The Transfer
- Elisabeth Ellingson
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
June 5, 2026. A beautiful, magical day. And, hopefully, the day my life was changed forever.
Several weeks ago, my therapist had asked me who was going to be coming with me to the transfer. I was confused. "No, I'll be able to drive home right after; there's no sedation," I clarified.
"For moral support," she said. I'm so used to doing everything on my own, it hadn't even crossed my mind. Thankfully, when I asked my cousin to come with me, she said she would be honored. To my surprise, she showed up for the day with one of the most beautiful bouquet of pink flowers I've ever seen, and pink treats. :) :) :)
On the way to the clinic, I kept my fertility crystals on my lap to send good vibes to my uterus (carnelian and green moonstone). I also took them with me to the clinic and held one in each hand the entire time.
I also had to drink 1.5 gallons of water on my way to the clinic, as they wanted me to have a full bladder so that they could see my uterus well in the ultrasound. Yikes!
My favorite Medical Assistant, Mara, was there that day and she led us into the transfer room. I asked her if she would be staying for the transfer and she said the Medical Assistants aren't in the room for the transfer, and she's never actually seen one. I told her I'd love for her to be there if she wanted. She looked super excited, told me she would love to, and also told me it's totally up to me who I want in the room, so I don't need to feel obligated, but she would be so thrilled to be there (and I could tell that was true).
Several minutes later, the nurse came in first. Her name was Paige, I think, and she was in all pink. Great vibes. She was super friendly. Then came the embryologist who explained that the embryo was all ready to go, and explained how the procedure would work. But the best part was, she gave me a photo of the embryo!! Surreal. And the most beautiful, perfect embryo I've ever seen. <3
A few minutes after the embryologist left, the nurse came in to check the ultrasound to see if my bladder was full enough yet. She said we need to wait another 10-15 minutes. I also asked her if we'd be able to have Mara come in the room for the transfer for moral support because she's become my friend during this process, and she said yes, but I was a little worried she'd forget or that Mara wouldn't be allowed in.
I stared at my embryo photo for several minutes, trying to wrap my head around the fact that this embryo was about to be in my womb and hopefully develop into my very own child. Only everything I've ever wanted my entire life.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and it was the doctor, nurse, and "your best friend, Mara!" as they said. :) They explained the embryologist was in the lab tending to the embryo and waiting for their call that they were ready.
Then, they put the embryo on the big tv screen in front of me so I could see it live while they got everything ready! And excitingly, it was hatching!! The photo they had given me was of the embryo that morning, but at this point, 4 PM, it was hatching and looking for a uterus. My uterus. <3
Next, they put the catheter into my uterus and called to the lab that they were ready. On the screen, I could see some sort of small device coming towards the embryo. It was the embryologist trying to suck the embryo up into the pipette so she could bring it to us and they could put it in the catheter. She maneuvered it around the embryo for a few seconds until suddenly, the embryo flew into it!
She then came into the room, very carefully, holding something into her hands, which she then gave to the doctor who was busy down there between my legs.
A few moments later, the doctor told me where to look on the ultrasound screen, and I saw a sparkle of white. "You see that? That's the transfer!!" She said, excitedly.
And that was it! After everyone left the room, I laid there for a couple of minutes and my cousin pulled out a card from her purse. I read it and almost cried. It was beautifully written.
And now we wait. :) :) :)
I think I captured the experience well in this video, but I know I can't put the feelings into words or any video. I've never been filled with so much hope and anticipation and NERVES. A big part of me, though, just doesn't want to get too excited yet until I know if it sticks. :) Now comes the hardest part, waiting until I can take a pregnancy test.
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