Based at James Cook, the department is a dedicated in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) unit licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), and since its inception almost years ago the department has gained a reputation among the local population as an innovative, friendly, and supportive unit.
Magical moment
“Infertility is not often talked about and it wasn’t until we struggled to conceive that I realised how many people are affected by this,” said Linsey Robinson of Redcar.
“After four unsuccessful cycles of fertility medication we were lucky enough to be offered IVF at James Cook. For me there was no question about the decision – when you want a baby more than anything in the world, whatever the odds you grab it with both hands! There is always that fear of what happens if it doesn’t work, but you just have to take one day at a time.
“It was no easy journey, but the IVF team were there from start to finish offering emotional and practical support throughout the rollercoaster of fertility tests, daily hormone injections, bloods, invasive procedures and counselling, through to our pregnancy test date and that magical first scan where we saw Harvey’s heartbeat for the first time.
“It’s crazy to think that without them Harvey would not be here.
“We want to make people aware of the amazing job the IVF team do, without them I might never have experienced the gift of being a mummy. The support they gave us from start to finish was amazing.
“Once you see how much goes into one cycle of IVF, it makes you understand how magical it is – it’s amazing how you can go from nothing to something so perfect!”
Amazing Grace
David and Becci Lampard of Coulby Newham think pretty daughter Grace, two, is a little miracle and she is the ‘apple of their eye.’
David, 34, a pharmaceutical worker and Becci, 41, previously a nurse at James Cook for 20 years and now a full-time mum, were successful on their third attempt at IVF thanks to the department of reproductive medicine at James Cook and its dedicated staff.
Becci said: “We’re so grateful to the staff at the IVF unit for their fantastic help and continued support during our treatment. Grace is amazing and we would not have her and our happy family without them, words cannot describe how lucky we are.”
Double delight
A happy surprise followed Paul and Joanna Adams IVF treatment at the department of reproductive medicine at James Cook.
The Darlington couple were trying for a baby for a long time before being referred by their GP to the IVF unit. Following tests and surgery – as Joanna had problems with fibroids and polycystic ovaries – they were delighted when the treatment worked, first time.
The couple’s dreams of being parents were fulfilled when Matthew, now three, was born. The following year, the couple had a second lovely and unexpected surprise when Daniel, now two, was born.
Joanna said: “I really believe being pregnant with Matthew helped me conceive a second time naturally and Daniel is the happy consequence of the treatment and we now have our two lovely boys and our own little family.
“I cannot praise the IVF unit staff enough especially Mr Fayez Mustafa and previous consultant, Mr Phillip Taylor. We really felt at home, they were so supportive, looked after the whole family and never let us down. We were never kept waiting, everything was explained and they made the whole process as easy as possible for us.
“Our experience at James Cook was excellent from start to finish including the maternity staff helping me with breastfeeding Matthew after he was born.
“It is difficult to put into words and explain how grateful we are. We are loyal to the NHS, love James Cook and the fantastic IVF unit staff in particular.”
Lovely Lola
Steph Wells, and partner Jonathan Walker are the proud parents of Lola, one.
The Middlesbrough couple had been trying for 9 years to have a baby before being referred to the IVF unit at James Cook.
Steph, 26, had problems with polycystic ovaries and had two rounds of IVF, being lucky second time around and overjoyed at becoming a mum.
Steph said: “Mr Mustafa and the unit’s staff were constantly there for us. They were really helpful explaining everything step-by-step and looking after me.
“You have to be strong minded to go through it and it is hard, but so worth it when you look at our gorgeous little girl, Lola.”