Fertility success brings baby blessing

Poppy Ella Petterson is an IVF treatment baby - and her parents cherish every moment with her because of it.
When Rachel Petterson hadn't fallen pregnant after four years of trying, she and husband Gaine sought advice.
They went to Hamilton's Fertility Associates and underwent rigorous health checks and tests to make sure they could have IVF treatment.
The couple were eligible for full Government funding for the treatment.
Mrs Petterson had 12 eggs taken from her and 12 embryos were fertilised.
Seven months and four embryos later, Poppy was on her way.
On April 2 last year, their daughter was born weighing almost 2.8kg (6 pounds 12 oz).
The Pettersons said although the whole process was "stressful and very emotional", the result was worth it.
Mrs Petterson fell pregnant with her second embryo, but miscarried. The couple said the positive out of that for them was knowing that Mrs Petterson could get pregnant.
When Poppy arrived, she was "overwhelmed".
She and her husband are now dedicated parents.
Mr Petterson works long hours and said when he got home, the time he spent with his daughter was precious.
Mrs Petterson said it was amazing to think her daughter came from a test tube and was now a "full of beans" toddler.
"I'll be forever grateful," she said.
The couple would like to have more children so are saving their remaining two embryos. However, if they were unsuccessful, Mrs Petterson said they would be grateful to have one child.
"It's just like it's a blessing to have her," she said.
The Pettersons said they would recommend IVF treatment to anyone having trouble falling pregnant naturally.
They plan to tell Poppy how she was born when she's old enough to understand.
Dr Richard Fisher, from Fertility Associates in Auckland, said IVF treatment was becoming more popular and until recently all Bay of Plenty/Waikato treatments were carried out in Auckland or Wellington. However, most were now done in Hamilton.
He said public waiting lists had also increased.
According to Fertility Associates in Auckland, fertility declines with age and the chance of having a baby drops dramatically in the mid 30s.
A fertile couple with a woman aged 30 has a 22 per cent chance of having a baby every month of trying. At 35 it drops to 16 per cent and by age 40, to just 6 per cent due to egg quantity and quality.
Success with treatments like IVF also decline with age and Auckland Fertility Associates medical director Mary Birdsall said people aged over 30 should seek advice if unsuccessful conceiving after 12 months. People aged 35 should seek advice after six months.