One LGBTQ+ Couple’s Journey to Twin Girls
Starting a family looks different for everyone. For LGBTQ+ couples, the journey to parenthood can come with unique decisions, emotions, and challenges but also incredible resilience, love, and joy.
For Victoria Leatherwood and her wife, their path to parenthood wasn’t something they had planned for years in advance. After seven years together, they simply knew they were ready to take the next step.
Choosing to Start Their Family
After deciding it was time to grow their family, Victoria and her partner began exploring their options and came across Reproductive Biology Associates through a simple Google search.
Their goal was clear: LGBTQ+ family building with a care team that understood their journey and supported their vision of becoming parents.
“We were ready,” Victoria shared. “And that’s when we reached out to RBA.”
Beginning Treatment at RBA
Their fertility journey began with a combination of treatments, including:
While every fertility journey is unique, theirs quickly became more complex than expected. What started with hope was soon met with setbacks that tested both their patience and their strength.
Navigating Setbacks and Staying Committed
Over time, Victoria and her partner experienced multiple challenges:
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Three failed IUI cycles
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One unsuccessful embryo transfer
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A chemical pregnancy
Each setback brought emotional and financial strain, leaving them questioning whether parenthood would ever become their reality.
“Infertility is debilitating,” Victoria shared. “It puts life into a completely different perspective.”
But through every difficult moment, they leaned on the people around them: friends, family, and most importantly, their care team.
The Power of Advocacy in Fertility Care
A turning point in their journey came after five unsuccessful treatment cycles.
Feeling the weight of everything they had been through, Victoria and her partner decided to advocate for a different approach: transferring two embryos instead of one.
They brought this idea to their physician, Dr. Erin Lewis, who listened, supported them, and ultimately advocated on their behalf.
That decision changed everything.
Today, Victoria is 15 weeks pregnant with twin girls.
“We were scared this would never be a reality for us,” she said. “Now we’re expecting our sweet baby girls.”
A Care Team That Never Gave Up
Throughout their experience, one thing stood out above all: the unwavering support from their RBA team.
“Our doctor was Dr. Erin Lewis and we loved her so much. We will forever be grateful for her and how she advocated for us.”
From exploring every possible test to adjusting treatment plans, their care team remained committed to helping them succeed by never giving up, even when the road felt uncertain.
How Their Journey Changed Them
While the challenges were significant, Victoria shared that their fertility journey ultimately strengthened their relationship and perspective on life.
“With all of the heartbreaks and the fear of never becoming parents, we became stronger in our marriage.”
What once felt stressful or overwhelming no longer held the same weight. Their experience gave them a new sense of resilience and a deep appreciation for the family they are building together.
Advice for Other LGBTQ+ Individuals Starting Their Fertility Journey
For those just beginning their fertility journey, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, Victoria’s message is simple but powerful:
“Never ever ever give up.”
Building a family can take time, persistence, and support but with the right care team and advocacy, it is possible.
Why They Recommend RBA
When asked if they would refer others to RBA, their answer was immediate:
“Absolutely.”
From compassionate care to a physician who truly listened and advocated for them, their experience made all the difference.
You’re Not Alone in Your Journey
Stories like Victoria’s are a reminder that there is no single path to parenthood—and that every journey deserves support, understanding, and expert care.
At Reproductive Biology Associates, we are proud to support LGBTQ+ family building with personalized treatment options, inclusive care, and a team that stands beside you every step of the way.