First-time mum gives birth to her ‘little miracle’ at age 50
FOR decades Veronica Kapsimali poured love on her nieces and nephews but always yearned for a baby of her own. And then she found a way to make it happen — at the age of 50.
NSW
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VERONICA Kapsimali waited decades to become a mother.
Throughout her 30s and 40s she would look at her nephews and nieces and desperately wish for a child of her own to love.
It was only a month ago, at the age of 50, she gave birth to Harry Nicolas at St George Private Hospital.
“He is my little miracle,” the Bexley mum proudly declared.
The chances of becoming a mother at age 50 is less than one per cent. Veronica had been told her whole life that a thyroid condition meant pregnancy was impossible. As a result she never married.
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But a check-up at age 48 made her reconsider the dream she thought was lost.
“Two year ago I had a full check-up and the doctor said you’re not even perimenopausal, you’re hormone levels are that of a 38-year-old, so I thought I’ve got to take the risk. I thought I’d regret it if I didn’t,” she said.
IVF clinics in Australia are conservative with regards to treating women aged over 45, so Ms Kapsimali headed to Greece to go it alone, with the odds stacked firmly against her. The clinic harvested four eggs and implanted two embryos.
Against the odds one took and baby Harry was born.
“I think I am a medical miracle,” she said.
Over the years, Mother’s Day was not necessarily a happy day for her.
“I’d look at my nephews and nieces and part of me would just wish,” she said.
“Now, it’s fantastic, it’s the best thing I have ever done in my life, there’s late nights, yes, but it’s wonderful, I just sit and stare at him. He’s mine and I’m a mum.
“When he opens his eyes and looks at me my heart is filled.
“I’m not one for caring what society thinks, I’m 50 with a young child and I’ll be 60 with a 10-year-old. I probably will mind, but I won’t let it depress me. I have to maintain my health and be fit and be around for him.”