Mollie's first Christmas: My fertility journey ended with the greatest of gifts

Sinead decided to use a sperm donor to start a family after her relationship ended. She says the struggles and setbacks were all worth it when her daughter was born

Sinead Mathews and her daughter Mollie, says dealing with the fertility treatments on her own was ‘overwhelming’ at times, but her background as a nurse helped her overcome those challenges. Picture: Barry Cronin

FOR Sinead Mathews, the road to becoming a mother had many twists and turns. But after choosing to undergo fertility treatment on her own using donor sperm, she is now looking forward to what will be her first Christmas with her baby girl, Mollie.

Mathews, who lives in Dunleer in Co Louth, experienced an ectopic pregnancy in December 2020 while in a relationship. The experience of being pregnant made it clear to her that she wanted children, and even though that relationship subsequently broke down, she decided to start a family on her own.