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. She gained a true sense of her peak fertile days by utilizing these resources for a few consecutive cycles.
When asked if she has any fertility tips, Christie enthusiastically shared her belief in the power of sea moss gel.
"I swear I always say sea moss got me pregnant! I took sea moss gel daily for a few weeks before we conceived. I continued to take it throughout the entire process, and I'm convinced it helped"!
Home Insemination vs. In-Clinic IUI Procedure
Christie and Jamie opted for an intimate experience in their own home using one of Cryobank America's at-home insemination kits for their first insemination attempt. However, after not achieving pregnancy on their second try, they decided it would be best to have their OB-GYN perform intrauterine insemination (IUI) within his clinic to avoid wasting any vials.
Although not mandatory, Christie's OBGYN suggested taking a follicle-stimulating hormone to maximize the chances of timely and successful ovulation. While there was a slightly increased chance of conceiving multiples, Christie trusted her OB-GYN's recommendation and decided to proceed with this fertility-boosting option. She experienced no side effects from the medication but produced three follicles that cycle and ovulated all three eggs.
Reflecting on their IUI experience, Christie emphasized the importance of trust in your fertility specialist or OB-GYN.
"I think a big factor was trusting our doctor and having a good relationship with his entire team. Our doctor even let Jamie assist him in the procedure, and we were so grateful for this!"
Overall, their IUI journey was seamless, thanks to the strong relationship they had built with their medical team.
Christie Murphy's IUI Success: Christie and Jamie Share Their Pregnancy With Family
When asked about their reaction upon seeing a positive pregnancy test, Christie couldn't contain her excitement.
"We were extremely excited and even slightly shocked because we took our test prematurely, at only nine days past ovulation! The pregnancy test looked like a strong BFN (big fat negative) until a few minutes later! We thought our eyes were deceiving themselves because it seemed almost too good to be true! We sobbed tears of joy. Sure enough, those test indicators grew darker each day!"
Christie Murphy shares her wonderful miracle.
September 12, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "I don’t think I’ll ever get over what’s going on inside my body; Miracles ✨"
The couple decided to wait until they heard a heartbeat to share the news with their immediate family. They finally revealed that they were expecting a baby at around six weeks. Little did their loved ones know, they were in for an even bigger surprise.
Christie and Jamie's Gender Reveal: Plot Twist!
On August 31, 2023, the newlyweds revealed that they wouldn't expect one baby but are expecting two bundles of joy! One by one, Christie and Jamie blasted their gender reveal cannons. Both cannons were pink, indicating Christie was carrying two twin girls!
Christie and Jamie documented their gender reveal party on Instagram, sharing pictures and videos that captured this highly anticipated moment.
September 2, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "“THE REVEAL” - aka the day we shocked our entire family 🥹"
Donor Conception
In the cryobank community, one topic that often arises is determining the best approach to discussing donor conception with your donor-conceived child. It can be a sensitive subject for some, but Christie and Jamie are open to sharing their thoughts on discussing this with their twin girls someday.
"We don't have a concrete plan for communicating with our girls about donor conception yet," Christie says. "But one thing is for sure - we won't hide anything from them or keep any secrets. We believe in full transparency and honesty."
Christie and Jamie plan on waiting until their girls are old enough to fully understand the concept of donor conception before sharing the specific details and logistics. They want to ensure their daughters have the maturity and understanding to process this information.
"We won't tell them that the stork delivered them to our doorstep," Christie adds. "But we will save the specific details for when they are a bit older and can fully comprehend how they were conceived."
We Asked Christie If There Were Anything She Would Change
When asked if there were anything they would do differently throughout their pregnancy journey, Christie reflected on their decision to try conceiving at home.
"Honestly, we wouldn't do anything differently. We do wish we didn't waste vials through at-home insemination. While it was a memorable experience filled with privacy and intimacy, we now realize we had a greater chance for success with professional assistance."
Ultimately, every couple's pregnancy journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It is essential to approach the process with an open mind, realistic expectations, and a willingness to seek professional help.
Christie and Jamie hold ultrasound photos of their twin girls.
August 31, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "Marrying one another was the easiest decision we ever made; choosing to start a family was even EASIER. So much MORE love - COMING 2024 🍼"
Christie Murphy Shares Words Of Encouragement
With unwavering determination, Christie offers words of encouragement to those wishing to conceive through donor insemination. She emphasizes the uniqueness and specialness of each individual's journey towards motherhood.
"If you are someone who is trying to conceive using a sperm donor, just know that your journey to becoming a mom is so unique and so special! What is meant to happen will happen! Having trust in the journey is key! Remember to have patience, try to rely on your support system when needed, and have faith that every step of this journey will be worth it and offer so much more than you could ever imagine!"
Christie Murphy
Cryobank America Gives Special Thanks To Christie and Jamie!
Christie and Jamie's story is a testament to the power of honesty, trust, and community in navigating the path to donor conception. Their openness and willingness to share their experiences provide comfort and guidance for others embarking on this life-changing adventure. As the cryobank community grows, stories like Christie's and Jamie's remind us of the beauty and strength of embracing all unique paths to parenthood. Cryobank America feels privileged to have been part of their conception journey!
