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 and wife, Jamie
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 proposes to Christie Murphy beneath the Eiffel Tower
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 says I do beneath the Eiffel Tower
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.

Christie Murphy and wife, Jamie, exchange vows and say I do

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." 


"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
Christie Murphy during her wedding, holding flowers from the ceremony.

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.

christie muphy family planning and fertility before searching for a sperm donor through Cryobank America
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's IUI pregnancy journey
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 Murphy announces she's pregnant with twins after purchasing IUI vials from Cryobank America
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 Murphy holding ultrasound photos from her successful IUI pregnancy with Cryobank America
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!

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Sperm Donor

Choosing the right sperm donor is crucial for anyone considering donor insemination. The process of selecting a donor can seem overwhelming, but it is essential to take the time to make an informed decision. Like traditional conception, a sperm donor can significantly impact a child's health, development, and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing a suitable sperm donor and help guide you in making the best decision for you and your family.

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Health and Genetic Factors to Consider When Selecting a Sperm Donor

A child's genetic makeup plays a significant role in their health and development. When choosing a sperm donor, one must consider their medical history and genetic health. Genetic conditions can be passed down from a parent to their child, and it is crucial to ensure that the donor does not carry any genetic mutations that could cause health problems for the child. That's why Cryobank America conducts rigorous screenings on all of our donors before their specimens are accepted into our program. These screenings include infectious and non-infectious diseases, a complete blood count, urinalysis, drug testing, and chromosome analysis. Once you've shown interest in a particular donor, we can provide you with their history of health, history of fertility, and family medical history.

In addition to physical health, the emotional and psychological impact of knowing one's biological origins is also essential to consider. Children conceived through donor insemination may have questions about their biological origins, so it is important to understand your donor's psychological traits. As part of joining our Sperm Donor Program, each donor must visit a psychiatrist and undergo a complete mental health evaluation. Cryobank America is one of the few clinics requiring this step to participate in a donor program.

Background and Educational Factors to Look For During Your Donor Search

Throughout your journey of finding a perfect sperm donor, there are factors to consider other than overall health and genetics. These include education, occupation, personal values, and interests.
Education and occupation can tell you a lot about a donor, such as their primary interests, level of intelligence, and how much drive and focus they acquire. Some parents may want a donor with a high education level or a particular occupation, while others may place less emphasis on these factors. Regardless of your preference, Cryobank America verifies this criterion with every donor who enters our program, requiring all potential donors to have a college degree. To ensure the safety of your selection, we also perform a complete criminal history background check on all of our donors.

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Physical Characteristics and Traits are Good Things to Consider Before Making Your Sperm Donor Selection

Physical characteristics and traits are also important to consider. Some parents may want a donor with similar physical characteristics, while others may prioritize height, eye color, or hair color.


Personal values and interests can also be essential to consider. Some parents may want a donor who shares their religious or political beliefs, while others prioritize other values and interests.


Cryobank America has an eclectic roster of donors as we aim to provide various physical and personality attributes. Our donors fill out a characteristic questionnaire, write a handwritten letter, and create a donor essay, helping you feel like you've gotten to know them. When you sign up for our Premium Membership, you'll unlock all of this valuable information, additional childhood photos, and an audio interview!

The Role of Donor Profiles in Sperm Donor Selection

Donor profiles are an essential tool in the sperm donor selection process. Interpreting sperm donor profiles can be challenging, especially regarding medical terminology and genetic testing results. It's important to review each profile carefully and understand the information provided to identify any concerns. Look for donors who meet your criteria regarding medical history, physical characteristics and traits, education and occupation, and personal values and interests. Prioritize your preferences and decide based on what is most important to you and your family.

At Cryobank America, our basic donor profiles include one childhood photo, alias name, donor ID number, height, weight, blood type, hair color, eye color, skin tone, race, the highest level of education, and CMV status. These basic attributes will help guide you in selecting the perfect sperm donor.

Making the Decision to Choose Anonymous vs. Open Sperm Donors

There are legal and ethical considerations to consider when selecting a sperm donor. It is essential to understand the legal rights and responsibilities of sperm donors and recipients and to evaluate the ethical implications of donor anonymity and disclosure.

One of the most significant decisions parents must make when selecting a sperm donor is whether to choose an anonymous or open donor. Anonymous donors do not agree to be contacted by the child in the future, while open sperm donors accept the possibility of contact.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both anonymous and open sperm donors. Anonymous donors provide privacy and anonymity that some parents may prefer. In contrast, open donors allow for the opportunity for the child to learn more about their biological origins.

Finding Your Ideal Sperm Donor: Tips and Resources for Success

Finding the ideal sperm donor may seem complicated; that's why we've gathered many resources to help keep you on the right track! Our reputable donor database provides a wealth of information about our donors, and there are many helpful articles and tips available for guidance and support right here on our website.

Choosing the most suitable sperm donor is crucial for anyone considering donor insemination. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your child's health, development, and emotional well-being.

Click here to get started or click here to learn about our Conception Commitment™ Program!