AFTER failed attempts at a natural conception using the fertility drug Clomid and artificial insemination, Newcastle couple Simon and Trudy Watson turned to IVF in the hope of becoming pregnant.
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Mrs Watson had been diagnosed with stage four endometriosis, with the tissue of her womb that normally lines the uterus growing outside it.
After six attempts at IVF and two miscarriages, the couple welcomed their first son, Ashton, into the world nine years ago.
They used IVF again to conceive their second child, Callum, now aged five.
Mrs Watson said conceiving through IVF could be a long, costly and exhausting experience, but was thankful she went through the process.
"It's the best gift I could have ever received," she said.
"We wouldn't have had a family without IVF."
Luck was on the Watson's side with two-year-old Kai, who was conceived naturally just a few months after Mrs Watson had surgery to treat her condition.
"It was the biggest surprise I've ever had," Mrs Watson said.
The Watson family had their IVF treatment through Genea at Lingard Hospital and will be at the hospital's 30 years of IVF celebration in October.
All former patients and their families who have been to the clinic are invited to attend.
■ The 30 years of IVF at Lingard Hospital celebration is on Sunday, October 12, at Blackbutt Reserve, Carnley Avenue entrance, 11am-2pm, ph 4902 7000.
