Mackay parents share success stories after IVF treatments

From a nine-year struggle to conceive, premature bubs and healthy twins, these couples have been tested in their quest to start a family. Here’s 15 incredible stories of the region’s miracle babies sure to warm your heart. SEE THE PHOTOS

Struggling to conceive a child can be one of the hardest things yearning parents can go through.

It’s a monthly battle – one filled with heartache, disappointment and many unanswered questions.

That is where Mackay’s Queensland Fertility Clinic IVF specialist Dr Naguesh Gaunekar comes in.

Dr Gaunekar has helped countless patients conceive through fertility treatments, IVF, or egg and sperm donor programs.

Dr Gaunekar said the number of Mackay parents accessing IVF had spiked during Covid, which he suggested came as people thought about their priorities and what was important to them.

“Parenthood is one of life’s greatest joys and with the nature of modern day life, we can get carried away with other priorities,” he said.

“But this time has allowed humanity time for reflection.”

Dr Gaunekar has helped Mackay parents conceive for 15 years, after moving to the region from Adelaide in 2006.

As of November 2021, he has delivered about 5500 babies at the Mater Hospital.

Here are just some of the region’s miracle babies conceived through IVF:

Aleesha Clark's son Wyatt was conceived through IVF at Queensland Fertility Clinic in Mackay. Picture: Aleesha Clark

Aleesha Clark

“My IVF baby (born on April 27, 2021). We did IVF to not pass on a genetic illness our first son (Ashton) has. We were going to do IVF with or without Covid-19.”

Toni Bell's beautiful daughter Aleya Sunni Bell was conceived due to the help of Mackay specialists like Dr Sally Rodrigues and Dr Naguesh Gaunekar. Picture: Toni Bell

Toni Bell

“Without Dr Sally we wouldn't have our precious girl, so thankful we had the best experience with Dr Naguesh Gaunekar and Mater hospital.”

Danielle Kersnovske is now a mum to two beautiful boys Taj Gregory and Huckson Tate thanks to fertility treatments. Picture: Danielle Kersnovske.

Danielle Kersnovske

“Dr Gaunekar was absolutely amazing. Couldn’t fault him one bit. He involved my husband in the births of our boys too and it made the entire experience beyond perfect.”

Danika Maree Pedruzzi's son William is now five. Picture: Danika Maree Pedruzzi

Danika Maree Pedruzzi

“My IVF bubba thanks to Dr Naguesh. He is five now.”

After nine years of trying to conceive and seven years of IVF, Crystal Edwards became a mum to Koby and Alice. Picture: Crystal Edwards.

Crystal Edwards

“My two gorgeous miracles Koby and Alice. Thanks to Dr Naguesh I finally became a mum after nine years of trying and seven years of IVF.”

Leanne Dennien's 10-year-old son Cooper was born at 27 weeks after IVF with Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Leanne Dennien

Leanne Dennien

“My little prem baby born at 27 weeks weighing only 850g. IVF with Dr Naguesh.”

Casey Kelland's son Hudson and twins Henley and Vance were all born thanks to Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Casey Kelland.

Casey Kelland

“Hudson born at 1600g and Henley and Vance twins born at 1200g and 1400g. I owe all three of my miracles to this soul – will be forever grateful.”

Ti-Anna Peterson's son Nate was conceived with the help of Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Ti-Anna Peterson.

Ti-Anna Peterson

“The love and gratitude I have for this amazing doctor is beyond words. Thank you Dr Naguesh for our little miracle.”

All of Emma Johnston's babies (Toby, Isabella and Claire) were conceived because of the help of Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Emma Johnston.

Emma Johnston

“All of my babies were only possible because of Dr Gaunekar.”

Little Hamish was conceived through a Gold Coast fertility clinic and was delivered in Mackay by Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Sam de Feudis.

Sam De Feudis

“Our sweet little IVF baby Hamish. Thanks to Dr Kee Ong – Reproductive Medicine and Infertility on the Gold Coast. Dr Naguesh did deliver him (in Mackay) though.”

Jemma Jackson (pictured with her first born daughter Audrey) welcomed her miracle baby Harry thanks to Dr Lance Herron and Dr Ritu Rana. Picture: Jemma Jackson

Jemma Jackson

“My IVF babes thanks to Dr Herron and Dr Rana, both are magnificent doctors. I owe them both for making my dreams a reality. Very very lucky to be able to have the medical advances we have these days.”

Kerrie Dunne conceived her daughter Abbey Dark through Dr Gaunekar. Picture: Kerrie Dunne.

Kerrie Dunne

“Thanks to Dr Gaunekar we have our beautiful not-so-little girl.”

Susan and Josh Cannan conceived their second child, Maytira, after a successful first round of IVF with Dr Naguesh Gaunekar in February 2020. Picture: Susan Cannan.

Susan and Josh Cannan

Mirani couple Susan and Josh Cannan welcomed their second daughter Maytira on October 16 2021, after their first round of IVF in February 2020.

Lisa Field and her husband Tyler tried to conceive for years after their second child, but when her breast cancer returned she decided to return to Mackay Fertility Clinic. Picture: Contributed

Lisa and Tyler Field

Lisa Field and her husband Tyler tried to conceive for years after their second child, but when her breast cancer returned she decided to return to Mackay Fertility Clinic.

Thanks to Dr Gaunekar, the couple welcomed their son Tanner through IVF this year.

All of Leah Bennett's babies (Chase, Paige and Connor) were conceived thanks to Dr Lance Herron. Picture: Leah Bennett

Leah Bennett

Leah Bennett’s three children, seven-year-old Chase, and four-year-old twins Paige and Connor were conceived through IVF treatments with former Mackay Dr Lance Herron.