'Our IVF baby joy at hospital where it all started'

A couple have spoken of their pride that their IVF baby was born at the hospital where the world's first "test tube baby" was born.

Jessica and Rick Sowerby's baby was born at the Royal Oldham Hospital where, in 1978, Louise Brown was born.

They spoke ahead of the launch of Joy, a new Netflix drama about the scientists who pioneered IVF treatment which takes its title from Ms Brown's middle name.

Mrs Sowerby, 32, said it was "amazing" that their child was born at the hospital "where the science came to life".

Mrs Sowerby said she remembered going to a appointment at the Royal Oldham and seeing a plaque on the wall commemorating the birth of Ms Brown.

"I was like, 'Look at that, isn’t it amazing that we are in the hospital where the science came to life and now we have our little baby?'"

The couple said they had been trying for a baby for two years.

They underwent IVF treatment at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, but Mrs Sowerby chose to give birth at the Royal Oldham.

Mrs Sowerby, 32, said she had found it hard to come to terms with needing IVF treatment, because she was young and healthy.

She said although a successful outcome was not guaranteed, it meant the couple had a chance.

"And we are so grateful it worked for us," she said.

The couple found the IVF process very intense.

"Once that little embryo is back inside… it's two weeks of waiting and hope… all you can do is just keep your fingers crossed," Mrs Sowerby said.

Mrs Sowerby said that after sharing her story on Instagram she had been inundated with messages from people who were going through the same thing.

“I thought this is really important that I be transparent because I would have loved for someone in those really early stages when I was waiting for the test results to tell me it’s a really good chance, just stay positive," she added.

Mr Sowerby, 35, said he was grateful to be able to speak to a work colleague who had also been through IVF.

He said helped his wife with the injections, trying to make sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed in the run up to their baby being born.

The couple praised staff at the hospital, who they said were "just wonderfu".

"It is just so special, to have been there at the hospital that started it all," Mrs Sowerby added.

Joy, starring Bill Nighy, James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie, is available to watch on Netflix.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves an egg being removed from the person's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory
• The fertilised egg is then returned to the person's womb to develop
• IVF worked for the first time on 10 November 1977. On 25 July 1978, the world's first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born
• The success rate depends on the age of the woman and there is just a 32% chance if the woman is under 35. That reduces to 4% if they are over 44
• One cycle of IVF can take three to six weeks
• People going through IVF should be offered counselling

Source: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority/Fertility Network UK/NHS

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