IVF delivers double joy
MEET Townsville’s $ 250,000 twins.
That’s how much money Bohle Plains couple Rebecca and Simon Hoskin spent conceiving their “priceless” twins via IVF.
“It took nine years and nearly $ 250,000 but we did it,” Mrs Hoskin said. “We got what we dreamed of times two: our beautiful children Annabella and Elijah.”
Mrs Hoskin said although IVF was “gruelling” it was a “miracle” procedure that gave her family their twins.
“Anybody who goes through IVF knows of the heartache and joy that can come with it,” she said. “We have been to the lowest of lows to the highest of highs because of IVF.
“From being excited about finding out our embryos were viable to the disappointment and heartache finding out our embryos were not viable. It is a non- stop rollercoaster ride but it was one we were willing to take because Simon and I were determined to achieve our goal to have children.
“We set a financial cap of $ 250,000 and we nearly spent that much.”
The Hoskin’s twins made it to 30 weeks gestation. Anna- bella was born weighing only 1472g and Elijah weighed in at 1522g.
The twins spent eight weeks in the neo- natal intensive care and two weeks in special care.
“It was a difficult pregnancy and then we were thrown into a world of pain after their births,” Mrs Hoskin said. “We didn’t know if they would make it. It was the most devastating of times.
“To see your much loved and much fought for babies fighting for life is not what one imagines happening. But it does and if it were not for the incredible skill of the doctors and nurses at the neo- natal intensive care, we wouldn’t have our babies with us.”
Mrs Hoskin, who gave birth naturally to her third child, Christian, 13 months ago, said her long- term goal was to study to become a neo- natal intensive care nurse.
“The nurses who work in neo- natal intensive care units go beyond the call of duty,” she said. “They not only look after our sick babies, but they give the parents so much support and comfort as well.”
Mrs Hoskin and her defence force husband are sharing their story to shed light on the important work of support organisation Life’s Little Trea- sures Foundation, which will hold a Walk for Prems event in Townsville on Sunday, October 28.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting the families of babies born sick or before 37 weeks gestation.
The event starts at 8am at Strand Park. After the walk there will be children’s activities including a jumping castle and face painting.
Go to walkforprems. org. au for more information.