Some couples fall pregnant at the drop of a hat, but for others, conceiving can be a long, emotional process. Now, a picture of a newborn baby girl has gone viral after one couple opted for an unusual concept. Although the couple has chosen to remain mostly out of the spotlight, they gave photographer Samantha Packer of Packer Family Photography permission to share the shot on her social media pages.
PREVIOUSLY: JULY 25TH MARKED THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST IVF BIRTH
The beautiful baby girl is swaddled in rainbow blankets (for those who are unaware, "rainbow babies" are infants who are born to families after a devastating loss like a miscarriage), surrounded by a heart shape made up of 1,616 used IVF syringes. According to Samantha, the babies parents told her it took them 4 years, 7 attempts, 3 miscarriages and all of these shots to conceive their bundle of joy - and it was worth the wait. Patricia and her partner, Kimberly purposely sought out Samantha after coming across her work, hoping that she would have some creative ideas on how to turn their journey into art they could keep forever. They were more than impressed with the final result.
Since posting to her Facebook page, the image has racked up over 60,000 shares and 83,000 likes. The comments section has opened up an important conversation, with many couples and individuals sharing their own personal IVF journies. Many couples struggling to conceive naturally turn to the treatment to help them realize their baby dreams, but it's a long and expensive process. One IVF cycle is typically 4 weeks long and can cost close to $12,000 before medications. While some fall pregnant after their first try, others may have to undergo several rounds before they are successful.
Both Patricia and Kimberly were glad to see the picture of their new baby go viral, believing that it may give hope to others out there who are going through similar stresses. Although it can be a long process that seems hopeless, Patricia hopes that others will see the photograph and realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Have you conceived through IVF? Let us know your thoughts and stories in the comments.