How Geelong couple is helping others going through IVF

Pipina Tarros and Phillipa Durance are supporting other Geelong residents facing IVF, after beginning their journey to parenthood months after meeting.

Pipina Tarros and Phillipa Durance with Diaz and Belles. Picture: Alan Barber

Pipina Tarros and Phillipa Durance met for their first date at the Werribee zoo in February, and by August had started the journey to parenthood together.

Before connecting on a dating app, the pair had both decided they would be willing to have children as single parents.

But after falling in love and getting engaged within months of meeting, the East Geelong couple has embarked on an IVF journey together, and is helping others facing the same.

They have volunteered to be co-facilitators of a support group for fellow Monash IVF patients.

The new Geelong support group is bringing together patients who may otherwise have never met to share the ups and downs of their fertility treatment.

Pipina Tarros and Phillipa Durance with Diaz and Belles. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Tarros, 38, and Ms Durance, 34, began the process of starting their family with donor sperm through Monash IVF in August.

Ms Tarros is set to carry the baby.

“We’ve gone through a lot of consent forms and the initial testing is done and I’ve started medication,” she said.

Egg collection is expected to start in the next fortnight and it’s anticipated embryos will be transferred later this year provided the process is successful.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for both of us,” Ms Tarros said.

Challenges have included financial stress, limited sperm donor options due to Covid and contemplating genetic testing, the couple said.

The couple described the process as overwhelming.

Ms Tarros said benefits of the support group included connecting with people further along in the IVF process and having a safe, judgment-free space.

“We can go there and have a laugh or have a cry and no one’s going to judge you for it,” she said.

Monash IVF Geelong counsellor Lisa Bistak created the support group to allow people undergoing fertility treatment to meet face-to-face at a local cafe to access additional support.

“Going through fertility treatment can be overwhelming, regardless of whether you are new to the process or have been undergoing treatment for a while, so it can help to discuss the uncertainties, frustrations and joys with others who are on a similar journey,” she said.

“My aim was to establish an inclusive and safe environment for our Geelong patients, regardless of their background or sexual orientation, and over time to allow those who want to be a part of it to run the group themselves.”

For more information on the group contact Ms Bistak on [e-mail]

Originally published as How Geelong couple is helping others going through IVF