- 6 Foods That Can Boost Fertility
- Cryobank America Family: Exclusive Interview With Christie Murphy On Her IUI Pregnancy Journey
- TRT and Male Fertility: Understanding the Impact on Sperm Count and Quality
- From Sperm Count to Ovarian Reserve: Understanding Fertility Testing for Men and Women
- Understanding the ICSI Procedure
How To Prepare For At-Home Insemination Before Placing Your Vial Order
At-home insemination is a method of assisted reproduction that allows couples to conceive without medical intervention. It involves using donor sperm to inseminate the female partner at home. You can use any of our vial options for at-home insemination. However, our premium IUI and ICI vials are recommended over all other options, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
One of the main benefits of at-home insemination is the privacy and convenience it offers. Couples can avoid the stress and expense of fertility clinics and have more control over the process. Whether you are purchasing donor sperm for at-home insemination or to have a procedure performed at your fertility clinic, our Clinic Release Form must be signed and submitted to us before you can complete your online purchase.
First Steps in Preparing for At-Home Insemination
Health & Wellness Check
Before placing your vial order with Cryobank America, ensuring both partners are in good health and have undergone necessary medical check-ups and testing is essential. This assurance includes checking for any underlying medical conditions affecting fertility and testing for sexually transmitted infections. It is also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that at-home insemination is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Timing is Everything: Effectively Tracking Your Ovulation Before Scheduling Your Vial Delivery
Understanding ovulation and fertility is crucial for maximizing the chances of conception through at-home insemination. You must plan your vial delivery just before your fertility window.
Several methods are available for tracking ovulation, including tracking basal body temperature, monitoring cervical mucus, using ovulation predictor kits, or tracking changes in the cervix. Each method has advantages and considerations, so trying different ways to find the one that works best for you may be helpful.
Timing insemination correctly is crucial for increasing the chances of conception. That's why we don't consider ovulation-tracking mobile apps to be a reliable method. These mobile applications can only provide a vague approximate fertility window. Use ovulation testing kits designed to track ovulation precisely and provide detailed instructions. Typically, these kits will include testing strips that monitor the presence and concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which appears about 12 – 36 hours before ovulation. Insemination should occur within a day or two before ovulation or on the day of ovulation itself. Perfectly timing insemination ensures that the sperm is present in the reproductive tract when the egg is released, increasing the chances of fertilization.
I Ordered Donor Sperm, and My Vials Are Out for Delivery. What's Next?
Once you've purchased your vials from Cryobank America and our team has coordinated an excellent delivery time based on your schedule, you will receive a USPS tracking code. Your tracking code will tell you the exact date and approximate delivery time.
Once your delivery arrives, you'll receive your vials along with our at-home insemination kit. Our kit includes a pre-charged dry shipper containing your purchased vials, complete documentation, and a sterile syringe.
Our dry shippers are pre-charged in our laboratory to remain active during shipping. They transport biological specimens safely and hold cryogenic temperatures of -150°C or colder. Our dry shippers are manufactured with compounds that absorb liquid nitrogen, ensuring there won't be any spills during shipping. Each dry shipper ships inside a protective container to provide an additional layer of protection.
Your At-Home Insemination Kit
Your delivery will also include four valuable pieces of documentation consisting of the following:
- A package summary. Your summary will list what you ordered, including the vial type, quantity, and total cost for your purchase. It will also include an analysis of your vial's motility and sperm count.
- Infectious Disease Report. This information includes your selected donor's most recent lab testing and infectious/non-infectious disease reports.
- Complete instructions. This paperwork will guide you on handling your dry shipper, thawing your specimen, and performing insertion.
- Package return slip. We will also provide a return slip for your dry shipper.
Lastly, you will receive a ready-for-use sterile syringe. Remember, you have seven days from the shipment date to complete the insertion. If shipping your vials and accompanying equipment takes two days, you will have five days to perform at-home insemination.
Tips for Successful At-Home Insemination
Creating a comfortable and safe environment is very important during insemination. Make sure your space is clean and free from distractions. It may be helpful to create a relaxing atmosphere by playing soothing music or using aromatherapy.
Experts recommend lying flat or with your hips elevated for 25-30 minutes following gentle insertion. You can inseminate once if you're confident in your fertility window calculation. If unsure, consider inseminating twice.
Climaxing through clitoral stimulation can also increase your chances of conception. When a woman climaxes, her cervix becomes more receptive to sperm.
Refrain from strenuous exercise for a few days following insemination and continue to eat healthy. Eliminate processed foods with a high list of ingredients and stick to whole foods as long as possible. Avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as red meats, greasy foods, and refined sugar. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco products isn't recommended during your insemination, as they harm egg quality and fertility.
How We Can Help You Through Your Journey
Our assistance doesn't stop at shipping your vials! If you have any questions before, during, or after you've initiated your insemination, don't hesitate to pick up the phone. We've helped many individuals and couples who have embarked on this journey already, and we look forward to applying our expertise and genuine care to help make everything as easy and stress-free as possible.
- 6 Foods That Can Boost Fertility
- Cryobank America Family: Exclusive Interview With Christie Murphy On Her IUI Pregnancy Journey
- TRT and Male Fertility: Understanding the Impact on Sperm Count and Quality
- From Sperm Count to Ovarian Reserve: Understanding Fertility Testing for Men and Women
- Understanding the ICSI Procedure