Case Studies
WATER BABY ELLIS ARRIVES WITH A SPLASH
When Ellis Wilson entered the world via a hospital birthing pool in February 2010 it was the end of a long wait for his parents Sonia and Paul from St Neots.
Sonia, aged 32, an Events Manager, says that the amount of love she has for Ellis is "amazing", adding,
"We had been trying for some time to have a baby and decided to go the doctor to see if anything might be wrong. We were referred to Hinchingbrooke Hospital where we had a number of tests to establish why it might be taking us longer to conceive. The tests concluded that my husband had a low sperm count so we would need some help to ensure that the opportunities for the sperm to meet the eggs were maximised.
"Last year we had a letter confirming that we had been accepted for NHS funding and we started treatment at Bourn Hall at the end of April.
"Amazingly I became pregnant after the first cycle and nine months later I had a fantastic water birth in the Primrose suite of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. I had attended Hypno-Birthing classes during my pregnancy and had a good labour with no pain relief."
Sonia has nothing but praise for the team at Bourn Hall, saying,
"Everyone at Bourn Hall was so encouraging and this helped me to feel optimistic and stay positive. Fertility treatment was a godsend for us and we are so thankful for Ellis."
Sonia and Paul"s advice to other couples undergoing fertility treatment, particularly if the infertility is caused by the "male factor" is, "keep talking to each other."
Sonia and Paul, who is a Financial Analyst, hope to have a brother or sister for Ellis one day and have two frozen embryos stored at Bourn Hall.
In the meantime, Sonia keeps busy with Ellis, going to mother and baby activities in St Neots. "There is so much for new mums to do in St Neots," says Sonia. "I am busy every day and have made lots of new friends."
