Natalie and Matt’s story – 3,500th Baby

For Natalie and Matt Hilton from Tadley, baby Evelyn would always be a very special arrival. For Wessex Fertility, Evelyn also marked a huge milestone for the clinic, being the 3,500th baby to be born through their treatment.

Nurse Natalie met IT consultant Matt after being introduced by a family member in 2006. The couple married in 2009 and decided they were ready to try for a baby. Having been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries in her late teens, Natalie knew that she may have trouble conceiving. After ovulation induction treatment was unsuccessful with their GP, the couple were referred to Wessex Fertility, who have a satellite clinic in Basingstoke. “It was really helpful to have the satellite clinic close to home, it really minimised travel for us and we only had to go to Southampton for the egg collection and Embryo Transfer. Everybody at Wessex is really approachable, and always at the end of the phone to answer any questions” recalls Natalie.

In March 2016, Natalie and Matthew embarked on their first IVF cycle following their Initial Consultation at The Candover clinic. “I was a bit apprehensive about the medication and injections, but being a nurse it wasn’t too scary. I just kept thinking to myself that it will all be worth it in the end”. Natalie had 20 eggs collected at egg collection, and unfortunately developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can occur in the days after retrieval. This meant that Natalie and Matt’s embryos were frozen, and Natalie was closely monitored during her recovery.  “It was really lovely when the team phoned me every day, I felt really supported and looked after” remembers Natalie.

In June 2016, the couple were ready for one of their frozen embryos to be transferred. An embryo was selected and thawed before being transferred to Natalie’s womb. The couple had a nervous two week wait to discover if Natalie was pregnant.

Natalie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Evelyn in February 2017. “It was a bit of a shock! But having her is wonderful, she has such a personality and has a very cheeky smile. We had a really positive experience and have already recommended Wessex to family members. It was lovely to find out that she was Wessex Fertility’s 3,500th baby, it’s really special”.