An Edinburgh mother who spent more than £13,000 on fertility treatment has launched a home insemination business after struggling to find a purpose-designed kit for her own journey.
Rachel MacKay underwent five embryo transfers before welcoming her daughter, Romilly, in 2023. The 43-year-old wanted to try home insemination but found no product that made the process straightforward, so she founded Tily Blooms during a fertility treatment round in 2021.
A costly and isolating path to parenthood
Rachel began exploring solo motherhood in 2020 after hearing about home insemination from someone who conceived that way on her first attempt. She joined a WhatsApp group for women trying to become solo mums, where she learned more about the method.
With no diagnosed fertility issue, she spent a year undergoing hormone treatment, repeated appointments and multiple embryo transfers, which she described as "traumatic and isolating". She questioned why there was no option between trying to conceive naturally and clinical treatment.
Building a better home insemination option
Rachel said: "I started looking online and it was syringes, cups, cervical discs, lubricant and ovulation strips. You were piecing everything together yourself. I remember thinking, this just feels so backstreet."
She added: "Why has nobody put this together properly? Why is there nothing thoughtful, safe and purpose-designed for people going through this? I thought people deserved something that gave them a bit more dignity."
Tily Blooms initially combined existing products with step-by-step instructions. The business has since developed its own range, including 'The Conception Kit', which features purpose-designed syringes and collection cups alongside guides and tutorials.
Thousands helped and growing
The company has sold more than 20,000 kits and supported thousands of families. It is used by heterosexual couples, solo women, and same-sex couples conceiving with sperm from a partner or donor, including those facing fertility difficulties, pain or anxiety around intercourse, or seeking an alternative to clinical treatment.
Rachel said: "For many couples, the kit can offer a way to try at home that feels more accessible and less clinical. Home insemination is a subject that is rarely spoken about, but it deserves a seat at the fertility table. Our kits have the chance to really help people on their fertility journey. I want people to know that there is another way."
