What a Baby Eagle’s First Flight Taught Me About Chasing Parenthood Dreams

Have you ever watched a baby bird take its first flight? No, really—watched, with a knot in your stomach, holding your breath, unsure if it’s going to soar… or stumble? This week, that was me. But instead of feathers, I had fertility kits; instead of wings, I was clinging to hope.

On Monday, a baby eagle named Sunny launched herself from her nest in California’s Big Bear Valley (watch it here). Cameras caught every second as Sunny, just 12 weeks old, took that terrifying, exhilarating leap into the unknown. She didn’t just flap and fail—she flew. And, as someone on my own conception journey, Sunny’s story hit me hard. Hard enough that I’m still thinking about it days later.

The Fear of the First Step

If you’re reading FertilityUnlocked, chances are you know that feeling: standing at the edge of something huge, filled with nerves and maybe a bit of self-doubt. Maybe you’ve held an at-home insemination kit in your hands, or scrolled through forums at 2 a.m., or tried to explain to your partner why every negative test feels like a crash landing.

So here’s the question that’s haunted me lately: What does it take to leap, even when you’re not sure you’ll fly?

Watching Sunny, I realized it’s not blind optimism. It’s not even having all the answers. It’s grit. And a weird, stubborn kind of hope.

Open Loops: What If It Doesn’t Work?

But let’s get real—eagles make it look easy, but most of us aren’t equipped with wings. We have doubts. What if you’ve tried the “recommended” number of cycles? What if money’s tight (because, let’s face it, fertility treatments are expensive)? What if this is your last shot?

I found myself looping through these worries with every late-night Google search. There’s so much information, but the real-life stuff—how it feels to try, fail, regroup, and try again—is harder to find.

So, what helps? How do you find your wings when every “leap” feels more like a fall?

The Power of Community (And Small Wins)

Sunny didn’t fledge alone. There were eagle parents, a sibling, and a valley of watchers rooting for her. In the TTC world, our “valley” is online: support groups, comment sections, text chains with friends who just get it.

Here are some ways I’ve surprised myself with hidden strength:

• Celebrating Small Milestones: Tracking ovulation, sticking to a supplement routine, or just making it through a rough day. That’s progress.
• Sharing the Real Stuff: Every time I’ve opened up—about the weirdness, the heartbreak, the side-eye from relatives—I’ve found someone else with a “me too.”
• Educating Myself: Learning about options like at-home insemination, which is less intimidating (and way less expensive) than I first thought.

Why At-Home Insemination Felt Like My First Flight

Here’s my honest confession: When I ordered my first at-home insemination kit, I was more nervous than excited. But I chose MakeAMom’s home insemination kits—for real, their guides and sheer transparency made a difference. I liked knowing each kit (from CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for motility issues, to the gentle BabyMaker) was designed by people who know how intimidating this all is.

It wasn’t just about the kit (though the plain packaging and reusable design are legit perks). It was about feeling more in control, even when so much is out of my hands. Their reported 67% success rate? It gave me a little hope—my own updraft.

Sunny’s Leap and Our Next Steps

As I watched Sunny’s wings catch the wind, I thought: “She doesn’t know what comes next, but she trusts her instincts.” That’s what this journey is about. We can do the research, make the best choices, and still end up waiting, terrified at the edge of the nest.

But here’s the thing—I’m not alone, and neither are you. Every leap, every cycle, every new kit or approach is a sign of hope, not failure. And when one of us soars, the rest of us cheer (and ugly-cry) right along.

Final Thoughts: What Have You Learned From Your Own ‘First Flights’?

Whether your leap is a new kit, a new cycle, or just letting yourself hope again, remember: even viral eagles need a little encouragement to leave the nest. So if you’re standing on the edge, heart racing, know that your courage is already a win.

Let’s share our stories. What was the moment you took your own “first flight” on the path to parenthood? Drop it in the comments or DM me. We’re all in this together—watching, hoping, and, yes, cheering as each of us takes that next brave step.

Fly on, friends.