A Bolton woman’s ‘dreams have finally come true’ after giving birth to her ‘miracle’ baby following a challenging few years of IVF treatment.

Rachel Higson,from Over Hulton, has wanted a baby ever since she can remember and has talked about having children - with her partner Kirsty - when they first met 14 years ago.

After undergoing IVF for three-and-a-half-years Rachel gave birth to Joshua Luke Higson on July 31, 2023, weighing 7lbs 13.

Throughout the experience Rachel says it has brought her and Kirsty closer together because of the desire to have a family.

The Bolton News:

Rachel said: “It’s certainly been difficult and emotionally and financially challenging, and it has been hard work especially when you get a negative pregnancy test and think ‘is it ever going to happen’.

“As a same sex couple, it was always going to be the case for us.

“We had hope that it might work, and the doctors were saying there was nothing wrong as to why we couldn’t have children and they said we just needed some luck.

“Our family and friends have always been supportive, and we never had any resistance.

“We wanted our little family, and we knew we weren’t complete without him.

“All our dreams have come true, and he really is a miracle.”

Rachel was so taken back when she found out she was pregnant that she had to take three tests just to make sure.

The Bolton News:

She also had to bravely undergo an emergency caesarean section.

Rachel said: “It was a lengthy labour resulting in emergency caesarean section. 

“I'd like to thank the staff at the delivery ward too, if possible, they were outstanding and credit to Bolton Hospital.”

During her journey Rachel also joined Bolton Fit Fans for 12 weeks, which she thinks massively helped her and Kirsty during their IVF journey.

She said: “I ended up losing quite a bit of weight and I think it has helped with the successful result and getting pregnant.

“The fitness classes were free, and I thought I might as well try it.

“I have got back to my pre-pregnancy weight now and I have had to stop a bit with the pregnancy, but it’s something I want to pick up.”

Being an avid Bolton Wanderers fan herself, Rachel registered Joshua on his birthday as a Junior White and has already taken him to the grounds.

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