THE Mounfield family are getting ready to celebrate Jensen’s first birthday.

The tiny tot will turn one on Tuesday, August 23 and the day will be filled with family and friends, birthday cake and even a visit to The Blue Planet Aquarium.

This time last year Paula and Richard were getting ready to welcome their long-awaited baby into the world having undergone IVF treatment at The Hewitt Fertility Centre in Knutsford.

The couple, who live in Winsford, have shared their IVF story with us to mark International IVF Day, which is celebrated on July 25 each year in honour of Louise Brown, who was the first baby born through IVF on July 25, 1978.

Paula spent the hot summer days sitting in a paddling pool trying to keep cool at 40 weeks pregnant but she wouldn’t change it for the world.

Paula said: “I’d had reduced movement over the weekend, which wasn’t unusual due to the anterior placenta making it difficult for me to feel when the baby was moving.

“I was induced and spent two days in labour but when my heart rate and blood pressure fell and the medical team weren’t able to monitor baby’s readings, I was quickly prepped for a C-section.”

Northwich Guardian: Paula Mounfield and her baby bumpPaula Mounfield and her baby bump

Paula is a fit and healthy woman in her 40s and was exercising until the 36th week of her pregnancy when it became difficult to move around freely and she was worried about losing her balance.

Her high fitness levels meant she was able to recover from the surgery relatively quickly and she felt well enough to walk when Jensen was just ten days old.

The couple had been trying to have a baby for two years and at the age of 41 – Richard is nine years younger than Paula – they were referred for tests.

Due to Paula’s age, they were put on the waiting list but the Covid-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 meant all fertility treatment was put on hold.

It was nine months later that Paula and Richard were at the hospital and were able to start the IVF process.

Eighteen eggs were harvested but the first embryo implant didn’t work and it was early December before they were able to try again.

This time it was successful and Paula was pregnant and, aside from mild nausea and headaches, her pregnancy was fairly straight forward.

Jensen was born at Leighton Hospital at 10am on August 23, 2001 weighing 7lb 8oz.

Northwich Guardian: Jensen Mounfield on the day he was bornJensen Mounfield on the day he was born

Paula said: “Jensen is a happy little boy and is full of mischief.

“We had his baptism last weekend and we’re looking forward to celebrating his first birthday next week with a little family party.

“Jensen is a beautiful little soul and we are so very fortunate to have him.

“We still have two embryos left so who knows what the future will hold.”

Northwich Guardian: Jensen and dad Richard on holidayJensen and dad Richard on holiday