Meet Emma, Daniel and Sophia

We began trying around September 2017. We were referred to Ormskirk Hospital by our doctor and given ovulation induction and timed intercourse Clomid twice at the beginning of 2020, just before lock down. When this didn’t work, we were then forwarded to Hewitt Centre to see if we could get IVF FOC, and I was awarded 3 rounds before my 40^th Birthday.

We initially had investigations at Hewitt Centre to see if there were any underlying problems, but they showed that there didn’t appear to be any medical issues, and that perhaps just our ages (late 30’s) may be a factor.

I started with a lower dosage of drugs and with my first round I just produced one egg that was strong enough to use. I fell pregnant with this egg but I started bleeding before my first scan and  I was told the baby had no heartbeat.

I remember how lovely the nurse was and how genuinely upset she was for me, and remember apologising to her as felt guilty making her feel bad, which she obviously told me not to even worry about. I had to medical miscarriage in the end, and I remember how nice the surgeons were during the procedure.

All of the consultants I saw after this miscarriage to discuss the next steps were lovely, and they really listened to all my worries and concerns. I expressed how I wanted to be given a higher dosage of the drugs so hopefully I could make more,  and also produce better-quality eggs. As I was getting close to my 40^th Birthday I was really worried I would only have one more go, but she explained that if I produced multiple eggs I would be able to use them all even if I was over 40 as long as they had been removed before my 40^th Birthday -  which was such a relief.

I think once you have had a miscarriage or a failed attempt of IVF the hope you start off with slowly decreases and makes you feel like you can’t get excited about the whole process anymore. I was offered counselling at the beginning of my IVF journey, but it was not until after my first miscarriage I finally took it. I found the Counselling I received so helpful from the Hewitt Centre, the lady I had for the longest period of time was called Emma and she helped me - probably more than she realised. She was amazing.

The second round of egg retrieval was more of success for me and I produced higher quality eggs. However, I had another loss, but this time I miscarried naturally and then the third time I did not fall pregnant. At this stage I decided for my next round I would combine it with a course of Acupuncture at the Hewitt Centre, and I had a lovely lady called Gail who was so fantastic.  I was even able to receive acupuncture on the day that my egg was implanted – both before and after the procedure.

I remember the first scan at Hewitt centre, after my losses I was so scared that I would be delivered bad news and again I unfortunately can’t remember the two nurses namse, but they were loveliest ladies and remember they were happy as I was about the news…it was best day and they made it so special too.

We had Sophia Charlotte Gaskell at the Liverpool Woman’s Hospital on 12^th April 2023 she was born under c-section at 9.30am and weighed 8.1lb. I decided to have her at Woman’s Hospital rather than Ormskirk as I had such a good experience at the Hewitt Centre.

To others on this journey, I can tell you it’s going be hard because it is obviously something you want so much, but at the Hewitt Centre they will really listen to you,  so express your fears, what you think would be good for your journey and remember dreams can come true….unfortunately it may be not first attempt or even the fourth… but look at us ….our little miracle princess finally arrived for us.

We are so happy that for us it now finally feels like our little family is complete and our little one is funniest and sassiest little girl I know, and we love her so much. It is all thanks to the Hewitt centre and everyone that works there. ….from the ladies at the front desk who were always so helpful, kind and friendly to everyone that works at Hewitt Centre…you allowed us to be family we always dreamed about!