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Big Old Indie Mom

Welcome to the BOIM community! I’m a big, old, indie mom-to-be. Follow me on my journey to motherhood through IVF as a plus-size, 48-year-old, single woman.

I’m sharing every step of my story in hopes of inspiring other women who might be struggling with similar “barriers” in the world of fertility, motherhood and parenting.

Whether you’re big or small, old or young, single or in a relationship, this community is for you. Welcome!

Recent Posts

Researching My Options
Barbara B Barbara B

Researching My Options

Once I made the decision to pivot from my adoption plans to having a baby myself, there were so many new things to investigate, information to gather, and choices to make…

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Making The Call
Barbara B Barbara B

Making The Call

With some research under my belt, and my fertility clinic chosen, I felt ready for the next step… making that call! I nervously dialed…

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So. Many. Appointments.
Barbara B Barbara B

So. Many. Appointments.

Just two weeks after my initial information meeting with the clinic, I was scheduled for my first ultrasound. I was excited and nervous…

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Next Steps
Barbara B Barbara B

Next Steps

Two days after receiving my test results by phone, I got a follow-up email from the fertility clinic. This email outlined …

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Fertility Counseling
Barbara B Barbara B

Fertility Counseling

A pre-requisite to IVF treatment at my fertility clinic was to complete fertility counseling. My clinic provided a list of recommended counselors …

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Selecting Genetic Material
Barbara B Barbara B

Selecting Genetic Material

With my fertility counseling complete, I was ready to start exploring donors! The process is a bit daunting, and I wasn’t exactly sure where to start…

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Meeting My Fertility Doctor
Barbara B Barbara B

Meeting My Fertility Doctor

Two weeks before my genetic materials were to be delivered to my clinic, I had my first meeting with my fertility doctor. Up to this point I had met many wonderful team members …

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Acupuncture For Fertility
Barbara B Barbara B

Acupuncture For Fertility

I’m a huge fan of acupuncture. My first experience with this form of treatment was in Calgary, back in 2013. I was on a health kick and explored a variety of treatments to improve my overall health and wellbeing…

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All The Medications
Barbara B Barbara B

All The Medications

Dr. Gurau had prescribed a number of hormone medications to help prepare my uterus for the embryo transfer. The specific goal is to thicken the uterine lining …

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Creating Embryos
Barbara B Barbara B

Creating Embryos

My donor eggs and sperm were delivered safely to my fertility clinic. Five days before my scheduled transfer, it was time for the Lab …

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Transfer Day!
Barbara B Barbara B

Transfer Day!

I woke up on transfer day feeling so excited. So damn excited! So sure of my decision, and so sure there would be a positive outcome…

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Just To Be Sure
Barbara B Barbara B

Just To Be Sure

I was called back to the fertility clinic two days later to repeat the pregnancy blood test.

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Week 6 - Riding The High
Barbara B Barbara B

Week 6 - Riding The High

My first week post-transfer was dreamlike. I was walking around with a permanent smile on my face and carrying a sweet little secret…

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Week 7 - Early Symptoms
Barbara B Barbara B

Week 7 - Early Symptoms

I’ve been feeling pretty good ever since transfer day. I’ve been paying close attention to how my body is feeling…

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Week 7 - Ultrasound
Barbara B Barbara B

Week 7 - Ultrasound

I was sooooo excited for today! I was scheduled for my first ultrasound since transfer day. Finally there is something in there…

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Week 8 - When To Share
Barbara B Barbara B

Week 8 - When To Share

Timing. They say it’s everything. A well-timed announcement elicits joy and excitement about a baby’s impending arrival.

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Week 9 - Ultrasound
Barbara B Barbara B

Week 9 - Ultrasound

It’s been two weeks since my last ultrasound and my first glimpse of my little baby. I was beside myself with excitement today…

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