Unique IVF Journey: Siblings Conceived Together, Born Years Apart

A Kansas City mother has shared the unusual circumstances that led to her son and daughter being conceived simultaneously but born three years apart. Taylor Greenhagen, a dental hygienist, lives with her husband, Justin, a pharmacist, and their two children: Owen, age 3, and Dylan, 7 months old.

Owen and Dylan share a striking family resemblance. Greenhagen observes that the siblings are already very close. “Owen has been a caring big brother from the start,” she told Newsweek. “Dylan adores him and is visibly delighted when watching him. Although they are still young, I like to think they are best friends.”

Greenhagen’s journey to motherhood was not straightforward. She was among the 250,000 Americans annually who decide to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) after dealing with infertility stemming from anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “After several medicated cycles and unsuccessful IUIs, we saw IVF as our best chance to grow our family,” she said.

While appreciative of her fertility clinic’s care and her husband’s unwavering support, Greenhagen recalls the IVF process as challenging. “It’s physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding,” she noted. Yet, this experience led her to her dream of having two children, whom she refers to as “fraternal twins,” despite the term’s unique usage here.

Greenhagen explained that with IVF, eggs are fertilized and monitored in a lab for several days to see if they develop into embryos. “We were fortunate to have eight embryos that grew side by side in the lab,” she said. This has led some in the IVF community to call such children ‘fraternal twins’ as a fun way to acknowledge their shared beginnings.

She believes these unique circumstances have fostered a special bond between Owen and Dylan. “From the moment we brought Dylan home, Owen felt a connection with her that’s hard to describe,” she shared. “It’s as if they knew each other before they met. Perhaps that’s a mother’s perspective, but watching their relationship blossom is special.”

Greenhagen acknowledges that every fertility journey is distinct, but offers advice to others considering IVF. “Be kind to yourself and allow for grace during the process. Build a strong support system and advocate for yourself throughout,” she advised. “Choosing IVF is an act of hope for the family you want. There will be tough days, but there can also be immense hope.”