The parents of a ‘miracle baby’ girl have named her after the Guy’s Hospital doctor who helped them get pregnant.
Emma was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013. She wanted to have children and surgeon Mr Butler-Manuel removed her cervix, surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, rather than a hysterectomy.
Some seven years later, Emma and her husband Rob wanted to have a baby but could not conceive naturally. They were referred to Guy’s assisted conception unit, where gynaecologist Dr Jan Grace started them on IVF treatment. Emma needed special attention because of her cancer treatment and a blood disorder she suffers from.
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After a twenty-week scan Emma and Rob found they were pregnant with a baby girl. They decided to name her Grace – after Dr Jan and the gynaecological cancer charity run by Mr Butler Manuel.
Emma said: “Dr Grace gave us her time to ask questions and was very knowledgeable, caring and empathetic. She had an immediate understanding of my medical history to date which was so reassuring and gave us confidence.
“Once Mr Butler-Manuel referred us to Dr Grace, we felt it was a sign. The name Grace has such a special meaning to us, we settled on the name very quickly. We’re aware that IVF isn’t always successful first time, however, this is our journey and proof that it can actually happen. Never give up hope and stay positive, miracles do happen.
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“The whole team at Guy’s Hospital were so welcoming, calm and professional yet so friendly, understanding, supportive and empathetic. While the ACU treats many patients a week, never at any point have we felt like just another number. We have always been given time and never felt rushed. It is clear to us that the team is all extremely passionate about their job and supporting people. This makes such a difference to the care and attention that patients receive and we have been blown away by this positive experience.”
Dr Jan Grace, clinical director of women’s services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “We are delighted with the birth of baby Willow Grace, who arrived on my birthday! It was such a pleasure for our multidisciplinary team to look after Emma and Rob and support them during their time with us at the ACU.”