Alannah Dunn’s journey to motherhood is a heart-wrenching tale of determination and unexpected heartbreak. At 22, Alannah, from Merthyr Tydfil, was eager to become a mum and turned to Facebook to find a sperm donor, choosing at-home insemination while living in New Zealand. But this path came with its challenges. After a painful miscarriage and 18 months of trying, Alannah finally turned to private IVF upon her return to the UK in 2023.
In November 2025, Alannah’s dream seemed within reach when she fell pregnant via IVF. However, at her 20-week scan, a devastating truth emerged. Her baby, Effie, had no kidneys or bladder and very little amniotic fluid, casting doubt over her survival. Facing heartbreaking odds, Alannah made the difficult decision to part with Effie at 24 weeks.
Just days after giving birth, Alannah faced a life-threatening haemorrhage due to remaining placental tissue, bringing her close to losing her own life. With her unwavering spirit, Alannah is now raising £5,000 for another embryo transfer, clinging to the hope of giving Effie a sibling—a dream she holds close to her heart. As she continues this journey, Alannah remains deeply driven by her lifelong desire to become a mum.
Her story highlights the emotional rollercoaster of non-traditional methods of conception and the risks it entails. The donor conception journey can be fraught with legal and relational challenges, as the Donor Conception Network advises. Alannah’s perseverance and courage through unimaginable hurdles remind us of the profound desire and determination that define the quest for motherhood. Let’s hope her dream becomes a reality soon. 🌈❤️ #IVFJourney #MotherhoodDreams #HopeAndHealing